Breast Lift – Mastopexy

A breast lift restores a firmer, perkier, and more aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging breasts. This not only can improve a patient’s appearance by restoring her youthful, feminine proportions, but also help bras and swimsuits fit more comfortably and attractively.
The Problem – Droopy or sagging breasts Droopiness of the breast is a common legacy of motherhood, nursing, and the force of gravity taking their toll, and the effect of pregnancy and a distension of the breasts with milk causes the fibrous bands which support the breasts in their youthful shape to break down and the skin to stretch. With the subsequent shrinking the unsupported breasts settle into the stretched skin and gravity pulls them down. Putting on weight and then losing it can have the same effect. So too does the ageing process, which is why women dislike the appearance of their droopy breasts.

What is mastopexy?

Mastopexy or breast lift is a plastic surgical procedure commonly performed on sagging breasts. The procedure positions the nipple and the tissue around the nipple in a higher position. The excess skin around the breasts is removed to improve tightening of breasts. The procedure gives sagging breasts a firm, perky, feminine look. Breast lift can be paired with breast implants to give results that are more attractive. Common Reasons why woman chooses breast lift surgery

To restore a better breast shape following pregnancy & breastfeeding

Pregnancy can bring some unwelcome changes to the breasts, often leaving them stretched and sagging. A breast lift, with or without implants, can help undo these changes and restore a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

To improve breast contour after significant weight loss

Women on weight reduction regimen – weight loss causes a reduction in the volume, loss of elasticity and leaves the breast sagging

Losing weight often means losing breast volume. A breast lift can help restore a more proportional, youthful breast shape by removing excess skin

Women with pendulum-like breasts with the nipple and areole pointing towards the toes

To enjoy a beautiful, perky breast shape for the first time

 Women with small sagging breasts from their teens because of hereditary

How to tell if you require a breast lift

While the only way to confirm whether or not a breast lift is right for you is to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon, there are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to get a general idea about how a breast lift might help improve your breast shape. To check yourself for sagging breasts,

you can place a pencil under your breasts. If the pencil does not fall, the breasts are prone to sagging.

Place a paper in the crease and if you find the nipple to be placed below the upper border of the paper, the positioning of breasts is not attractive.

a lift will enhance your aesthetics.

Do my nipples seem to point downward? As skin at the base of the breast stretches out and begins to sag, the weight of breast tissue will pull the nipple downward. A breast lift will reposition the breast tissue so the nipples are facing forward.

Does the nipple/areola sit below the crease underneath my breast? One trait cosmetic surgeons frequently look for when evaluating a breast lift candidate is the position of the nipple/areola in relation to the inframammary fold, or crease beneath the breast. Try this test: slide a plain sheet of paper underneath your breast (no bra) so it sits against the breast crease. When looking in the mirror, do your nipples sit below the top edge of the paper? If so, this is a good indication that you have enough sagging to warrant a breast lift.

Am I happy with my breast size when wearing a bra? A breast lift alone will not significantly change the size of your breasts. It can help your breasts look fuller, rounder, and better in a bra, but if you would like your breasts to be larger or smaller, a breast lift in conjunction with a breast augmentation or reduction may be the right option for you.

Are my breasts asymmetrical or unusually shaped? Since breast lift surgery reshapes the breast tissue as well as lifts sagging breasts, this procedure can be very effective in improving breast symmetry, and a skilled cosmetic surgeon can use breast lift techniques to restore a more normal, rounded shape to tuberous breasts

Combining breast lift with augmentation In some cases, a breast lift alone may not achieve a patient’s desired results. If you feel your breasts look “deflated” or have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, your cosmetic surgeon can place breast implants during breast lift surgery to restore fullness and shape to the breast. If you have always wanted larger, lifted breasts, a breast augmentation with lift can help you achieve both with a single procedure, and recovery time.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

Once you decide to go for a breast lift, consult a plastic surgeon specialized in mastopexy. Communicate with the surgeon to have realistic expectations on the outcome of the surgery.

The surgeon considers various above mentioned factors as per your body type and suggests the best possible procedure. The surgeon also takes a brief of medical history and advises few changes in the lifestyle. You may need to cease smoking for one week before and after the surgery. You will be evaluated for entire series of blood tests to rule out any last minute complications during the procedure. Any medicines that interfere with blood clotting should be avoided as suggested by your surgeon. Pictures of your breasts may be clicked to keep a record of before and after look.

What will happen during mastopexy?

Whilst it is not possible to recreate surgically the natural supporting structure of the breast, it is possible to reshape the breast into one which looks more youthful and feels more firm. The operation is called a Mastopexy. Pleats of surplus skin are removed from underneath the breast, the breast itself is remodelled into a tighter cone and the nipples are repositioned at a higher level so that they lie at the points of the tightened breasts. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple).

If the breasts are too small as well as droopy, their size can be increased during the operation by placing silicone breast implants underneath the tightened breasts. The best results are achieved in women with small sagging breast although breasts of any size can be lifted. The results may not last as long with heavy breasts

The procedure lasts for 3-4 hours and can be performed in the operation theater

What are the types of surgeries?

The type of surgery to be performed depends on the need and requirement of individuals. Based on the type of cut made, the surgical procedures are as under:

Crescent Lift: Minimal Scarring to Correct Minimal Sagging

Cosmetic surgeons may use the “crescent lift” technique for women who have a very small amount of sagging to correct. This involves a small incision running halfway around the top half of the edge of the areola. Usually, a crescent lift is only done when a patient is also having breast augmentation, and even in these cases the crescent incision type is less frequently used.

Peri-Areolar or “Donut” Lift: Corrects Mild Sagging with a Single Scar

Women who are experiencing mild sagging, yet still will benefit from a breast lift, are often good candidates for a peri-areolar lift. This involves a circular incision running around the edge of the areola, and like the crescent lift, is commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation. This lift can also be effective in helping reduce areola size. The resulting scar traces the edge of the areola.

Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift: Corrects Moderate Sagging & Provides More Extensive Reshaping

This type of breast lift is commonly used, as it allows a cosmetic surgeon to remove excess skin and reshape the entire breast with modest, easily hidden scars. A vertical lift involves 2 incisions: one around the edge of the areola, and one running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold, creating a “lollipop” shape.

Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift: Dramatic Reshaping to Correct Extensive Sagging

If you have considerable sagging, pendulous breasts, an anchor lift, which allows a cosmetic surgeon to remove a significant amount of excess skin and sagging tissues, may yield the best results. This technique involves 3 incisions: one around the edge of the areola, one vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and one along the inframammary fold, hidden in the breast crease. Your cosmetic surgeon may also use this technique if you are having a breast reduction with lift. While the anchor lift comes with some visible scarring, these typically will fade significantly with proper care, and are easily hidden by a bikini top.

Life after Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is typically performed as an day care procedure using general anesthesia or local anesthesia + intravenous sedation. The procedure takes about 1-2 hours to perform, depending on the extent of surgery. You will be able to go home shortly after surgery to continue your recovery. Your breasts will be bandaged or placed in a surgical bra.

Most patients experience some soreness and swelling after breast lift surgery. Your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable, and many patients find they can switch to Tylenol after the first few days.

While you’ll be able to get up and walk around the house the same day of surgery, take it easy for the first few days. Also, expect to sleep on your back for the first several weeks or more after surgery. If you normally sleep on your side or stomach, invest in some extra pillows to help keep you from turning over.

Many patients return to work within the first week after breast lift surgery, depending on the nature of their jobs, and resume most daily activities after a week or so. You will need to limit exercise other than walking for the first 2-6 weeks after a breast lift; your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions about when it is safe to resume any activity.

Residual soreness and swelling should gradually subside over the first several months after a breast lift, and most patients are permitted to begin wearing underwire bras again after about 8 weeks.

Keeping Your Results Looking Their Best

Having a breast lift is similar to resetting the clock for sagging. Your breasts will still undergo natural changes due to the aging process, although with proper care you should not experience your previous level of sagging for many years. However, it is important to understand that certain life events, such as future pregnancy or weight fluctuations can negatively affect your results. If you are planning to have more children or you would like to lose weight, it is best to achieve these milestones before having a breast lift.

When performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, a breast lift is safe and rewarding procedure with long-lasting results.