What is a breast lift?
With time, breasts may lose their youthful perky appearance. This may happen because of pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, the loss of skin elasticity that accompanies the natural aging process, or genetics.
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, gives a woman firmer, perkier, more youthful-looking breasts. Your plastic surgeon will remove excess skin from your breasts and tighten the underlying tissue to support them with a natural contour. A breast lift will leave you feeling younger on the outside and more confident on the inside.
What are the benefits?
At Optum Plastic Surgery in New York, our board-certified plastic surgeons will apply their surgical artistry to give you the best possible results. After your breast lift, you can expect
- Firmer, perkier breasts
- Improved, balanced body contours
- Enhanced self-confidence and body image
- Natural, long-lasting results
Who is the ideal candidate?
Typically, women with excessive breast sagging and nipples that fall below the breast crease are candidates for breast lift surgery. Additionally, ideal candidates for a breast lift are at, or close to their ideal weight, do not smoke or consume nicotine, have completed breast feeding at least 6-8 months prior to surgery and are in good general health. Patients 40 years old and above should complete a screening mammogram prior to augmentation.
What can I expect from recovery?
After your breast lift surgery, you will likely experience temporary swelling and discomfort. You will be sent home with pain medication, care instructions, and a compression garment to reduce fluid retention / swelling and support the breasts. Physical activity will need to be minimized for the first 2 weeks while you heal, however you can expect to return to your regular physical routine by 6 weeks post-operatively. Scars will depend on the type of breast lift your surgeon performed. All scars will fade over time and are generally very well hidden.
What type of techniques are available?
At Optum Plastic Surgery Center, our board-certified surgeons are skilled in a range of techniques to support your unique needs and goals.
Peri-areolar breast lift
A peri-areolar breast lift also referred to as a “donut” breast lift, is a great option for women needing a more subtle lift. This technique involves a circular incision around the outside of the areola, resulting in minimal scarring and requiring minimal recovery.
Vertical breast lift
A vertical breast lift, nicknamed the “lollipop” lift, is an ideal option for women needing a more moderate breast lift. This technique involves two incisions: one around the outside of the areola, and another from the bottom edge of the areola to the inframammary fold, or breast crease.
Anchor breast lift
The anchor breast lift is appropriately named for the shape of the incision. There are three separate incisions involved with this technique: an incision around the outer edge of the areola, another going from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease, and the last going along the breast crease. This technique is best for women needing a more dramatic breast lift.
Frequently asked questions
How is a breast lift performed?
There are several ways a breast lift can be performed depending on one’s specific breast anatomy. In general, a breast lift requires an incision around the areola, down the front of the breast and within the breast fold (like an anchor when viewed from the front). In cases where there is less severe ptosis (drooping) of the breast, the incision within the breast fold may not be required, and in very rare cases, the incision from the areola to the breast fold may not be required.
What are the risks associated with breast lift procedures?
In addition to the general risks of cosmetic surgery including unpredictable scaring, infection, asymmetry and bleeding, a specific risk of a breast lift is decreased sensation to the nipple / areola, and in very rare cases, nipple necrosis (tissue death).
Will a breast lift procedure provide more fullness in the breasts?
The youthful appearance of the upper portion of the breasts is often time not restored with a breast lift alone. Many patients will also combine a breast lift with either a breast implant or fat grafting to achieve this result.
What results should I expect after a breast lift?
A breast lift will rejuvenate the breasts by tightening the skin of the breast and repositioning the nipple / areola to a youthful position on the breast mound.
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