Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Mastopexy or "breast lift" is performed to re-shape a breast that has descended (ptosis) due to age, weight loss or post-pregnancy changes. The nipple is no longer centered on the breast mound and is lower than the inframammary fold.
1. Overview
For low-lying nipples the resulting scars are either the "lollipop" or the "anchor" scar.
2. Preoperative Considerations
The typical candidate for a breast lift is a patient who has recently lost weight or noted change in breast shape due to pregnancy.
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Patients that are not candidates for this type of surgery include:
Patients that smoke
Patients with a BMI > 32. Click here to calculate your BMI.
3. Surgical Considerations
The surgery can take from 2-3 hours. All stitches placed under the skin are dissolvable. Patients return home the same day as surgery.
4. Postoperative Considerations
After surgery dressings are left in place until you are seen in the office one week following surgery. Patients are asked to refrain from heavy lifting and exercise for 4 weeks after surgery. Most patients return to work after 2 weeks. Many patients are also asked to limit bra-wear for 2 weeks post-surgery to limit the amount of pressure placed on the incision.
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5. Possible Complications
The type of mastopexy performed depends on the breast size and on the degree of ptosis. Breast skin is always removed and in many cases the breast gland is rearranged to a higher position on the chest. The periareolar mastopexy is used in patients in whom the nipples are just below the inframammary fold. This places a scar around the areola.