Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, restores a more youthful appearance to a woman’s breasts. Over the years, breasts can lose their shape, firmness and begin to sag due to pregnancy, nursing and loss of skin elasticity. Mastopexy will raise and reshape breasts-slowing the effects of aging and gravity. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Pregnancy and nursing often result in stretched skin and may also increase or decrease breast size. If you are planning a future pregnancy, it is advisable to postpone your breast lift to prevent further changes. However, because milk ducts and the breast glands are not altered, mastopexy will not affect your ability to breast-feed. Although breasts of any size can be lifted, women with smaller breasts enjoy longer lasting results.

Mastopexy is performed either by removing the excess breast skin or with a breast implant. It is also possible that both can be done simultaneously. This may appeal to women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy

The Procedures:

Skin removal Mastopexy

Mastopexy is usually performed in an outpatient facility using general anesthesia. Local anesthesia may be used for some patients. Please refer to the section on breast reduction that describes the scars formed for skin removal. Although the external scars may be in a similar position to breast reduction, the procedure is simpler because breast tissue is not removed. The excess skin is removed and the breast and the nipple are then repositioned higher on the chest. The breast will remain about the same size, but may seem smaller because it is more elevated, compact and firmer.

Implant Augmentation mastopexy

An implant to enlarge the breast will tighten the stretched excessive skin and lift the breast. However this is limited to women with relatively mild breast ptosis (drooping). Breast enlargement with implants can lift the breast if the nipple is higher than the breast crease. You can check this yourself by placing a pencil across the breast crease and noting if the pencil is higher or lower than the crease. If the nipple is higher than the breast crease, you may be a candidate for implant lift. Of course, you also must want a larger breast as well as a lift. See the section on augmentation mammoplasty for more information on implants.

After skin lift mastopexy: What to Expect

• Stitches will be covered with gauze and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra will hold the breasts in place. . In the recovery stage, it is important to wear the bra at all times.
• Your breasts will be slightly bruised and swollen
• You may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days
• After a week or two, the stitches will be removed.
• The scars may be red and lumpy for a few months but they eventually fade and become less obvious.
• Asymmetry of the nipples can occur but is usually very minor
• Feeling in your nipples or breasts is occasionally altered.
• Plan to stay at home for one week before returning to work
• Avoid strenuous sports and lifting anything over your head for several weeks.