Nothing is exempt from the laws of gravity in this world. Unfortunately, that includes your breasts. As you age, gravity continues to pull on the soft, elastic tissues of your breast and cause them to sag. As skin elasticity is weakened, your breasts can appear drastically different.
A breast lift procedure, also called a mastopexy, is designed to restore your breasts to a more youthful and perky appearance. Whether your breasts have mild sagging, downward pointing nipples, or more severe drooping, a breast lift may be the right option to rejuvenate your figure by reshaping breast tissue, tightening the skin, and lifting the nipple.
Is a Breast Lift Right for Me?
In a mastopexy, your own breast tissue is used and reshaped to lift and create a more attractive breast. Breast lifts do not significantly change the size of your breast, although you may perceive your breasts to be slightly (half to a full cup size) smaller after mastopexy. If you also desire an increase or decrease in the size of your breasts, breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery may also be needed in conjunction with a breast lift.
If you're considering a breast lift, it's important to learn about the procedure and have realistic expectations about your surgery. If you haven't already, find a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon and talk to him about your options. They may recommend a breast lift alone, breast augmentation, or a combination of the two procedures. Join us as we review what prospective patients should know about the breast lift procedure.
Components of a Breast Lift Procedure
1. Consultation
The first step to a breast lift procedure is to research surgeons in your area, and schedule a consultation. It is critical to ensure that any prospective Plastic Surgeon meets the following criteria:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Specific experience and expertise in breast lift and augmentation procedures
- Personal integrity and a commitment to excellence in work
- High-quality aesthetic sensibilities (photo galleries)
- A nationally-accredited surgical facility
- Positive reputation and reviews
- Offers appropriate follow-up procedures
A qualified Plastic Surgeon can evaluate your unique needs and goals, and work to create a custom-designed treatment plan for a breast lift procedure. Their assessment can help determine whether or not you will pursue a breast lift alone, or a breast lift in tandem with breast augmentation.
2. Anesthesia
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at the surgical facility and undergo anesthesia. Breast lift surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, although intravenous sedation or even local anesthesia can be used in select instances. Your plastic surgeon should discuss with you options for anesthesia prior to surgery.
3. The Procedure
Depending on the degree of drooping, the exact technique of your breast lift procedure can vary. Your plastic surgeon will make a recommendation based on your existing breast tissue, the amount of excess tissue that needs to be removed, and your goals. Exceptional plastic surgeons work to optimize the breast appearance post-surgery, while minimizing scarring.
Common types of breast lift procedure include:
Crescent Lift
This technique is the most minimally-invasive breast lift option. It is typically selected by patients with minimal sagging and/or excessive breast tissue. This involves a small incision around the top half of the areola, and a slight lifting of the tissues. This procedure is rare, but occasionally combined with breast augmentation.
Peri-Areolar Lift
Also known as the "donut" lift, this option is a more common choices for patients who require a slight lift. During this procedure, a circular incision is created around the edge of the areola. Breast tissue is lifted, and a small amount of tissue may be removed. This is commonly combined with augmentation, and can be used to reduce the visible size of the areola.
Vertical Lift
Also known as the "lollipop" lift, this procedure is selected for patients who require a moderate amount of lift and/or reshaping. This involves the creation of a circular incision around the edge of the areola and an additional vertical incision which runs from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast, together forming the shape of a lollipop. During this procedure, the breasts may be lifted significantly, and some tissue may be removed. It results in modest scarring, but can be used to significantly change the appearance of the breasts.
Inverted T Lift
Also known as the "anchor" lift, this procedure is used to facilitate the most dramatic lifting and reshaping results possible. It is most commonly selected by patients whose goals and tissues dictate the removal of a significant amount of skin and tissue. The anchor lift incorporates the lollipop incisions used during a vertical lift along with an additional horizontal incision along the lower crease of the breast. This allows the Surgeon to significantly lift and reshape the breast by removing a moderate or significant amount of tissue. While this procedure results in a slighter greater degree of scarring, the additional scar along the crease of the breast is typically camouflaged within the shadow beneath the breast. Additionally, the scarring is not visible in a swimsuit or other clothing. This procedure may be selected by patients who are opting for a breast lift and/or reduction.
Depending on the type of procedure, your breast lift may take between 1-5 hours.
4. Recovery
A breast lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Mild swelling, bruising, tenderness, and numbness are common after surgery. Patients usually return to work within 1 week and resume exercise after 4-6 weeks. Improvement will be immediately visible, but final results will take 6-12 months.
Recovery varies from person to person depending on your age, genetics, condition, and type of procedure. A qualified, reputable plastic surgeon and his staff will supervise your recovery closely. A detailed recovery plan will address what to expect and how to manage common side effects.
Curious if a Breast Lift is Right for You?
If you are wondering whether a breast lift procedure can help you achieve your goals, the first step is to discuss your options with a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Larry Fan is a highly experienced breast lift expert who is known for his exceptional artistry. Schedule a free consultation with 77 Plastic Surgery to learn more about the procedures and to see which option may be the best one for you.
