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Breast Lift

A Woman's Breasts Often Change Over Time, Losing Their Youthful Shape and Firmness.

These changes, including loss of skin elasticity, can result from pregnancy, breast-feeding , weight fluctuations, aging, and gravity.  Heredity may also be a factor, and a women in her teen may experience loose, sagging breast tissue.  Breast that have lost their firm, uplifted contours can affect a women's self-image confidence.

If you desire to restore the firmness and shape of your breasts, then a breast lift may be right for you.  In general, a breast lift raised and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.  Sometimes the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) has before enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.  A breast lift rejuvenates the female figure with a breast profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm.

This brochure presents an overview of breast lift.  The best way to learn how breast lift can help fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board for Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

What is a breast lift?

Breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is surgery to uplift and improve the shape of a female breast that:

A breast lift is appropriate for women who wish to improve brest shape and position.  When an increase in breast volume is also desired, breast implants may be inserted in conjunction with a breast lift.

while a breast lift does not generally affect breast function, women who are planning future pregnancies should discuss this with their plastic surgeon.  The changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides.  likewise, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed.  For these reasons, good candidates for a breast lift are generally women of normal, stable weight whose breasts are fully developed and who have completed their family.  Breast lift is appropriate in younger women as well, most commonly is cases of breast asymmetry where the position of one breast is lower than the other.

a breast lift is best performed on:

Where do I begin?

a consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how breast lift can improve breast contours.  a consultation is designed to fully educate you about breast lift in a non-pressured environment, and will include a discussion of:

Your plastic surgeon will also answer any specific questions you may have.

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of breast lift surgery.  These will be carefully evaluated in your consultation with your plastic surgeon.  The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

Safety

By making the decision to consult with a plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.

My breast lift

Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques.  The appropriate technique for your case will be determined based on:

there are many variation to the procedure, however one of the most common is a pattern with three incisions:

Through these incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.  The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.  If necessary, enlarged areola are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.  Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Alternative techniques eliminate either the horizontal incision at the breast crease, the vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease or sometimes both.  In any case, incisions are usually places so that they can be hidden under clothing and swimsuits.  Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts.  Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the sin.

Preparing for surgery

Your plastic surgeon will carefully explain your breast lift procedure.  Prior to surgery you will be given specific instructions that may include:

In addition, you will also be asked to sign consent forms to assure your plastic surgeon  that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of breast lift include blood pooling beneath the skin (hematoma), infection or poor healing at the incision site, and changes in nipple or breast sensations that are usually temporary. Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia.   These and others risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent.

It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.  It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress.  Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What to expect

a breast lift may be performed in your plastic surgeon's accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital.  The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference.  Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

Following surgery

Once your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breast as they heal.  A small, thin tube may be temporarily places under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.  Before being released following surgery, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:

Progress and healing

Initial healing will include swelling, discomfort at the incision site.   Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication.  a support bra may be recommended around the clock for the first week or two.  It is important to cleanse the incision sites and apply ointment as directed.  Follow all instructions carefully; this is essential to the success of your outcome.  A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.

Initial would healing may take from 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures will be removed.  You will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time. so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and incisions lines continue to improve.  Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Results and outlook

The final results of your breast lift will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle.  Incision lines are permanent, but they most likely won't be visible even under your favorite bathing suit.

Over time, your breast can continue to change due to aging and gravity.  Your new breast profile is best maintained by maintaining your weight, a healthy lifestyle and proper support of your now firm and rejuvenated breasts.

Your surgeon, your choice

Choosing to have cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery is an important decision; so is selecting a plastic surgeon.  Consider these important guidelines:

Board Certification - Not all physicians who perform plastic surgery or who use the title plastic surgeon are board certified is plastic surgery.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certify physicians in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.  To be certified by either board, a plastic surgeon must:
Graduate from an accredited medical school
Complete a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, including an accredited plastic surgery residency program
Pass comprehensive written and oral exams

Privileges -Your surgeon should have operating privileges at an accredited, local hospital for the same procedure you plan to have performed - even if the surgeon suggests your procedure be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility or at an ambulatory surgery center.

This educational brochure is designed to supplement a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  Plastic surgeons with this certification have completed extensive surgical training and rigorous examinations in plastic surgery; this uniquely qualified them to perform cosmetic and reconstruction procedures of the face and entire body.

This brochure is published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery including test, graphics, illustrations, and images, and is strictly intended for educational purposes.  It is not intended to make any representation or warranties about the outcome of any procedure.  It is not a substitute for a thorough, in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Copyright © 2006 Dr. Yalamanchi, M.D., F.A.C.S., PA