There are many reasons why the shape of the breast can change and may require breast lift surgery as a means to correct the changes and return the body to more natural proportions. Some of the factors that can affect the shape of the breast are weight gain during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging. Of course, all of these factors are completely natural parts of life, but they can significantly impact how a woman feels about herself. It’s not uncommon for women who come in for a breast lift consultation at California Skin Institute to suggest that their bodies don’t feel like their own. Some women may even experience physical discomfort and seek a breast lift not just as a means to create an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, but to increase comfort during daily activities.

Breast Lift and Augmentation

Many women seek to improve the shape of the breast without changing the size. For these situations, a mastopexy, also known as a “breast lift,” can improve the shape of the breast through the use of surgery, without any need for breast implants. The surgery is designed strictly to lift the breast and return its shape to a more natural state.

However, some patients also desire to combine their lift with breast augmentation. During this procedure the breast will be lifted to improve the shape, and implants can be carefully placed for added volume that looks natural.

California Skin Institute doctors have extensive experience with both the regular breast lift, as well as one combined with augmentation. When you visit us for a consultation, we will gladly discuss all options with you and tailor the surgery to your specific goals.

How is a Breast Lift Performed?

The key feature of breast lift surgery is to create a lifting effect that changes the shape of the breast and repositions the areola. During the operation, your California Skin Institute surgeon will remove excess skin, and will sculpt the breast mound to create a natural, youthful appearance. Further, the surgeon will reposition the nipple so that it appears higher, and can reduce the size of the areola during the breast lift to reduce effects of stretched skin caused by breastfeeding.

Types of Mastopexy

There are many types of mastopexy and there is no “one” best technique. At California Skin Institute we believe in a medical culture that tailors surgery to the unique needs of the patient, and the choice of breast lift surgery technique will depend on the patient’s body and breast shape.

For some patients, California Skin Institute surgeons use the peri-areolar technique. In this type of breast lift surgery the incision is made around the nipple, and allows for a smaller scar. This operation is best suited for women who need a relatively minor adjustment in breast shape, as the skin around the areola is thin, and the suture cannot sustain significant force after the surgery without re-stretching the areola. Your California Skin Institute surgeon will carefully access your needs before breast lift surgery, and will discuss whether the peri-areolar technique will yield the best long-term outcomes in your situation.

Another approach is to use the lollipop incision, which is a short vertical scar that travels to the bottom of the breast mound. This technique is often used for patients who need a more dramatic change, and allows for a stronger suture to hold the lifted breast.

Lastly, there is the “inverted T” breast lift, which is sometimes referred to as the anchor technique. Here, the surgeon will make an incision around the nipple, down to the breast mound, as well as underneath the breast. This breast lift surgery technique is commonly used to help patients with the most significant changes, as the incision allows for the greatest lifting of the breast.

The breast lift surgery typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the patient, and is typically performed under general anesthesia. The operation can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure, with the patient going home following surgery. A family member or friend should be available to spend the night with the patient.

Breast Lift Scars

The extent of breast lift scars will depend on the type of procedure performed. The peri-areolar breast lift will provide a smaller scar, while the anchor technique will have a larger scar. However, in all cases the scars should fade significantly over time.

Breast Lift Recovery

The initial recovery from breast lift surgery is approximately one week, but will vary depending on your unique situation. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for two weeks or more, with specific aftercare instructions and guidance provided by your surgeon. Some patients may need to avoid lifting heavy objects over their head for a period of several months, to reduce pressure on the chest while the breasts are healing from the surgery.

Breast Lift Results

Results are generally long-lasting, but depend on an individual’s skin elasticity and lifestyle. During your initial consultation and after the operation, your California Skin Institute surgeon will discuss with you in detail all after-care instructions to ensure proper healing and more favorable outcomes.

Disclaimer

Treatment results will vary, talk to a practitioner to see if this treatment or procedure is right for you.