Mastopexy, commonly known as the breast lift, is a surgical procedure that improves the position of the breasts. The breast lift is typically performed on women who experience a significant degree of sagging or drooping in their breasts.
A number of different techniques can be used to perform a breast lift; the proper technique is largely dependent on the severity of breast sagging. During breast lift surgery, excess skin is removed from around the areola and the bottom of the breast, to tighten and lift the breast and nipple into a more attractive position. The nipple and areola are often moved to a higher position, typically in a location that is even with the breast crease.
Who can benefit from a breast lift?
Most of the time, a woman will undergo a breast lift because pregnancy and nursing has left her with stretched skin and breasts that exhibit a less desirable position. Women who meet the following criteria may be good candidates for mastopexy:
- Good health
- Realistic expectations
- Capable of understanding breast lift risks/benefits
- Exhibit breast ptosis, or breast sagging
- Not planning on future pregnancy (for longer lasting results)
The Breast Lift Consultation: Your First Step
During a consultation, Dr. Branman will examine and evaluate your breasts to determine if surgery can make an improvement. He will discuss with you the various factors that can affect your results, such as your age, breast size, breast shape, and skin tone. Another topic to discuss is whether breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants would be beneficial for you.
If surgery is an option and you wish to proceed, you may be advised to get a mammogram. Dr. Branman will also provide specific instructions on surgery preparation, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
Breast Lift Techniques
A breast lift is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, at a surgery center or a hospital. The operation usually requires about 2-3 hours time. The techniques utilized in surgery will vary, but the general goal is to bring about the best aesthetic improvement, with the smallest scar and the least amount of risk.
An anchor-shaped incision is the most common technique, which follows the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines an area from which skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. Skin is removed, the nipple is repositioned, and the breast is reshaped. Sutures are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area and along the breast crease.
A concentric (or donut) mastopexy technique may be utilized for patients with relatively small breasts and a minimal degree of sagging. This technique allows for smaller incisions around the areola.
There are other modified breast lift techniques that can be used as well.
After Breast Lift Surgery
After surgery is complete, you’ll be given an elastic bandage or special bra that is worn over the gauze dressings. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort should be expected for the first few days, and pain can be alleviated with prescriptions from the doctor. Stitches are removed after about 1 week.
After a short recovery period, your bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra, which must be worn for 3-4 weeks. Due to the swelling after surgery, patients should expect some loss of feeling in the nipples and breast skin. Normal sensation typically returns over the next 6 weeks. In some patients, numbness can last a year or longer.
Returning to Normal
Healing from surgery is a gradual process. Don’t expect to return to work right away. Most patients take a week or two, depending on how they feel. During the first 3-4 weeks, you shouldn’t be lifting or reaching high above your head. If you experience any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call our office.
Dr. Branman will provide detailed instructions regarding recovery and the resumption of activities. Strenuous activities such as aerobics are to be avoided for about 1 month. After that, we recommend that you resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant anytime after breast lift surgery, your ability to breast-feed should not be affected.
Breast Lift Scars
Dr. Branman makes every effort to ensure scars are inconspicuous, but it’s important to note that mastopexy scars will always be somewhat apparent. They will be red and slightly raised for a few months and gradually fade into thin white lines. You’ll still be able to wear low cut tops without revealing a scar.
The results of a breast lift won’t last a lifetime. Gravity, aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations can still change the appearance of the breasts over time. Those who undergo breast augmentation along with the breast lift often report longer lasting results.
What are The Risks?
The breast lift isn’t a simple surgery, but it is generally safe. All surgeries carry a risk of complications, including infection, reaction to anesthesia, or poor healing that results in prominent scars. You can reduce the likelihood of complications by closely following the instructions provided by Dr. Branman.
Breast lift surgery, and all cosmetic surgery procedures, are performed by Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman at Arkansas Surgical Hospital or in our in-office surgical suite.
Do you have questions or concerns about plastic or cosmetic surgery in Arkansas? 
