About the Procedure

Whether due to pregnancy, loss of skin elasticity, gravity, weight loss/gain, or breast feeding, the shape of the breasts change and sag over time. Patients who are satisfied with the overall size of their breasts may undergo a corrective cosmetic procedure called a breast lift or mastopexy.

A breast lift may be performed in a hospital or an office-based surgical location. Often a general anesthesia is administered to induce sleep during the procedure, although the procedure may be performed with a local anesthesia and I.V. sedation. The most common method for breast lifts involve three incisions; one around the areola, one vertical from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and one that follows the natural curve of the breast crease. The plastic surgeon will remove excess breast skin and shift the nipple and areola to a higher location. The skin around the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. In most cases the patient remains in the hospital for 24 hours and a bra must be worn day and night for four weeks.

Benefits of the Procedure

A breast lift is an effective procedure for women who are looking to regain the shape of their breast, but do not require an enlargement or a reduction. A breast lift will make the breasts firmer and more uplifted. The position of the areola and nipple is improved and the size of the areola is more appealing. The incisions fade over time and in most cases are eventually just faint lines. A breast lift will last for many years until the effects of aging begin to diminish the results. If over a period of years you become unhappy with the appearance of the breasts, a breast lift can be performed again.

Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure so proper care for the incisions is required for a fast recovery. You will feel tender after the surgery so you will not want to move very much. A rigorous vacation after the breast lift is not recommended.

Preparing for the procedure

Often a general anesthesia is administered to induce sleep during the procedure, although the procedure may be performed with a local anesthesia and I.V. sedation. The most common method for breast lifts involve three incisions; one around the areola, one vertical from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and one that follows the natural curve of the breast crease. The plastic surgeon will remove excess breast skin and shift the nipple and areola to a higher location. The skin around the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. In most cases the patient remains in the hospital for 24 hours and a bra must be worn day and night for four weeks.

Planning for my recovery

The surgery is mostly done on an outpatient basis except for rare complex cases where a short stay in the hospital is required after surgery. The breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, though no severe pain will be present. . Medication is prescribed to provide relief from any discomfort. There may be some loss of feeling in the nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling which fades away within six weeks. The breast skin may become dry for which a moisturizer may be applied several times a day. The patient is made to wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. The bandages or surgical bra are replaced by a soft support bra after a few days which must be worn throughout for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two.