Breast Lift

The breast lift procedure, called mastopexy, is a plastic surgery technique that restores more youthful, shapely breasts. It works through nipple repositioning as needed, and through the tightening of the skin over the breast mound.

If you have a noticeable breast crease under your breasts, in which the skin of your lower breast rests on the skin of your ribcage, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift. Beyond aesthetic reasons for a breast lift, you must be in good physical and emotional health to receive all of the wonderful benefits of this procedure. Before your surgery, you may need to undergo a few lab tests and a breast screening. The doctor will sit with you to discuss your treatment objectives and will explain the degree to which a breast lift can meet them. To enjoy an optimal surgical experience, it is necessary to fully understand what can be achieved through the breast lift procedure, and also what to expect in terms of limitations and recovery.

There are several incision types that are used to perform the breast lift procedure. Dr. Gear determines the ideal breast lift incision type based on your concerns, the severity of your breast ptosis, and your individual preferences. The objective is to achieve the most appealing, natural breast shape using the most conservative incisions possible.

• The crescent breast lift incision may be suitable for minimal breast sag. This involves a single incision made along the top, outer edge of the areola, the colored skin around the nipple.
• The peri-areolar breast lift incision may also be suitable for mild correction and a subtle lift. This type involves an incision that runs all the way around the areola.
• The vertical breast lift (“lollipop incision”) can correct moderate breast sagging and breast reshaping. This involves an incision around the areola and one vertical incision from the bottom of the areola down to the inframammary crease.
• The anchor breast lift is needed to achieve more significant reshaping and lifting. It is an extension of the vertical breast lift that includes a horizontal incision along the breast crease. It resembles an inverted T.

Surgical and anesthetic techniques have evolved a great deal over time. Due to improvements, you may have a few different options for your breast lift. The doctor will select the most appropriate form after your thorough consultation and examination. During this visit, you may discuss the pros and cons of general anesthesia and local anesthesia in combination with IV sedation. Regardless of the type of anesthesia you and Dr. Gear select, you will feel no pain during your procedure.

Your breast lift will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure. You can expect to go home a few hours after surgery, once you are alert and can stand on your own. Your incisions will be covered with a dressing and medical tape. There may be very few sutures to protect until they can be removed. The rest of your incisions are internal and will dissolve over time. To reduce swelling and support your breasts as you heal, you will wear a compression bra or sports bra 24 hours a day for up to one week.

You can expect to come to the office a few days after your procedure for your initial follow-up. At this visit, you can ask questions or express concerns. The doctor will examine your breast shape and evaluate your nipples for adequate blood supply. Your stitches or sutures will be removed a week to 10 days after surgery. Throughout this time, it is important to adhere to your post-operative care instructions regarding activity level and caring for your surgical wounds.

You may go back to work as soon as one week after surgery unless your job is strenuous in some way. You must walk for short periods of time every day as is comfortable but must limit your overall physical exertion for up to six weeks. Doing so can keep your surgical side effects to a minimum and prevent unnecessary accidents affecting your incisions or breast tissue.

We expect that you should be able to breastfeed after having a breast lift. This procedure is minimally invasive and focuses primarily on the skin and connective tissue that covers the breast mound. There should be minimal disruption to the milk ducts in your breasts if any at all.