Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Do You...

Have breast tissue that sits at or below the inframammary line?

Feel that your nipples have a poor or downward projection?

Think your breasts lack a youthful perkiness or shape?

Believe that pregnancy, weight loss, and/or aging have robbed you of an attractive breast appearance?

Breast tissue that has lost its elasticity can begin to sag, causing your breasts to lose their perky shape and appearance. The goal of a breast lift is to support, shape, and strengthen the breast tissue while restoring a youthful breast appearance. Many women find that improving the placement and shape of their breasts helps them feel happier and more confident in their bodies.

Breast Lift Techniques

Incisions
Combination Augmentation

Incisions

Your incision placement is determined by the significance of your breast ptosis (sagging). Women with more severe cases of ptosis may find that they require more extensive incisions to provide adequate long-term support to their breasts. Dr. Nelson will advise you during your consultation on which incision is best suited for your needs. Your incision options may include:

Donut - the incision is placed along the outer border of the areola
Vertical popsicle - the incision runs around the areola and vertically down the lower breast tissue
Anchor - the incision runs around the areola, down the breast tissue, and along the inframammary crease

Combination Augmentation

Women considering a breast lift to improve sagging may also feel that their breasts lack attractive fullness. This is common following pregnancy and weight loss when the breasts lose volume and develop tissue sagging. If you desire a fuller, more shapely breast appearance, you can consider combining a breast augmentation with your lift. Dr. Nelson offers breast augmentation using either fat transfer or implants. Either technique may be combined with a breast lift to improve the overall aesthetics of the breasts. A combination procedure can provide the right amount of fullness while improving the shape of your breasts in a one-time procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery period following breast lift surgery?

You will experience swelling and bruising following your breast lift and should rest for several days. Most patients can return to work within 10 days and resume their regular exercise routines after four weeks. Most major swelling should subside within six weeks.

What possible complications are associated with breast lift surgery?

As with all surgeries, there is some risk of infection and hematoma. You may experience numbness of the breasts, but this is typically temporary. Breast sensitivity is common following numbness, but this will subside.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

It is important that you stop smoking for at least six weeks prior to your surgery. You shouldn’t take aspirin or other blood thinners for at least 10 days before your surgery. It’s also important that you stay hydrated before and after surgery.

Can just a breast augmentation correction my sagging breasts?

Women with minor breast ptosis may attain the slight lift they desire using implants. Women with moderate or severe ptosis will require a lift. However, even women with only mild sagging might consider combining procedures to ensure quality, long-lasting results.

How long will my breast lift results last?

Breast lift surgery is designed to provide a long-term improvement in your breasts. Most women find that they are satisfied with the shape and placement of their breasts for years following their surgery.