A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.  As a woman ages, skin loses elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their roundness 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 augmentation surgery.

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 volume, due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
• Re-position your nipples/areolae if they point downward or look too low.
• Bring back natural fullness and remove excess skin after weight loss.

General Procedure

Many techniques are available for breast lift surgery. The procedure typically begins with an incision around the areola.  Traditionally, the incision continues down, along the inferior part of the breast and along the chest, known as the inframammary fold. The surgeon then removes excess skin and occasionally, a small amount of fat and breast tissue.  The nipple and areola are repositioned above the inframammary fold, to a higher position, and the skin is held in place by stitches. This results in either a lollipop or an anchor shaped scar.  When possible, Dr. Stiles prefers a procedure that minimizes visible scarring.  The incisions are placed around the areola, a point where the skin naturally changes color, and under the breast, along the inframammary fold.  Ideally, the scars are not noticeable when looking in the mirror.  The best procedure can be determined during the initial consultation visit.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions.  One such procedure is the "doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy" in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.  Recent innovations in breast lift techniques minimize scarring. 

Some patients are candidates for both a breast lift and an augmentation.  This may be performed simultaneously or as two separate procedures, depending upon the degree of breast ptosis (sagging) and volume loss.  When performed in the same setting, it is common to undergo a secondary procedure to perfect the appearance of the breasts.  If the breasts are small and the nipple areola position is unbalanced, the augmentation may be accompanied by a "crescent mastopexy".  This is performed by removing a crescent of skin from the area above the areola, to even the position of the nipples.  Minimal scarring is usually noted with this procedure. 

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest for the first few days and limited activity of the arms for several weeks.  Bandages are applied at the time of surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.  A special surgical bra will be worn for several weeks.  Post-operative pain is minimized by the use of pain pump catheters that deliver local anesthesia directly to the breast.  This decreases the number of pain pills that patients require in the initial post-operative period.  While complications may occur, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by the physician after surgery.