Breast Lift
(Mastopexy)
The purpose of this surgery is to remove excess skin of the breast and reposition the nipple to a more youthful appearance. This procedure involves separating the skin from the breast tissue, and then pexying (pinning up) the breast tissue with permanent sutures to the chest muscle at an elevated position, then tightening the surrounding skin to lend a more "perky" breast. Depending on the severity of the sag of the breast, this procedure can be performed in two ways:
1. Periareolar Mastopexy
(circumareolar or pursestring)
This is performed when sagging is minimal. The procedure leaves a scar around the areolar only. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
2. Inverted "T" Mastopexy
This procedure is performed when sagging is moderate to severe. This leaves an inverted "T" scar spanning from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Indications
Sagging, loss of shape and firmness after pregnancy, nursing and the force of gravity in combination with loss of skin elasticity. Large areola (darker skin around the nipple). Nipples and areola point downward.
Procedure
Raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining breast tissue and nipples. Large diameter areola is reduced to a more normal size.
Anesthesia
Small lifts: local or local with sedation,
General large lifts: General
Duration of Stay
Both methods are same-day surgery
Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, permanent scars, possible uneven nipple position.
Duration of Results
Variable due to gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes which will cause new sagging. Results may last longer or be enhanced when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure. Smaller breasts will have a longer lasting result than large breasts.