A breast lift, called a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that is designed to accomplish several goals:

• Lift the breast
• Reshape the breast
• Elevate the nipple to the center of the breast
• Reduce the size of the areola
• Improve on pre existing breast asymmetry

Every patient is unique and the surgery is customized to meet your specific needs and goals

Mastopexy may be performed to maintain the size of your breasts. It can also be performed along with a reduction in size or an increase in size with the use of a breast implant or fat.

While a breast lift can be performed at any age it is recommended that the procedure be undertaken only when breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding can have a significant effect on the size and shape of your breasts. Though some women decide to have their breast lift or breast reduction before having children, you should discuss any plans to breast-feed with your plastic surgeon.

In assessing you as a candidate for breast surgery, your doctor will carefully check the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas. If you are overweight, your plastic surgeon may suggest that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

Breast Lift Surgery

There are variations to the incisions used for breast lifting. The traditional method of lifting the breast uses 3 incisions: one around the areola, the second vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast and the third along the natural curve of the breast crease. Your plastic surgeon will inform you which incisions are most appropriate for you.

After excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Skin that was located above the nipple pre-surgery is pulled down. Together these two maneuvers give a new shape to the breast. Liposuction may also be used to improve the contour under the arm. Because the nipples and areolas remain attached to the breast tissue, sensation in this area is preserved most of the time, but numbness does occur occasionally.

Recovery and possible complications

There are normally few complications from breast lift surgery. However, some of the possible complications include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. The breasts may not be exactly the same or nipple height may vary after surgery. Several days after surgery you will be able to move about comfortably. You may be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Incisions will be red at first and normally stay this way for several months following surgery. After breast lift or reduction surgery, it is usually possible to return to non physical activities within 1-2 weeks.