Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift, or mastopexy, surgery raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and augmentation surgery. If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and reduction surgery.

Procedure:

Step 1 – General anesthesia

Step 2 - The incision

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

Step 3 - Reshaping your breasts

After your doctor makes the 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.

Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Step 4 - Closing the incisions. After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.

Length of the procedure: 2 – 2.5 hours

Recovery: After your breast lift procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect after breast lift surgery.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Results: The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for breasts which have been restored to a more youthful and uplifted position.

Risks and complications:

An unfavorable breast lift scar

Bleeding (hematoma)

Infection

Poor healing of incisions

Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent

Anesthesia risks

Breast contour and shape irregularities

Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising

Damage to deeper structures - such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs - can occur and may be temporary or permanent

Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents

Breast asymmetry

Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)

Fluid accumulation

Excessive firmness of the breast

Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola

Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

Blood clots

Pain, which may persist

Possibility of revisional surgery