You may be a candidate for a breast lift if you have sagging breasts. Women may develop droopy or deflated breasts after pregnancy, with massive weight loss or with aging. Sometimes, breast enlargement alone is not enough to restore previous breast fullness. The goal of Mastopexy is to restore youthful breast fullness by tailoring excess skin. Breast volume is preserved, and the nipples are returned to a youthful position and size.

Breast lift is performed as an outpatient with laryngeal mask anesthesia. Placement of the incisions depends on the extent of tailoring required, and the distance the nipple must be elevated to achieve a youthful position. If breast volume has been lost, an implant may be combined with the breast lift.

Periareolar Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Periareolar mastopexy is usually indicated for a small amount of breast droop or ptosis. The incision is around the areola only. Excess skin is removed as a donut to elevate the areola a short distance. An implant may be combined with the breast lift if volume needs to be restored.

Standard Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

A standard mastopexy is indicated if the nipple is too low, and the excess skin too great, to achieve the desired result with a periareolar (around the areola) incision. Placement of the incisions combines the periareolar with a vertical incision, extending from the areola to the fold under the breast (a “lollypop” incision). Sometimes, an incision in the fold underneath the breast may also be required, if there is too much excess skin for the “lollipop” incision. This is an “anchor” incision. Liposuction of the axillary area and lateral chest wall (sides) may be recommended to achieve the best result.

You will go home with a light dressing and will wear a sports bra for 6 weeks as you recover from the procedure. You may shower after 48 hours. Absorbable sutures are placed under the skin, so there are no sutures to be removed. You will receive a prescription for pain medication to control discomfort from the procedure. Light activities may be started in 5 to 7 days, but vigorous upper body exercise and jarring aerobic exercise may not be resumed until 6 weeks.

Breast lift procedures are considered cosmetic and therefore are not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be determined in consultation with Dr. Miles. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.