A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic plastic surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes your sagging breasts and returns them to a more attractive position with a more youthful appearance. The procedure removes excess skin and tightens the tissue that supports the breasts so that they can be positioned higher on the chest and feel firmer to the touch. Your nipple and areola can also be repositioned or resized if they have become enlarged over time. A breast lift does not change your breast size but it can be combined with a breast augmentation or breast reduction procedure if you want either larger, smaller, or more rounded breasts.
Am I a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
The only way to confirm if you are a candidate for a breast lift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg. You may want to consider a breast lift if you experience any of the following:
- Your breasts have sagged, lost their shape or their volume
- Your breasts are drooping
- Your nipples point downward or fall below the crease of your breast
- Your areolas have enlarged and the skin of your breasts is stretched
- One of your breasts is lower than the other breast
If you are considering a breast lift, it is very important that you:
- Maintain a stable weight
- Are in general good healthy
- Do not smoke
- Are able to discuss realistic goals with Dr. Glasberg
If you are planning a pregnancy, at any point in the future, pregnancy and breastfeeding can counteract the effects of your breast lift by stretching your skin.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The mastopexy can be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center but is usually done on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. The procedure typically lasts between 1½ to 3½ hours.
Determining the Type of Incision
When performing a breast lift, Dr. Glasberg will determine the incision method depending on your following condition and other factors:
- Your breast size and shape
- The degree of sagging
- The size and position of your areolas/nipples
- The amount of excess skin
- The quality of your skin
The most common types of incisions, for a breast lift, include:
- A doughnut shape that involves two rings around the areola
- Around the areola and down to the breast crease in a lollipop shape
- A lollipop with an additional half-moon incision, along the breast crease, in an anchor shape
The procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Glasberg will make the incision and then reshape your breasts into your new contour. Your nipple and areola will be moved higher on your breast and excess skin around the perimeter will be removed if you have an enlarged areola. Upon the completion of the procedure, your skin will be closed with a combination of stitches, tissue adhesive and/or surgical tape.
After your Breast Lift Procedure
Your breasts will be covered with gauze and you will be wearing a surgical support bra. You may have some drainage tubes at our incision site to drain any excess fluid or blood. They will be removed in a few days when your bandages are either removed or changed. Expect to have some swelling and bruising for two weeks and pain and soreness around your incisions.
Please make sure to follow the post-surgical instructions that you will be provided by Dr. Glasberg. Make sure, when you sleep, to sleep on your back or side.
The Results Of Your Breast Lift
The results of your mastopexy will be visible immediately after your procedure. The shape of your breasts will continue to change and settle over the next few months. You may notice your breasts becoming firmer and rounder. By maintaining a stable and healthy weight, you can retain your breast lift results.
Dr. Scot Glasberg knows that the first step in deciding to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure includes making sure that your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Glasberg and his team are committed to providing you with the best possible results and look forward to scheduling your consultation and answering any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment, please call us at (212) 717-8550.
