Breast lift, also know as mastopexy is a popular Scottsdale plastic surgery procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts. Over time the breast skin and the suspensory ligaments of the breast stretch-out leading to sagging or ptosis of the breasts. Other than gravity, this droopiness can also be caused by weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, heredity and loss of the skin’s natural elasticity as you age.
Breast lifts are becoming more popular with women desiring to rejuvenate the appearance of their bodies, giving the breasts a more uplifted and youthful shape. The procedure can also be a great addition to a “mommy-makeover” as many times pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause breast involution leaving flatter, ptotic breasts. As mentioned, the procedure can be combined with liposuction or abominoplasty (tummy-tuck) depending on your individual needs.
Breast lifts can improve breast sagging and droopiness, but will not increase the breast size or necessarily create fullness in the upper portion of the breasts. Those looking to achieve a fuller appearance or restore breast volume, may also need to have augmentation with an implant during their procedure. Often referred to as an augmentation-mastopexy, this procedure combines lifting and augmenting techniques to achieve fuller, more youthful appearing breasts.
There are several techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, your individual anatomy and amount of sagging will be part of how we tailor this procedure to your needs. In addition to restoring the breasts to a most aesthetic position, breast lifts can also reduce the size of the areola (darker colored skin around the nipple). The three most common incision methods are:
As with all of my plastic surgery procedures, every breast lift will be custom designed to meet each individual’s needs and desires. Because of the many variables associated with breast lifts, I spend a significant amount of time with each patient in our Scottsdale office going over what to expect.
If you are considering a Breast Lift procedure, here is what you should expect:
2-3 hours
General
Outpatient unless combined with multiple procedures
Bleeding, infection, temporary or permanent numbness, uneven positioning or shape of
breasts, poor incision healing, widening of scars, recurrence of sagging, breast
hardening, need for revision surgery.
Usually back to work 1 week, avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks