What is breast lift surgery?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.

New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show breast lifts have grown 70% since 2000, outpacing breast implants 2-to-1.

Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.

A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted.

A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:

• Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding

• Weight fluctuations

• Aging

• Gravity

• Heredity

What breast lift surgery can’t do

Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and breast augmentation surgery.

If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and breast reduction surgery.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?

You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:

• You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight

• You do not smoke

• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts sag or have lost shape and volume

• Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous

• When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease

• Your nipples and areolas point downward

• You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas

• One breast is lower than the other

What are the steps of a breast lift procedure?

Your breast lift procedure can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques.

The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

• Breast size and shape

• The size and position of your areolas

• The degree of breast sagging

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

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

There are three common incision patterns:

Around the areola

Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease

Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts

After your doctor makes the 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.

Step 4 – Closing the incisions

After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.

Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

Many women desire the smallest scar possible. However, your plastic surgeon will recommend the incisions that best suit your anatomy.

Listen to your surgeon and do not diminish your result by demanding an incision that will not be appropriate for you.

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.

Step 5 – See the results

The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Get more information about breast lift results.

What should I expect during my breast lift recovery?

During your breast lift recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is completed.

You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for your breasts following surgery

• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection

• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health

• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

What results should I expect after breast lift surgery?

The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your breast lift will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle. Incision lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time. The results of your breast lift surgery will be long-lasting. Over time, your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you:

• Maintain your weight

• Keep a healthy lifestyle

Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.

The surgical incisions mustn’t be subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Breast lift surgery and pregnancy

Breast surgery should be entertained after childbearing is completed.

Changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides.

Likewise, significant weight loss after breast surgery can negatively impact breast appearance.