Breast Lift

Breast Lift Basics

Gravity and time can be hard on a woman's breasts. Decreased firmness and skin elasticity often result from pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations, heredity, and the aging process. Many women are turning to plastic surgeons to regain their youthful shape and positive body image.

Commonly referred to as a breast lift, mastopexy is a surgical procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing any excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues, which reshapes and supports the new breast contour.

Consultation

During an initial consultation for the procedure the client and the doctor will most likely discuss:

* Why you desire a breast lift, and your expectations and desired outcome

* Any medical conditions you may have, including drug allergies and ongoing treatments

* Use of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs

*Any family history of breast cancer, and the results from past mammograms or biopsies

*Previous surgical procedures.

If the client and the physician decide to proceed with the breast lift surgery, the procedure generally occurs as follows:

Anesthesia

Immediately prior to the surgery, the client will receive anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure. These drugs are administered by either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The client and the surgeon will have decided which is best during the initial consultation.

Incision

Your surgeon will employ one of three common incision techniques:

Around the areola

Around the areola, and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.

Once the incisions have been made, underlying breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to improve breast firmness and contour. The nipple and areola are then repositioned to achieve a natural, more youthful look. If desirable, the are then reduced by removing skin around the perimeter. Lastly, excess skin is excised to compensate for the loss of breast elasticity.

Closure

After the breast has been reshaped and un-needed skin has been removed, the surgeon tightens the remaining skin while closing the incisions. Some evidence of mastopexy incisions are hidden by the breast itself, however others will remain visible on the breast surface. In most cases, the incision scars will fade significantly over time.

The decision to undergo a breast lift is not one that should be made lightly. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or concerns you may have.