What is the goal of a breast lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to raise sagging breasts, elevate drooping nipples, and make large areolas smaller. Mastopexy is a trade-off of improved shape for permanent scars. There is no change in the appearance of the breasts when clothed and supported by a bra. Mastopexy procedures can also enlarge the breasts if implants are added.

Who is a candidate for mastopexy?

• Postpartum patients with sagging breasts from multiple pregnancies and breast feeding. A deflated look is typical, with stretch marks, downward pointing nipples, and enlargement of the areolas
• Those experiencing massive weight loss following bariatric surgery

When should mastopexy be performed?

• When there is no plan for future pregnancies
• When weight is stable for at least 6 months after significant weight loss

How is a mastopexy done?

In a standard mastopexy skin is removed from the lower part of the breast in order to conceal the scars as much as possible. Though the nipple position is raised during mastopexy, it is not typically disconnected and reattached to accomplish this.

In a standard mastopexy skin is removed from the lower part of the breast in order to conceal the scars as much as possible. Though the nipple position is raised during mastopexy, it is not typically disconnected and reattached to accomplish this.

What are the different options available?

Breasts lifts can be accomplished through various incision patterns. Which one is recommended for you will be based on your physical exam, existing breast size, extent of existing breast droop and surgeons recommendations.

• “Lollipop” incisions – also referred to as a superior pedicle technique. It is more common in smaller lifts
• “Anchor incision” – also referred to as an inferior pedicle technique. This is the more traditional and most common approach
• Periareolar incision – this method limits the scar to just around the areola. It generally is not recommended as it tends to widen with time and can flatten the breast if not combined with an augmentation

All scars are permanent but they usually fade considerably by one year. Their final width, texture, and color commonly vary from person to person.

Where is the surgery performed and how long does it take?

Breast lifts are performed on an outpatient basis in either an ambulatory surgery center or hospital of your choice. The procedure takes about three hours. Including implants adds at least another hour and a half. All surgery is performed entirely by Dr. Sirota.

What type of anesthesia is used?

eneral anesthesia is required during a mastopexy.

What are the risks associated with mastopexy?

The general risks of any surgical procedure still apply in breast lift surgery. These include but are not limited to risk of bleeding, infection and anesthesia related risks.

In addition, there are risks specifically associated with breast lift surgery that patients must be aware of:

• Altered nipple sensation – this can be anywhere from an increase, to a decrease, to a loss (though complete loss of sensation is rare)
• Loss of nipple or skin tissue – smokers are at increased risk of this happening
• Delayed healing and excessive scarring can occur following a breast lift, but all are quite rare
• Combining implants with a breast lift increases the risks associated with implants. Among the more significant ones are capsular contracture (implant hardening) and uneven positioning of the implants. Both can require corrective surgery.

Why is smoking so harmful for surgery?

• Smoking severely reduces blood supply to the breast tissue and skin
• It delays healing and can be responsible for skin or nipple loss, wound infection, bad scars, and other complications that may require corrective surgery
• It is essential to stop smoking completely for at least one month before surgery
• Nicotine containing patches and gum are equally harmful.

What is the recovery like?

• The pain associated with a breast lift tends to be mild and mostly along the incision line
• A front opening surgical bra is typically worn during the recovery period
• Bras with underwires are avoided for at least six weeks
• Heavy lifting and high impact aerobics should be avoided for at least six weeks to allow time for incisions to fully heal