Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic enhancement made to the breasts that creates a firmer, more youthful appearance. The surgical procedure removes excess skin and from the breasts and lifts them to a higher position on the chest wall. In some cases, Dr. Webster will place a breast implant to increase the size. This combined surgery is known as a breast augmentation with mastopexy (lift). The results can be lasting and life-changing for many women. Not only does it allow them to wear clothing and bathing suits they desire, but the lift and added volume make them feel younger and more confident. During the initial consultation, Dr. Webster will perform a physical examination to determine if a mastopexy or an augmentation with mastopexy can achieve your desired results.
During this procedure, the lift will occur first. This begins with the surgeon removing excess skin residing on and around the breast in order to reshape it. The underlying muscle and tissue will be pulled tight and lifted so that the breast sits in a higher position. In addition, the nipple is usually repositioned. For excessively large breasts, the colored part around the nipple (known as the areola) will need to be surgically reduced. The surgeon will remove the outer circle and reposition the skin.
Breast lifts are performed with varying incision patterns. Some common incision patterns include:
Breast augmentation with a lift can usually be performed as a single surgery. However, some patients will choose to have this broken into two separate procedures. Some women are unsure of how large they want to go or how they will feel about the breasts’ appearance after the lift has been accomplished. If it has been decided ahead of time that an implant will be placed during the lift procedure, it is usually positioned below the pectoralis muscle. This adds additional support to the breast and acts as an internal bra, which results in a longer-lasting outcome.
Breast augmentation with a lift is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Because this is a combination surgery, the recovery time can last a bit longer than a lift or augmentation alone. Most patients are able to return to work within a few short days, but exercise and aerobic activities should be eliminated for at least 2-4 weeks. It will take a few months for the breasts to settle fully into their new position and assume a soft, natural look. Women who have lived with sagging, deflated breasts are thrilled with their new breast appearance.
Breast augmentation surgery will help with size, but will not lift a sagging breast. If there is moderate to severe sagging, women should be leery of any surgeon who recommends implants alone. Patients who are happy with the size of their breasts, but want to correct the sagging, will usually benefit with a breast lift procedure (without the placement of implants).
During your consultation, the incision placement will be discussed after your breasts have been thoroughly assessed. Women with smaller breasts will usually benefit from an incision that circles the areola only. Larger breasts, or those that have severe sagging, may need the anchor-shaped incision in order to garner the best results.
Breast lifts are designed to last a very long time. As long as you do not experience a huge weight gain or become pregnant, the results can last for years. The implants are surgically placed in a way that protects the breasts from sagging. Age and gravity are unavoidable elements that will create some natural sagging throughout the years.
Unlike breast augmentation alone where the incisions can be carefully hidden, it is hard to conceal the incisions that are made during the lift procedure. The number of scars and their location will depend on the surgeon’s incision strategy. Every effort is made during surgery to minimize scarring. With proper scar care and an avoidance of sun exposure, the scars will fade and become thinner over time. Most women feel that the physical results following this surgery far outweigh the scarring left behind.
