Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A woman’s breasts can undergo a variety of changes over time due to the natural process of aging, genetics, weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding. A condition called ptosis (or sagging breasts) can develop with a loss of volume, diminished breast shape, lack of firmness, stretched skin and enlarged areolas. A breast lift procedure, medically referred to as mastopexy, addresses these concerns by removing excess skin, reshaping, and elevating the breasts to their original position. As an aesthetic fellowship trained and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Schlenker has extensive training and experience performing the most advanced breast lift techniques available. Dr. Schlenker will discuss your goals, evaluate your specific needs, and develop a customized treatment plan designed to restore a more youthful appearance to your breasts.
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Breast Lift Options
A breast lift can be performed in one of several different ways depending on the current condition of your breasts and amount of correction required to restore the breasts to a more desirable position. In most cases, one surgical technique will offer a better result than another, and Dr. Schlenker will recommend the best approach based on your individual needs and goals. The most common breast lift procedures are:
Circumareolar Lift
Commonly known as a “donut” breast lift, the circumareolar lift is the most conservative approach to mastopexy. It is only appropriate for certain patients, particularly those who have a relatively small amount of ptosis. This technique produces the least scarring since an incision is only required around the areola (pigmented area around the nipple).
Vertical Lift
Also called a “lollipop” mastopexy, the short-scar vertical lift is the most common technique used for breast lift surgery and is recommended for patients with more volume loss and skin excess. Like the circumareolar lift, a circular incision is made around the areola, and then a vertical incision is added extending down to the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest). Greater enhancement and ptosis correction can be achieved with this method, and the nipple-areolar complex can be moved up and resized.
Wise Pattern Lift
The “anchor” breast lift, or inferior pedicle, is the most invasive technique and typically reserved for women with significant ptosis. The first two incisions are similar to the vertical lift, and an additional horizontal incision is made along the inframammary fold, creating an anchor-shaped incision.
Breast Lift with Implants
A breast lift procedure will address the sagging of your breasts but will not improve any loss of volume that you have experienced. Women who desire an increase in breast size, fullness, and firmness may benefit from combining breast augmentation with their mastopexy procedure. In addition, the breasts can sometimes become smaller as a result of a breast lift, and implants can be used to offset this issue by maintaining preoperative breast size. Implants can be used with any of the previously described breast lift techniques.
Can I have a breast lift without implants?
Yes, of course. Many women choose to have a breast lift without implants, preferring a more natural approach. However, some women like the additional shape that can be achieved by performing a breast augmentation at the time of their breast lift procedure. The latest implant designs make it possible to add volume while still maintaining very natural-looking and feeling breasts. If you are interested, Dr. Schlenker will discuss how implant placement may optimize your breast lift results. Additionally, fat grafting may also be an option for women that want additional volume without the use of breast implants. Dr. Schlenker can provide more details about natural breast augmentation with fat grafting during your consultation.
What is recovery after breast lift surgery going to be like?
Depending on which breast lift technique is required, surgery can take between two to four hours to complete. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, and you will be able to return home the same day. It is normal to have swelling, bruising and some tenderness in the treated areas, which will gradually improve over time. Dr. Schlenker will provide detailed instructions on aftercare, and we will prescribe pain medication to help you feel as comfortable as possible. Most patients take between one to two weeks off from their normal routine, and at least four to six weeks off from strenuous exercise and similar activities. You will see some immediate signs of improvement, but it may take several months or longer for swelling to resolve and your breasts to settle into their final shape. The scars will gradually lighten in color and become smoother and less noticeable over the course of a year. Dr. Schlenker will go over additional information during your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions at any time throughout the recovery process.
We want to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. For more information about breast lift surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlenker, please contact our office today.