Breast Lift Surgery Information

There are several options for mastopexy or breast lift incisions, depending on your individual circumstances. A concentric mastopexy is done by making an incision around your nipple. A standard mastopexy is done by making an incision around the areola and then typically runs vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease underneath the breast and then horizontally in the crease below this breast. This is often referred to as an “anchor” incision. There is a procedure in between these two which involves a “lollipop” type scar. Your nipples and areolas will remain attached to underlying skin and tissue during the procedure in order to help preserve sensation and breast feeding.

Patients who desire a breast lift may have noticed loss of skin elasticity which leads to sagging breasts and sometimes nipples that point downwards. Gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding, as well as Father Time 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 them to their previous height, resulting in a more youthful breast contour.

Breast lifts can range from incisions made only around the nipple to more standard breast lifts where the incision is similar to that of an anchor. There are three common incision options for breast augmentation. One incision is made around the areola and this is called a concentric lift. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast and is often referred to as a lollipop incision. The third incision runs around the nipple, vertically from the bottom edge of the areola and then horizontally beneath the breast. This is a standard or “anchor” lift. The type of lift is determined by the amount of sagging as well as the patient’s expectations and desires. The incisions usually heal quite well and are hardly noticeable over time.

After the plastic surgeon has removed excess breast skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed. All procedures are performed with general anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or pain.

Some patients may be unhappy that in addition to sagging breasts, they have also lost a significant amount of breast volume as well. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time that the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced. This not only helps to improve the physical appearance of the patient, but it can also restore self-confidence.

A breast lift is a highly personal decision in which your goals should be realistically determined and discussed with your surgeon. Together you and your surgeon will determine what specific procedures will be performed as well as which type of implant will be used if you are also having breast augmentation at the same time. Once your goals have been determined and realistic expectations have been discussed you will set a date for this procedure and will be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. A pre-operative appointment will be set up prior to surgery where we will go over your health history, take before photos, and have you sign consents and paperwork.