Breast Lift

A breast lift can correct breast droop ptosis and raise the position of the nipple/areola. The Surgeon can also reduce the size of the areola during the procedure. Breast size and skin quality are determining factors in the breast appearance following surgery. The greater the breast droop, the more skin will need to be removed, which means longer incisions and scars.

● Sagging, drooping breasts ● Breasts that have lost volume or fullness ● Stretched or misshapen areolas ● Breasts that no longer point upward ● One breast hangs lower than the other ● Stretched skin ● Elongated or stretched breasts

Depending on the degree of droop, skin may be removed around and below the nipple, and if droop is significant, skin may also be removed along the inframammary crease below the breast. Also, if required, the nipple and areola are repositioned to sit higher on the breast. The amount of droop helps surgeons determine which surgical technique should be used. The technique chosen determines the location of incisions and resulting scars. In most cases, only an incision around the areola may be needed. In other cases, it is necessary to use a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease and another along the inframammary crease. Patients may have up to three incisions. The time required for the surgery depends on the amount of lift being sought, the individual patient, and whether breast implants are being included in the procedure.

It’s extremely important that you fill out your paperwork correctly regarding any medications or supplements you take as they might interfere with the smoothness and safety of your surgery. Also, if you’re a smoker, you should stop smoking at least 15 days prior to your procedure.

Peri-areolar lift Often called a donut lift, this type of breast lift is ideal for someone who has minimal sagging. This procedure uses an incision that goes around the outside of your areola. The breast is then lifted and adjusted for a beautiful shape. The areola is often adjusted in size during the procedure as well.

Crescent lift This procedure is ideal for those who have a minimal amount of sagging. The incision will be placed along the top half of the areola. A crescent lift is not common, but it can be done based on the needs of the patient and the preferences of the surgeon.

Inverted T lift The inverted T lift is often referred to as the anchor lift. This procedure is performed on those who have a considerable amount of sagging and a large amount of excess skin. The incisions in this procedure are different from the first two types of lifts. In this case, three incisions are made on the breast: One will go along the edge of the areola, one will go along the crease underneath the breast, and the other will go from the bottom of the areola to the crease on the underside of the breast. The incisions will fade over time if you properly care for them and when you wear a bra or bikini top, they cannot be seen.

Vertical Lift During the procedure, the surgeon is able to remove the excess skin that is on the breast that causes sagging. Once the skin is removed, the breast can be reshaped and contoured on the body. The incisions are not as intense as the inverted T lift. Two incisions will be made including one that runs from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast and one around the edge of the areola.

In most cases, pain levels significantly decline after 1 week of surgery while moderate bruising and swelling of the breasts may continue to persist. Many patients are cleared to return to work and perform light daily activities. Incisions typically fully heal in around 2 weeks and patients may be cleared to take baths. The 6-week point usually marks the completion of the recovery process as most bruising and swelling of the breasts has resolved. Most patients can exercise without restraint, sleep on their abdomen and sides, and are cleared to wear an underwire bra.

Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery can range greatly. Many women opting for this surgery, lost breast mass after pregnancy, lost mass during a surgery (such as a partial mastectomy), experienced a loss of breast mass, lift, or shape due to the aging process, or are simply insecure about the shape or their breasts and would like to have them lifted and re-contoured.

Scars usually soften and fade within 6 to 12 months. Because scars are permanent and their appearance can be difficult to predict, scarring is an important consideration for many women. Potential candidates will have to decide if they are willing to trade breast droop for some degree of scarring.

Breast-feeding is usually possible with a breast lift since the nipple is not separated from the milk glands.

Yes, breast augmentation can be performed with a breast lift and many women choose to have these two procedures performed together. The lift will provide you with the perky, youthful breasts you are looking for while the augmentation will provide you with the fullness and size you desire.

Risks associated with breast lift procedures are extremely rare, however, they are possible. Nipple sensory loss and skin loss are the two most common complications, and even these are extremely rare. Patients should be prepared with the chance that scarring might not fade as much as they anticipated.

A breast lift improves the general shape and appearance of your breasts, but it doesn’t increase your cup size. Your profile will certainly look lot more youthful and uplifted, and your breasts might appear larger because they’ll be firm and plump, but the volume won’t change. If you want to increase your cup size, you should consider breast augmentation with implants or autologous fat transfer.

Some patients have trouble distinguishing between breast lifts and reductions because both involve contouring the existing tissues for an improved appearance. However, they have different purposes — breast lifts contour and remove some of the existing tissues to lift the breasts, while breast reductions are primarily focused on decreasing the cup size.