EN ESPAÑOL           

BREAST LIFT

Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance. Mastopexy can reduce the extra skin and give the breasts their former firmer shape and feel. In some cases, breast implants are inserted in conjunction with a breast lift, which affords patients the ability to increase breast size in addition to obtaining a shapelier, firmer look.
  

How is a Breast Lift Performed?

A breast lift is usually done on an outpatient basis under sedation through general anesthesia. The design of the incision can vary, but usually includes an incision around the nipple-areolar complex and in the crease under the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a more pleasing contour. A breast lift involves moving the nipple and breast tissue to a higher level on your chest so that the nipple will lie at the level of the breast fold. The skin below the nipple is then tightened and contoured to your new shape. A breast lift can be done with or without a breast implant for breast enlargement. That decision will be based on your personal goals and the amount of available breast tissue.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift

Who is the best candidate for a Breast Lift?
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are healthy women at least 18 years of age who are bothered by sagging breasts. Other candidates include women who have fluctuated in breast size or have developed sagging breasts due to breastfeeding.

What are the risks of having a Breast Lift?
Any surgical procedure comes with inherent risk, such as the effects of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, swelling and discomfort. These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided. Thousands of women undergo breast lift surgery successfully every year and are very satisfied with the outcome. Dr. Burton will discuss the risks with you thoroughly during your consultation.

How long is the recovery period?

• You will go home with light dressings over your sutured incision lines.
• Your bandages will be removed in a few days at a post-operative visit, at which point a soft support bra will be worn for approximately 21 days.
• Your sutures are usually completely removed within seven to ten days. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
• Light activities may begin in seven to ten days.
• Scars are permanent, but will fade considerably over time. Results generally last 10 to 15 years.