As aging and gravity take their toll on a woman’s figure, the breasts may begin to sag. Fortunately, there is a surgical procedure that can correct unwanted breast sagging. This procedure is known as breast lift surgery, or mastopexy. A breast lift reverses the effects of aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight changes and produces firmer, more attractive, and more youthful breasts.
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MORE YOUTHFUL BREASTS
Breast sagging (breast ptosis) can occur for any number of reasons, though it is most often attributed to aging. However, even younger women who have naturally large breasts or who have undergone weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding may have noticeable breast sagging that causes their figures to look older and “matronly.”
Dr. Taylor performs breast lift surgery to correct ptosis and restore the appearance of the breasts. In addition to restoring a more youthful breast position on the chest wall, Dr. Taylor will also improve the size and position of the nipples and areolas so that they no longer point downward.
IMPROVED BREAST FIRMNESS
When aging or other factors affect the breasts, the skin loses its elasticity. In consequence, the breast mass tends to pull downward and the skin becomes thinner. Over time, the breasts may lose their firm, youthful feel.
With breast lift surgery, Dr. Taylor can restore breast firmness by removing excess, loose skin. The remaining skin will be pulled tighter and firmer around the breasts so that they are more youthful in both appearance and feel.
BETTER BREAST SHAPE
Breast ptosis can severely affect the shape of the breasts. Because the skin loses elasticity, the breast tissue stretches downward, and the breasts become increasingly less round and more elongated in shape. These changes can occur at different rates in each breast, sometimes leading to pronounced asymmetry in breast shape, firmness, and position over time.
Breast lift surgery with Dr. Taylor can improve breast shape, firmness, and position. Along with tightening the breast tissues, Dr. Taylor will improve the shape so that the breasts appear round and youthful rather than overstretched and elongated. The improvements in breast shape through breast lift surgery can significantly enhance a woman’s figure.
What Does A Breast Lift Entail?
PROCEDURE
Breast lift surgery restores a more youthful look by improving the shape, firmness, and position of the breasts. Dr. Taylor performs the procedure using one of the following surgical approaches:
- Crescent Lift: Dr. Taylor removes a crescent-shaped area of tissue from above the top of the nipple.
- Benelli Lift: Dr. Taylor removes a doughnut-shaped area of tissue from around the nipple.
- Lollipop Lift: Dr. Taylor removes breast tissue through a lollipop-shaped incision that encircles the areola and goes down to the inframammary fold.
- Anchor Lift: Dr. Taylor removes breast tissue through an anchor-shaped incision that encircles the areola, goes down to the inframammary fold, and extends along the fold.
The selected approach varies according to the patient’s needs and desires. If the patient also desires, Dr. Taylor combines breast augmentation with breast lift surgery and inserts implants to boost breast volume while also correcting breast position, firmness, and shape. Some patients may need a concurrent breast reduction with their lift, in which Dr. Taylor also removes more breast tissue to reduce the volume of oversized breasts.
Once the necessary tissue adjustments and removal are complete, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and surgical glue.
RECOVERY
After your surgery, Dr. Taylor will apply a dressing to the incision site. This dressing will remain in place for several days. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and surgical glue. The first few days of recovery should be restful. Soreness and swelling are typical and may last for several weeks. Prescribed medications can alleviate discomfort, aid healing, and prevent infection. While recovery can last anywhere from two to four weeks, most patients are ready to resume normal activities and work after one week. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for six full weeks after surgery.
SCARS
Many patients inquire about the possibility of scars from breast lift surgery. Patients should realize that the incision lines will be permanently visible, but they will heal and fade over time. In many cases, scars will eventually appear only as small, faint lines. Patients who undergo more invasive breast lift techniques are likely to have more scarring. Fortunately, the incisions are typically in discreet locations that can easily be concealed by clothing.
COST
The cost of breast lift surgery varies based on surgical technique, the surgeon’s experience, surgical location, anesthesia, and other related expenses. Dr. Taylor has over 20 years of experience as a plastic surgeon and provides the best possible care to all patients who choose him for their breast lift procedure.
PAIN
Most mastopexy procedures are done in Dr. Taylor’s office operating room under mild sedation anesthesia. Some patients who wish for a deeper anesthesia are given general anesthesia in a local outpatient surgery center so that they will not feel any discomfort or pain during the breast lift procedure. Any temporary discomfort from swelling or bruising during recovery is easily controlled with prescribed oral medications.
FAQs
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Who is a candidate for breast lift surgery?
You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:
- Your breasts lack substance or firmness
- Your nipples and areolas point downward
- Your nipples and areolas are well below the breast crease
- Your breasts have loose, hanging skin
- Ptosis has caused your breasts to become more elongated than round in shape
You may also be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:
- Your breasts are asymmetrical in size, shape, or position
- One of your breasts is firmer and better-positioned than the other
- Your breasts are excessively large and are sagging prematurely
If your breasts are overly large, Dr. Taylor may recommend a concurrent breast reduction with your breast lift procedure.
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Can I have children after a breast lift?
While young women occasionally undergo breast lift surgery, it is recommended to postpone the procedure until all childbearing is complete. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on breast size and shape, and these could reverse your breast lift results. Furthermore, while breast lift surgery does not always affect one’s ability to breastfeed, there is a slightly increased risk of complications. Many women wisely opt to wait.
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Which breast lift technique do I need?
The best technique for you will depend on your anatomical needs and preferences. The following techniques are listed in order from least invasive to most invasive. This order also ranks the techniques from the least amount of scarring to the most extensive scarring.
- Crescent Lift: This technique offers minimal correction and is best for women with mild nipple sagging. It produces the least amount of scarring and is the least invasive technique. This is more of a nipple lift than a true breast lift.
- Benelli Lift: This technique is best for women with minimal sagging, loose skin, and large areolae. The incision scar blends into the edge of the areola.
- Lollipop Lift: This technique is best for women with moderate sagging and stretched areolas. It can effectively lift low-hanging breasts.
- Anchor Lift: This technique is best for women with severely sagging, pendulous breasts. While it is the most invasive approach, it provides the most significant lift of all the techniques.
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Should I combine my breast lift with another procedure?
Breast lift surgery is frequently combined with either breast augmentation (to enhance the size and firmness of smaller breasts) or breast reduction (to reduce the size of overly large breasts). Dr. Taylor may recommend one of these additional procedures based on your needs and desires. Some women may wish to combine their breast lift with body contouring procedures such as liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. Breast lift surgery may also be incorporated into a combination of procedures known as a Mommy Makeover, which is specifically designed to help women reclaim their pre-baby bodies after pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. If you are interested in undergoing multiple procedures, Dr. Taylor can recommend the best approach for you.
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What are the risks and complications associated with breast lift surgery?
Although rare, some of the risks and complications associated with breast lift surgery include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Poor scarring
- Problems with anesthesia
- Numbness
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Difficulty nursing in the future
Following Dr. Taylor’s postoperative recommendations can reduce your risk of complications and ensure a safer recovery experience.
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How long will my breast lift results last?
A breast lift can significantly improve breast sagging and breast appearance, but it cannot stop future aging. Even so, breast lift results can last for many years. Breast lift surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among women and typically produces excellent, natural-looking, and youthful results.
