A breast lift, or mastopexy, elevates the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue to reshape and support their new contour.
A breast lift, clinically referred to as mastopexy, is a surgical intervention conducted by a plastic surgeon to alter the contour of the breasts.
Breast morphology undergoes significant changes with advancing age, often resulting in a loss of firmness and a decrease in skin elasticity. This reduced elasticity implies that the skin does not return to its original position after being stretched. Various factors contribute to these alterations in breast appearance, including:
1. Pregnancy: During gestation, the supportive connective tissue (ligaments) of the breasts may experience stretching due to increased fullness and weight. This stretching can lead to sagging post-pregnancy, regardless of whether breastfeeding occurs.
2. Weight Fluctuations: Variations in body weight can cause the skin of the breasts to stretch, which may subsequently diminish skin elasticity.
3. Gravity: Over time, the force of gravity exerts pressure on the ligaments within the breasts, contributing to both stretching and sagging.
A breast lift procedure can effectively diminish sagging and elevate the position of the nipples. This surgical intervention also allows for the lifting of the darker pigmented areas surrounding the nipples (areolae), which may be resized to maintain proportionality with the newly contoured breasts.
Individuals may consider a breast lift if they experience the following conditions:
– Sagging breasts that have lost their shape and volume or appear flatter and elongated.
– Nipples that descend below the breast creases when not supported.
– Nipples and areolae that point downward.
– Areolae that have become disproportionately stretched relative to the breasts.
– Asymmetry, with one breast positioned lower than the other.
It is important to note that a breast lift may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals planning to become pregnant in the future may wish to postpone the procedure, as pregnancy can cause the breasts to stretch again, potentially negating the effects of the lift.
Additionally, breastfeeding may be a consideration in delaying a breast lift. While breastfeeding is generally possible following the procedure, it may present challenges in achieving adequate milk production.
While a breast lift can be performed on breasts of varying sizes, those with smaller breasts typically experience more enduring results. Conversely, larger breasts, due to their weight, may be more susceptible to subsequent sagging.
– Addressing Sagging: Corrects moderate to severe sagging due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuations.
– Enhancing Shape: Elevates the breast mound, enhances projection, and resizes areolas for improved aesthetic appeal.
– Repositioning Nipples: Allows for repositioning of nipples to a higher placement if they have descended over time.
– Integration with Other Procedures: Can be performed alongside breast implants or breast reduction surgeries for a more youthful appearance.
– Enhancing Confidence: Restores femininity and comfort, positively impacting self-esteem and body image.
– Scars are permanent but tend to fade over time.
– Breast Asymmetry-Uneven breast size or shape is a common occurrence during the healing process post-surgery.
– Changes in Sensation-Temporary numbness in the nipples or breast tissue can occur.
– Nipple or Areola Loss- Rarely, compromised blood supply may result in partial or complete loss of the nipple or areola.
Prior to undergoing mastopexy, you will have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this meeting, you and the surgeon will address the following topics:
– Your aesthetic objectives.
– Your medical history, including any health conditions, allergies, prior surgeries, and mammogram results.
– Any personal or familial history of breast cancer.
– Current medications you are taking, which may include blood thinners, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs.
– Usage of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs.
Additionally, your surgeon will perform the following tasks:
– Conduct a comprehensive examination and measurement of your breasts.
– Mark the surgical area with a pen or marker.
– Capture photographs of your breasts for medical records.
– Discuss various options for mastopexy and provide professional recommendations.
– Review anesthesia options to manage pain and discuss the associated risks of the surgical procedure.
If you are deemed a suitable candidate for a breast lift and choose to proceed, the surgical team will require you to sign a consent form. By signing this document, you grant permission for the surgeon to perform the procedure and acknowledge that you understand the risks involved, as well as maintain realistic expectations.
In preparation for the surgery, your plastic surgeon may request that you:
– Undergo blood tests or a physical examination with your primary care provider.
– Obtain a mammogram.
– Cease smoking and the use of tobacco products.
– Discontinue certain medications, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements.
What occurs during mastopexy?
Most breast lift procedures are conducted in a surgical center or hospital setting. The duration of the surgery typically ranges from one to two hours, depending on the extent of the work required.
The surgical team will undertake the following steps:
– Provide you with a hospital gown to wear.
– Position you on the surgical table.
– Administer anesthesia to ensure pain management.
– Clean and prepare the surgical area of your skin.
– Mark your skin with a pen or marker to outline the surgical plan.
– Make incisions around the areolas, and potentially extending downward or outward from that point.
– Remove, reposition, or sculpt tissue and excess fat to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
– Lift and tighten the underlying muscles through suturing.
– Elevate the areola and nipple to a higher position.
– Excise any excess skin, tissue, or muscle as deemed necessary.
– Close any incisions upon completion of the procedure.
– Apply bandages and, if necessary, a surgical bra to support your breasts during the healing process.
What does a breast lift incision look like?
Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate type of incision based on several factors, including:
– The size and shape of your breasts.
– The elasticity of your skin and the amount of excess skin present.
– The degree of sagging in your breasts.
– The size and placement of your areola.
Common types of incisions include:
– Crescent: A half-circle incision along the upper half of the areola, typically utilized in breast augmentation for women with minimal sagging.
– Donut: A circular incision that encircles the entire areola, commonly used in breast lift procedures.
– Vertical or Lollipop Lift: This incision encompasses a circle around the entire areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease, representing a frequently employed incision technique.
– Inverted T or Anchor: This incision circles the areola, continues vertically down to the breast crease, and then horizontally along the breast crease. It is often indicated for individuals with significant sagging or those undergoing concurrent breast reduction.
After a breast lift, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, with tightness in the skin that typically improves within two weeks. If drains were placed near the incisions, they will be removed by your healthcare team a few days after the surgery, while the incisions themselves can take several months to heal.
Surgeons often recommend sleeping on your back for a few weeks post-operation. You might have a tube near the incisions to help drain fluid and minimize swelling. Your surgical team will provide specific recovery instructions, which may include proper care for drains, limited arm movement, reporting complications, pain management, and wearing a special bra for support during healing.
The results of a breast lift will be immediately apparent. The breasts will appear firmer, more elevated, and exhibit a more youthful appearance. Additionally, many individuals have reported that their bras and clothing fit more satisfactorily following the procedure.
Breast is a safe procedure however the common surgical complications may arise such as bleeding, blood clots, and nerve damage. Additionally, there is the possibility of developing a hematoma or an infection. Anesthesia-related issues, such as nausea or difficulty waking up, are also concerns. It is important to be aware of these risks when undergoing treatment.
The average cost of a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is approximately $6,816, based on the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is important to note that this average cost represents only a portion of the total expenditures, as it does not encompass anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other associated expenses. We recommend consulting with your plastic surgeon’s office to ascertain the final fee.
