Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery, also called Mastopexy, removes excess breast skin to raise, reshape and firm your breasts. The nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples) are repositioned, and the areolas sometimes may be reduced in size. If desired, implants may be inserted in conjunction with a breast lift to increase volume.

If you are considering a breast lift, your board-certified plastic surgeon wants you to be thoroughly informed about the procedure. Reading the information on this web site is the first step. A personal consultation with your surgeon is the best way to obtain the additional information you will need.

Considering a Breast Lift?

Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.

Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• Breasts that are pendulous, but are of satisfactory size.
• Breasts that lack substance or firmness.
• Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease.

Sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits. In certain cases, the breasts may have developed differently so that one breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their shape. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long lasting as when the procedure is done on smaller breasts.

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to under-go breast lift surgery before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. Since the mild ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lift surgery usually will not affect your ability to breast feed; however, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Your Personal Consultation

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast shape and size. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you how your nipples and areolas will be repositioned. You should mention anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.