Breast lift surgery corrects a sagging and deflated breast, which can result after a weight loss, pregnancy, or nursing. Oklahoma City plastic surgeon, Dr. Clinton Webster, offers breast lift surgery using the most advanced techniques for lasting results. Also known as mastopexy, this skin tightening body contouring breast surgery removes excess skin from the breasts and lifts them to a higher position on the chest wall. If additional volume or size is desired, breast implants can be placed once the skin removal has occurred. The results, when performed by an experienced breast surgeon, can last for many years.
The type of incision used during a breast lift procedure will vary depending on the degree of lift and whether implants will be placed during the surgery. If implants are a part of the procedure, whether silicone or saline, they are placed under the pectoralis muscle. This method provides additional support and helps to keep the breasts in a higher position for a longer period of time. In situations where a larger implant is desired, a supportive tissue matrix may be used as a sling to hold the implants in place.
The degree of lift will determine how many incisions are needed and where they will be placed. Once the incisions are made, excess skin and tissue are removed and the nipple and areola are repositioned for a natural placement. The sutures during this procedure are placed deep in the breast wall to secure and hold the breast up firmly. There are several incision placements to consider:
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is considered an outpatient procedure. Operative time in most cases is between 1-2 hours. Recovery following a breast lift will vary depending on whether it was a stand-alone surgery or if it occurred in conjunction with another body contouring procedure. Most patients are able to resume their normal work schedules within a few days. Exercise will be a gradual process. Most women are able to resume their normal routines within 6-8 weeks. This includes running and weight training.
Breast augmentation surgery with implants will help with size. It will not help women if their breasts sag or droop downward. Some women may feel a breast lift is the only procedure they need to obtain the fullness and look they desire. During the consultation, Dr. Webster will perform a thorough examination to determine whether a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both will achieve the best results for you.
During a breast lift procedure, the nipple and areola will be placed in a location on the breast that is natural and proportionate. The goal during this surgery is to reduce the size of the areola (the area surrounding the nipple) so it looks balanced with the new breast size and shape.
There is no way to avoid making the necessary incisions to complete a breast lift procedure. Therefore, some scarring will result from this procedure. Every effort is made during surgery to minimize scarring. Most women feel that the physical results following a breast lift procedure are worth the scars left behind. During the consultation, we will provide detailed post-operative scar care instructions.
Breast reduction surgery may also be combined with a breast lift to help a patient achieve the size and shape she desires. This surgery is very similar to a lift, but with the added step of removing more breast tissue in conjunction with excess skin. More information on this procedure can be found on the breast reduction page.
