Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
DESERT BLOOM PLASTIC SURGERY
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to elevate and reshape sagging breasts, restoring a youthful, uplifted appearance. Over time, factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight fluctuations, and gravity can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and shape. A breast lift addresses these concerns by removing excess skin, tightening surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipples to achieve a more youthful and perky contour.
Unlike breast augmentation, which focuses on increasing breast size, a breast lift primarily aims to enhance the position and shape of the breasts, creating a more balanced and proportionate silhouette. The procedure can be performed on its own or in combination with other breast enhancement procedures, such as breast augmentation or reduction, to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
BENEFITS OF A BREAST LIFT
A breast lift offers numerous aesthetic and functional benefits, helping patients regain their confidence and comfort in their appearance:
Restored Breast Position
Over time, the effects of aging and gravity can cause the breasts to sag and lose their youthful position. A breast lift effectively repositions the breasts to sit higher on the chest, providing a rejuvenated and youthful contour.
Enhanced Shape and Firmness
By removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue, the breasts regain a firmer, more sculpted shape. This results in improved fullness and a better overall proportion to the body.
Nipple Repositioning
With age and stretching, nipples may point downward or sit below the breast crease. A breast lift repositions the nipples to a more youthful height and can reduce the size of enlarged areolas, improving the overall breast appearance.
Improved Clothing Fit
After a breast lift, many women find that their clothes fit better, and they feel more comfortable in bras, swimsuits, and fitted tops without the need for additional support.
Increased Confidence
Many patients experience a significant boost in self-confidence and body image after a breast lift, feeling more comfortable and attractive in their appearance.
Procedure Overview
The breast lift procedure is customized based on each patient’s degree of sagging, breast size, and personal goals. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take between 2 to 3 hours. The key steps in the procedure include:
Anesthesia
To ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure, general anesthesia is administered. Dr. Colon and his team will review anesthesia options during the consultation to provide the safest and most comfortable experience possible.
Incision Patterns
The type of incision used depends on the degree of sagging and the patient’s desired outcome.
The most common incision patterns include:Periareolar Incision: A circular incision around the areola, best for patients with mild sagging and minimal skin removal.
Lollipop Incision: A combination of an incision around the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast crease, ideal for moderate sagging and reshaping.
Anchor Incision: A three-part incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the crease itself. This technique provides the most significant lift and contouring for severe sagging.
Reshaping the Breast Tissue
Once the incisions are made, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to create a firmer, more youthful contour. Excess skin is removed, and internal sutures may be placed to support the new breast shape.
Nipple and Areola Repositioning
If necessary, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position to align with the newly lifted breast shape. In cases where the areolas have become enlarged over time, their size can also be reduced to enhance proportion.
Closure
The incisions are carefully closed with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to promote optimal healing and minimal scarring. Dr. Colon takes special care to ensure that incision lines are strategically placed to remain discreet.
Recovery
Initial swelling and bruising are common and typically subside within a few weeks. Patients are advised to wear a supportive surgical bra to aid in healing and maintain the new breast shape. Scarring gradually fades over time, and results are long-lasting with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Recovery after a breast lift varies depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing rates. Patients can expect:
First Few Days:
- Mild discomfort, swelling, and tightness in the breast area.
- Prescription pain medication may be recommended to manage discomfort.
- Patients are encouraged to rest and avoid strenuous activity.
First Week:
- Most patients can return to light activities within a week but should avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities.
- Sutures may dissolve on their own or be removed during follow-up appointments.
First Month:
- Patients should continue wearing a supportive bra to aid healing and maintain the new breast position.
- Most swelling subsides, and the final results start to become more apparent.
Long-Term Results:
- With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a breast lift can be long-lasting.
- Over time, scarring will continue to fade, becoming less noticeable.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
A breast lift may be the right choice for individuals who:
- Experience sagging or drooping breasts due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.
- Have nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease.
- Are generally satisfied with their breast size but want to improve shape and position.
- Have realistic expectations and are in good overall health.
- Do not smoke, or are willing to quit before and after the procedure to promote proper healing.
Combining a Breast Lift with Other Procedures
For patients seeking both volume enhancement and lifting, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer to achieve a fuller, more youthful look. Similarly, for individuals with overly large breasts, a breast lift can be paired with breast reduction to achieve better proportion and alleviate discomfort associated with large breasts.
During the consultation, Dr. Colon will discuss all available options to tailor the procedure to the patient’s goals and body type.
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries some risks, including:
- Temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation.
- Scarring, which will fade over time but may remain visible.
- Potential difficulty breastfeeding in the future, although many women can still breastfeed after surgery.
- Asymmetry or slight differences in final breast position, which can be corrected with minor adjustments if needed.
Dr. Colon takes every precaution to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery process. Patients will receive detailed pre-operative and post-operative care instructions to optimize healing and results.
Ready to Look Younger? Schedule Your Consultation
If you’d like to learn more about any of these options, Dr. Wallin would love to talk with you. Call us at (435) 627-8150, or reach out to us online to set up an appointment to meet one-on-one with a talented plastic surgeon.