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Breast Lift
Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a surgical procedure to reshape and raise sagging breasts without altering the overall volume of the breasts. A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes include loss of skin elasticity resulting from pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuation, aging and gravity. Heredity may also be a factor.
If you desire to restore the firmness and shape of your breasts, then a breast lift may be right for you. In general, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola, which has become enlarged over time, will be reduced as well.
A breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique will be determined based on breast size and shape, size and position of the areola, degree of breast sagging, and the skin quality and skin elasticity.
There are many variations to the procedure, however the most common is a pattern with three incisions: around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.
Through these 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. The incisions are usually placed so that they can be hidden under clothing and swimsuits. Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts.
Progress and Healing
Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. A support bra may be recommended around the clock for the first several weeks. A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.
Initial wound healing may take five to ten days, at which time any sutures will be removed.
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