Mastopexy
[breast lift]
Mastopexy
[breast lift]
Pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift can raise and reshape sagging breasts and reduce the size of the areola, giving you perkier, younger-looking breasts.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure used to lift and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues.
Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Ideal candidates for a breast lift should meet the following criteria:
- In generally good health
- Nonsmokers
- Have realistic expectations
- Struggling with sagging breasts that have lost shape or volume
- Have nipples and areola that point downward hand below the breast crease.
- Struggling with breast asymmetry
Before and After Photos
Look at the amazing results you can achieve with a breast lift at Atalla Plastic Surgery! Dr. Atalla and Dr. Durnen are experts in their field and can help you see beautiful results like these.
Types of Breast Drops
Empty Sac Syndrome
Empty sac syndrome occurs when the breast loses shape and fullness. It can happen for a number of reasons, including pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and breastfeeding.
Pseudoptosis
Pseudoptosis is the mildest form of breast sagging and occurs when the breast tissue drops below the nipple, but the nipple stays above the breast crease.
Ptosis
With ptosis, the breasts sag and droop due to a loss of elasticity in the skin and tissues. The nipples will often point downward and be below the breast crease.
Types of Breast Lift Incisions
There are a number of breast lift incisions, and which one is right for you will depend on the amount of lift that’s needed and the results you’re looking for.
Anchor Lift
The anchor incision circles the areola and then goes vertically down to your breast crease. The incision continues horizontally along the breast crease. It gets its name from the shape it creates. This incision is typically done on individuals with substantial sagging.
Donut Lift (Circumareolar)
This incision completely circles the areola. The donut incision is one of the most common and is usually used to address mild to moderate sagging.
Crescent Lift
The crescent incision is often done on women who only have mild sagging. The incision forms a half-circle along the top of the areola.
Lollipop Lift (Vertical)
The lollipop lift incision circles the entire areola and then extends vertically down to the breast crease. This is as common as the donut lift and is typically done on women with medium-sized breasts who are struggling with moderate to severe sagging.
What To Expect During The Consultation
During your breast lift consultation with Dr. Atalla or Dr. Durnen, they’ll review your medical history, perform an exam, and ask you about your goals. This is the perfect time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure and the recovery process. After your consultation, you can schedule your surgery, and your doctor will build a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
Breast Lift Procedure Steps
Your breast lift procedure will begin with anesthesia. We typically administer general anesthesia to ensure you’re completely comfortable. From there, Dr. Atalla or Dr. Durnen will make the appropriate incision based on what you discussed during your consultation and lift and shape your breasts. Once everything is finished, they’ll close the incisions, and you’ll be ready to start the recovery process.
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
Recovering From Breast Lift Surgery
After your breast lift, you’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Dr. Atalla or Dr. Durnen will prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort and provide you with a compression garment to ease swelling. You’ll want to rest as much as possible, avoid smoking and alcohol, and avoid strenuous activities. You’ll also need to sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on your breasts.
You can return to light activities after about a week but should still avoid strenuous exercise for a few more weeks. As the swelling subsides, you will be able to fully see your results.
Final Results of Breast Lift Surgery
The final results of breast lift surgery typically take a few months to be completely visible as swelling fully goes down and the breasts settle into their new shape and position.
What is the Cost of a Breast Lift?
The cost of breast lift surgery can vary from patient to patient. It depends on the extent of the surgery, the type of incision made, and how much excess skin is removed. Please call our office and schedule a consultation so that we can prodvide you with specifics and a detailed surgical quote,
Risks of Breast Lift
Risks come with any surgery, and a breast lift is no different. Some of the risks associated with a breast lift include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Changes in sensation in the nipples and skin
- Nerve damage
- Breast asymmetry
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation today, call our Bowling Green office at (270) 563-7732 or message us using our online contact form.