breast breast lift

Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to relocate the nipples in a higher position and restore breast projection (and maintain it long term). The tradeoff for an improved breast shape and contour is some well placed and concealed surgical scars on the breast.

Breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume and there is not enough breast tissue to build projection ('breast mound') then an implant may be required. Breast implants which are inserted first (to decrease the requirement for skin excision) followed by a breast lift (which removes breast skin and provides internal support for breast implants) can increase both their firmness and their size.

Anesthesia:
General

In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient

Length of surgery:
3 hours

Recovery:
Back to work 1 week or more. Strenuous activities at 1 month. Wear a sports bra for 1 to 4 weeks. Avoid an underwire bra until your surgeon approves it.

Duration of results:
Varies. Gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may effect long-term results. Often, results may last longer or be enhanced when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure. Final results seen after the scars have matured at about 6 months.

Additional procedures:
Breast augmentation
Tummy tuck

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