You may be a candidate for a breast lift (mastopexy) if:

• You have sagging breast tissue due to breast feeding, past pregnancies, weight loss, genetics or aging
• Your nipple-areolar complexes are large or point downward
• You are satisfied with the size of your breasts but don’t like the appearance

Many women will choose to have a breast augmentation (breast implants) at the same time as a breast lift, especially if they have lost a lot of volume. This procedure is termed “augmentation mastopexy”.

The Breast Lift Procedure

There are several options for breast lift incisions, depending on your individual circumstances, which you will discuss with Dr. Kearney during your consultation. A concentric lift is done by making an incision just around your nipple-areolar complex and can also reduce the size of your nipples as well as lifting the breast. This procedure is often best for patients that have minimal breast sagging. A standard breast lift is done by making an incision around the areola-areolar complex 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 and is typically a good choice for patients who have a substantial amount of breast sagging or whose nipples point downward. There is a breast lift procedure in between the concentric lift and standard lift which involves a “lollipop” type scar. This lift can be an option for patients who have a moderate amount of sagging.

During the procedure the nipple-areolar complex is repositioned higher on the breast, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and more normal position. And implant, if desired, can be placed through the incision in order to regain lost volume. Your nipples and areolas will remain attached to underlying skin and tissue during the procedure in order to help preserve sensation and breast feeding. Breast lift surgeries are most often performed under general anesthesia as an out-patient procedure.

Breast Lift Recovery

The actual procedure, done under general anesthesia, can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on what type of breast lift is being performed. Following a breast lift surgery patients will go home wearing a surgical bra and light dressings over the incision lines. Sutures are usually removed with 2 weeks. Most patients are back to work with 5-7 days and able to resume most normal activities within three weeks.

Last updated by Robert Kearney at March 6, 2012.