A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.  As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness.  This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance.  A breast lift may also be performed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation).

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.
• Bring back a more natural and lifted  appearance of the breasts after weight loss.

General Procedure

The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours.  Techniques vary, but during the procedure the breast tissue is rearranged and the overlying skin is tightened around the newly shaped breast.  The redundant lax skin is removed.  Many women are candidates for the "lollipop" incision which is located around the areola and continues vertically down the breast.  However, some women may require an anchor-like incision which is around the areola, travels vertically down the breast and horizontally across in the normal breast crease.  When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. 

If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.   The patient will need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks.  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.