BREAST LIFT

 

Breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is surgery to uplift and improve the shape of a female breast that:

·        Sags or is pendulous, but is proportionate with the body frame

·        Has lost firmness and skin elasticity

·        Has a flatter, elongated shape

·        Has a nipple and areola that point downward

·        Has stretched skin and an enlarged areola

In general, breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola has become enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.

A breast lift rejuvenates the female figure with a breast profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm.

A breast lift is appropriate for women who wish to improve breast shape and position. When an increase in breast volume is also desired, breast implants may be inserted in conjunction with a breast lift.

While a breast lift does not generally affect breast function, women who are planning future pregnancies should discuss this with the plastic surgeon. The changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Likewise, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed. For these reasons, good candidates for a breast lift are generally women of normal, stable weight whose breasts are fully developed. Breast lift is appropriate in younger women as well, most commonly in cases of breast asymmetry where the position of one breast is lower than the other.

Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for each case will be determined based on:

·        Breast size and shape

·        The size and position of the areola

·        The degree of breast sagging

·        Skin quality and skin elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

There are many variations to the procedure, however one of the most common is a pattern with three incisions:

·        Round the areola

·        Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

·        Horizontally along the breast crease

Through these incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height. If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Alternative techniques eliminate either the horizontal incision at the breast crease, the vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease or sometimes both. In any case, incisions are usually placed so that they can be hidden under clothing and swimsuits. Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts.

Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

Possible risks of a breast lift include blood pooling beneath the skin (hematoma), infection or poor healing at the incision site and changes in nipple or breast sensations that are usually temporary. All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia.

Once the procedure is completed, dressing or bandages will be applied to the incisions and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.

Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. A support bra may be recommended around the clock for the first few weeks. A return to light, normal activity is possible usually within a few days of surgery.

Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures will be removed. The patient will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time, if she feels comfortable, so long as she does not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and incisions lines continue to improve. The final results of the breast lift will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle. Incision lines are permanent, but they most likely won’t show under the bathing suit.

Over time, the breast shape may change due to aging or after pregnancy. The new breast profile is best maintained by proper weight management, a healthy lifestyle and proper support of the breast.

22-year-old patient, preoperative and postoperative (4 weeks) views after lipoabdominoplasty and augmentation mastopexy with Mentor 390 cc anatomical implants:

38 –year-old patient, preoperative and postoperative (3 years) views after mastopexy: