Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift is performed to give sagging breasts a more youthful appearance. The skin envelope is tightened and the breast tissue is reconfigured to provide a rejuvenated look. This procedure can reduce areolar size, and some women choose to combine the operation with breast augmentation in order to restore lost volume.

Candidates for Breast Lift

Women who have sagging breasts with low nipple position (called ptosis) are often great candidates for the breast lift operation. Breast ptosis is commonly seen as women age, and in women who have had multiple children. Women do have to be willing to accept scars on the breast in order to improve their shape.

The Procedure

The procedure will be performed as an outpatient, and under the direction of a board-certified anesthesiologist you will go to sleep with a general anesthetic. The operation takes approximately 3 hours. One of several techniques may be used depending on each patient’s anatomy. An incision is made encompassing the areola, and sometimes vertical and possibly horizontal skin incisions are used when needed in order to excise excess skin and resculpt the breast tissue. At the end of the procedure patients will find that their nipples and areolas will be in a higher location, and the breast skin envelope will be tighter.

Recovery and Results

After the breast lift procedure patients may experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort of the chest. Patients will also need to wear a soft bra for several weeks. Patients may return to work and other regular activities after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a several weeks.

Risks

Although complications are uncommon, they include infection, prominent scars, hematoma, contour irregularities, change in nipple sensation, and over versus under-correction. Dr. Cooper will review all the risks and benefits with you prior to your procedure and discuss the ways that these risks can be minimized.

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