The breast lift (mastopexy) can help eliminate the effects of pregnancy, gravity, and weight gain, which tend to cause stretching of breast tissue. Regular breasts, and even augmented breasts, can start to droop or sag. When breasts start to lose their shape and volume, nipples can change position or become enlarged, and stretch marks can form. Breast sagging is referred to as ptosis. The degree of ptosis varies based on the nipple’s location on the breast. A mastopexy reshapes the underlying breast tissue by pulling it upward to create a more youthful appearance.
Surgery will be based on your breast size and shape, the area and position of your nipples and areolas, the degree of sagging, elasticity and amount of excess skin. If needed, the areolas can be made smaller so that they no longer appear stretched or enlarged.
Often an augmentation or implant exchange is necessary to complete a breast lift because of the lack of existing breast tissue in the upper breast. A breast lift can be done at the same time as an augmentation to create a fuller, younger looking breast. A lift will require more incisions than an augmentation alone in order to properly reshape and lift the breast.
Incisions: Your surgery can be achieved through various techniques and incisions. The incisions are commonly referred to as crescent, lollipop, or anchor. The crescent incision is around the areola only. The “lollipop” is around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. The anchor is around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease. Incisions may vary according to your needs.
Dr. Self can help you to decide what breast lift procedure is right for you at your initial consultation.