A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape drooping or sagging breasts.  As a woman ages, or after pregnancy, the skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness.  This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance.  A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation).

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:

• Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
• Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
• Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
• Bring back more pleasing shape after weight loss.

General Procedure

The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours.  Techniques vary, and may be as small as around the areola (darker skin around the nipple), or as long as an anchor-type incision around the areola and along the underside of the breast.  When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position.  

It is possible to perform a breast augmentation at the same time as the breast lift, however this is not appropriate for all patients, and does involve a greater risk of complications. This decision must be made during the preoperative consultation with your surgeon to determine if it is a safe option for you, and if it will achieve your overall goals.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  Bandages are applied right after surgery, and instructions for removal and showering are provided. Once the bandages are removed, the patient may need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication.  Patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions.