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About Breast Mastopexy

This procedure is the same as a breast augmentation, but also includes a lift or tightening of redundant excess skin and movement of the nipple to a preferred higher location as well as decreasing the overall areolar diameter.  This procedure is required in addition to a standard breast augmentation often in woman who have breastfed or have lost substantial weight causing the breast to lose volume and to sag allowing the nipple to drop to a lower position. 

BREAST AUGMENTATION / MASTOPEXY

General Procedure

The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours.  Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast.  The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated.  When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position.  The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovery Process

Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.   Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:

• Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
  
• Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
  
• Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.