The breast lift, or mastopexy, encompasses several different surgical procedures designed to restore a woman’s breasts to a more youthful, firm, and shapely appearance. During the natural aging process, with weight gain and loss, and following pregnancy, the breasts support structures become stretched, leading to a change in the shape of the breasts and sagging (called ptosis). The support structures of the breast include Cooper’s ligament—a ligamentous band that helps suspend the breast from the chest wall, muscles (pectoralis major and minor), and connective tissue (i.e. collagen, elastin) in the skin. Breasts can form a variety of different shapes which have been given different names. For example, some woman have an enlarged bulging nipple relative to the rest of the breast; this is commonly called a “snoopy” breast. A “tubular” breast refers to a breast with a narrow base and prominant breast tissue in the front of the breast, leading to a tube shaped breast. Mastopexy, with or without augmentation is designed to rebuild the support structures of the breast, reshape the breast, and remove excess skin to restore a more youthful appearance.

There are a variety of plastic surgery procedures that are performed, depending on the nature of the cosmetic defect. The shape of the breast and the degree to which the breast and nipple hang down (called ptosis) often dictate the type of procedure performed. Ptosis is graded by measuring how far the nipple hangs down relative to the inframmary crease. The inframmary crease (or fold) is where the breast meets the chest wall under the breast. To calculate ptosis, a ruler is placed across the chest into the inframmary crease and the distance between the center of the nipple and the top of the ruler is measured. If the nipple is above or just over the ruler, this is called Grade 1 ptosis. Grade 2 ptosis is defined as the nipple measuring 1-3 cm below the ruler, If the center of the nipple is more than 3 cm below the top of the ruler, this is called Grade 3 ptosis. Pseudoptosis occurs when the nipple is above the mammary crease but the breast itself is flattened and droopy. Assymetry (one breast is different size or shape than the other) is another normal finding in women’s breasts that can be corrected with mastopexy.

How is the breast lift procedure performed?

Depending on the procedure, mastopexy can be performed with local or general anesthesia. The surgery can take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours under normal circumstances. Below are descriptions of a selection of different procedures that are used; note that there are many different names for similar procedures. The Crescent procedure involves removing a crescent shaped piece of tissue from above the areola (from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock) and then suturing the defect closed which lifts the nipple and breast upwards. The Benelli lift removes a donut-shaped piece of tissue from around the areola and the defect is sutured with a stitch called a purse string suture. The Benelli-Lollipop uses the same technique as the Benelli but also includes an incision from the areola to the inframammary fold. This allows more skin and breast tissue to be removed and reshaped. The most common technique is called full mastopexy and is used when the degree of ptosis is maximal. In this procedure, an anchor-shaped incision is made around the nipple and down towards the inframmary crease. Incisions are also made along the base of the inframmary crease. Using such a procedure, the nipple can be moved up by as much as 8 cm. More Breast Lift Facts...

What is the recovery period like after a breast lift procedure?

Immediately after surgery, your breast will be sore and swollen. You will have bandages, sometimes a drain (to drain excess fluid), and a supportive bra. You will need to wear a supportive bra twenty four hours a day for several weeks. Drainage of fluid and crusting is normal. You should be up the first day after surgery but most patients do not return to work for about a week. Strenuous activities, including sexual activities, should be avoided for several weeks. More Breast Lift Facts...

What are the risks of mastopexy or breast lift?

There are multiple risks associated with mastopexy. It is critical to understand these risks and to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your surgery. Only through an in-depth discussion with your surgeon will you be able to understand the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. Nipple necrosis leading to loss of the areola and/or nipple is a rare but serious side effect. Nipple necrosis is caused by impaired blood flow to the nipple and areola after surgery. The risk of this complication is higher in smokers. Asymmetry of the size, shape and level of the nipple is a common complication. It is impossible to create perfect symmetry and small differences should be expected. Major asymmetries can be corrected through an additional procedure. Inability to breast feed after breast lift can occur but many of the procedures used today usually do not affect breast feeding. The risk varies with the type surgery. Mastopexy can lead to changes in the skin sensitivity because removal of skin involves cutting through nerves that are in the skin. Often, sensation in the nipple returns over months to years. Fluid accumulation in the breast, called a seroma, can occur after mastopexy. Seromas can be drained and usually resolve within a few weeks. Accumulation of blood in the skin after surgery is called a hematoma and usually must be removed surgically. Hematomas can increase the risk of infection and may increase the scarring. It is important that you stop all over the counter, herbal, and prescription medications and vitamins that affect bleeding to decrease your risk of hematoma formation. Scarring occurs with any surgery and final scar appearance cannot be predicted. A scar can vary from a nearly invisible line to a large, raised, discolored scar. Unattractive scars can be treated through medical or surgical intervention. Infection is always a risk of surgery. You may be given antibiotics after the surgery and post operative wound care is important as well. Finally, your breasts may stretch and change in ways that are unattractive after surgery. More Breast Lift Facts...

What is the cost of a breast lift?

Breast lift costs vary from doctor to doctor depending on other fees such as anesthesia and operating fees. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average breast lift costs in 2004 was $4,053. You should contact a physician to learn more about the costs. More Breast Lift Facts...

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.