Breast Lift

Pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, and the passing of years take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breastlift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts, enhances body contour and self-confidence. A breastlift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy or nursing, breast implants combined with augmentation can increase both their firmness and their size.

A breastlift usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. This incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. Women with small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the "doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy," in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.

After Breast Lift Surgery

The return of nipple sensitivity following surgery is an entirely variable one from patient to patient. The sensation in the nipples will be temporarily reduced or enhanced whilst the scars heal. Occasionally, there is permanent change in the sensitivity of the nipple. Good support of the breast area following uplift surgery is considered important, as it can help reduce the risk of scarring, as well as reduce post operative swelling and breast discomfort.

You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won't keep you firm forever--the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer. If you're planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. Breastlifts do not interfere with breast-feeding, however pregnancy or nursing is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.