As women age, the breasts lose shape and firmness. The skin gradually loses its elasticity and no longer holds the breasts in a youthful, upright position. Pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain and loss also add to the tissue burden of loss of skin elasticity. Women who have sagging breasts (ptosis) my benefit from breast lift (mastopexy). If there are also problems of excess volume or size of the breasts, a reduction may also be done at the same time. Volume loss may be corrected by breast augmentation at the same time. Asymmetries may also be improved.

Excess skin is removed, the nipple areolar (dark skin around the nipple) complex is lifted and the breasts are re-contoured to create a more youthful appearance with firmer breasts. Depending on preoperative size, appearance and asymmetries, the nipple areolar complexes may also be reduced.

 
 

There are incisions made directly on the breasts which may extend around the nipple areolar complex, into the front of the breast and into the breast fold, depending on the degree of droop, asymmetry and volume considerations.

 

 

Who is a Candidate?

  • Women who have sagging breasts.
  • Women who want to improve their breast shape.
  • Healthy women without underlying breast disease.
  • Women who will tolerate breast scars.

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    Intended Results

  • Higher breasts (lifted).
  • Tighter breast envelope (increased skin tightness).
  • Improved breast symmetry.
  • More pleasing breast shape.
  • More youthful appearance.

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    Procedure Description

  • Mastopexy operations are performed at an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
  • There are several types of mastopexy procedures depending on the severity of ptosis (breast droop). In most cases incisions are made around the nipple areolar complex and in front of the breasts. Sometimes they may extend into the breast fold.
  • The nipple areolar complex is lifted to a more youthful position.

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    Recuperation and Healing

  • Postoperative discomfort is usually controlled with oral medications and long-acting local anesthesia.
  • A soft bra or compression garment is usually worn for at least several days postoperatively.
  • The patient may be seen the next day.
  • Most sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed..
  • Light activity may be resumed in 7 to 10 days. Sports activities may be resumed in 6 weeks.

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    Other Options

  • Breast reduction or breast augmentation may be required with your mastopexy for the best results.
  • Breast contouring may be appropriate with mastopexy.

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