Breast Lift (Mastoplexy)

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Over time, gravity and aging takes a toll on our bodies in various ways. The reasons for sagging or dropping breasts vary for all, but most common reasons are aging, weight changes and pregnancy. Breast lift or Mastopexy is a procedure that raises and firms the breasts. Excess skin is removed to tighten the surrounding tissue and to reshape and support the new breast contour. A Breast Lift can also reduce the size of the areola, which can become enlarged over time. Some women need to combine a breast lift and breast augmentation together. Some just need a breast lift. If you have enough tissue and are just dealing with “saggy, draggy” than a Breast Lift may be your solution.

Benefits of Breast Lift

  • Improving symmetry between breasts
  • Reducing large areolas
  • Restoring a firm, sculpted, more youthful breast shape
  • Improved self-confidence and the way clothes fit

During your consultation with Dr. Bowen at Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery, she will examine your breasts for fullness, degree of ptosis, and skin laxity. This will help guide Dr. Bowen in suggesting the method of breast lifting to achieve the most optimal results for your individual needs.

Different people with different experiences have differing degrees of breast sagging, medically known as breast ptosis. The degree of ptosis is always identified during an examination as part of determining whether a person is well-qualified for breast lift surgery.

Degrees of Ptosis

Degrees of Ptosis for breast lift
  • Level 1: Mild sagging – The patient’s areolas are level with the breast crease, but breast tissue is still visibly sagging beneath the crease.
  • Level 2: Moderate sagging – The patient’s areolas sit below the breast crease and breast tissue is visible below the areolas.
  • Level 3: Significant sagging – The patient’s areolas sit below the breast crease with little to no visible breast tissue below the areolas.
  • Pseudoptosis – The patient’s areolas are above the breast crease, but the majority of the breast tissue hangs below the breast crease.

Breast Lift Incisions

There are three main types of incisions associated with a breast lift procedure. Depending on the extent of the breast ptosis, Dr. Bowen will determine the best approach during your consultation. In some instances, a breast implant may also be needed to achieve the desired result. Generally, a vertical type breast reduction with preservation of the blood and nerve supply from the upper and inner aspect of the breast is performed with one of the following incision patterns:

Inverted T (a.k.a Anchor) Mastopexy:

This technique utilizes the same incision as the vertical technique with the addition of a transverse (horizontal) incision along the underside of the breast in the breast crease. While this technique has the longest incision, it is a very effective way for correcting moderate to severe breast ptosis.

Vertical (aka Lollipop) Mastopexy:

This technique results in an incision around the areola and a vertical incision running down from the areola to the breast fold, making a lollipop appearance. This incision pattern is helpful for the correction of mild to moderate ptosis.

Concentric (aka Doughnut) Mastopexy:

This technique involves an excision of the circular piece of skin around the areola. This technique is used when only a small amount of lift is needed.

Call us at Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation today! 912-634-1993!

Breast Lift FAQs

Breast Lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. Typical operation time ranges between 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of sagging. Most patients can return to work within one week, although strenuous activity is restricted for up to 6 to 8 weeks. Patients should plan to limit excess alcohol consumption and use of tobacco products during the recovery period, as this can prolong healing. Dr. Bowen will provide you with specific post-surgical instructions to ensure you know how to properly care for yourself.

Preoperative markings are made before surgery to locate the optimal position of the nipple on the newly shaped breast. The nipple is not detached from the breast. It is left attached to the breast tissue in order to preserve blood and nerve supply.

You may have some temporary nipple numbness due to swelling. This will resolve but can take a few months to happen. It is rare to have permanent nipple sensation loss. There may be some areas of numbness on the breast skin due to incisions, but with time it improves.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent a scar once an incision is made. Dr. Bowen takes every effort to minimize the length of the scar and leave behind an expertly repaired incisions that typically heals nicely. The scars will improve over time. We also provide scar care instructions for an optimal outcome. In some instances when a scar is red, we offer Lumecca treatment to minimize the redness. Most women feel that the improved shape and position of the breast is worth the scars.

The longevity of the results of a breast lift varies from person to person. In general, if you avoid smoking, maintain a healthy diet with exercise, and maintain a stable weight you will enjoy the results from your Mastopexy for several years.