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Breast Lift
Other names
Mastopexy
Purpose
Rejuvenate the female figure by restoring firmness and shape to the breasts.
Procedure type
Outpatient
Recovery time
5 - 14 days
Complements
Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction
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Home > Procedures > Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Lift
Goals
- Raise and firm the breast by removing excess skin
- Reshape the breast by tightening the surrounding tissues
- Reduce the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) that has become enlarged with time
Description
Breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is surgery to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. Breasts begin to sag, lose its firmness and skin elasticity, and become flatter and elongated. Eventually, the nipple and areola (the pigmented skin arounding the nipple) points downward. Often times, the skin becomes stretched and the areola enlarged.
A breast lift restores the female figure with a breast profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm. The breast lift can also reduce the size of the enlarged areola.
If an increase in breast volume is also desired, breast implants may be inserted at the same time as the breast lift.
Procedure
A breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. At the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery, we customize the surgery according to your breast size and shape, size and position of the areola, the degree of breast sagging, and your skin quality.
A breast lift usually takes between 1 to 3 hours depending on the technique utilized. When the lift needed is minimal, a "doughnut" breast lift can be performed by placing the incisions around the areola. When more lifting is required, a vertical incision down from the areola to the breast crease is added. This technique is often called a "lollipop" breast lift because of the appearance of the final scar. With severe breast sag, an "anchor" breast lift is performed, which adds a horizontal scar along the breast crease.
Through these incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height. If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
If you're having a breast augmentation along with your breast lift, it will be placed either in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
Recovery
After surgery, you will wear an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications. For a few days after surgery, keeping the head elevated will help keep the swelling down. Some numbness of the skin is normal; it will disappear in a few weeks or months.
Within a few days, the bandages will be replaced by a soft sports bra. You will need to wear this bra all the time for three to four weeks.
Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don't plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks.
Most patients are back to work or school in 5 to 14 days depending on the surgical technique. Avoid strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, pushing, jogging, bending, housework, sex, or any activity that may put excessive pressure on your breasts. By the third week, you will look and feel much better as the swelling subsides and the incisions heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much time is required for a breast lift?
A: The surgery usually requires between 1-3 hours depending on the surgical technique. As with all surgeries, the amount of time needed varies from patient to patient.
Q: Is a breast lift an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
A: Outpatient.
Q: What are some common side effects?
A: Side effects of a breast lift include temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Sometimes the breast may become temporarily numb. Scars along the incision sites are permanent.
Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Most patients are able to return to work or school in 5 to 14 days depending on the surgical technique.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: The results from a breast lift can be permanent. However, the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again and create the need for future breast lift revision. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.
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