Breast Lift
The Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts and rejuvenates breasts that have begun to droop and sag. This sagging, also called ptosis, can be the result of aging, breastfeeding, or other factors.
Many women, in addition to sagging, experience loss of breast tissue and an enlargement of the areola, or the dark colored skin around the nipple. Depending on what specific problems each patient is experiencing, the breast lift might be combined with a breast augmentation, to restore or increase the fullness of the breasts, and a procedure to reduce the size of the areola.
Whether the breasts have begun to sag prematurely due to pregnancy and nursing, or whether it is just a result of the natural aging process, the breast lift procedure can effectively restore the firm, upright profile many women thought they'd lost forever.
The procedure
The breast lift procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision made to each breast, consisting of a semicircle shaped incision beneath the mammary fold, with another, straight incision going up to and around the areola, the darkened area of skin surrounding the nipple. This allows the cosmetic surgeon to remove excess tissue and skin, tightening the breast mound and placing the nipple in a position higher on the breast, recreating firmer, more youthful proportions.
Many mastopexy procedures also incorporate procedures to minimize the size of the areola, and may be combined with a breast augmentation to replace lost breast tissue and create firmer, fuller breasts.
There are few different types of breast lifts.
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Periareolar Mastopexy
The periareolar or "donut" mastopexy is a surgery that decreases the size of the breast and aims to create a rounder and more flat across the front area. It is a good option for those who want a mild breast lift. Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Kotis will discuss with you if this option is the best choice for you depending on what you what your desired outcome to look like.
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Vertical Mastopexy
The lollipop or vertical mastopexy is where the incision is made around the areola and down the center of the breast. This surgery is ususally performed for women who have mild to moderate breast ptosis. This option also allows for a reduction of the areola if the patient desires.
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Wiess Pattern
The Wiess Pattern is where the incision goes around the areola and also made underneath the breasts. This procedure is for severe breast ptosis where there is a lot of extra breast tissue. This is the most involved breast lift procedure and board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Kotis can help you decide if this procedure is best for you.
Frequently Asked Breast Lift Questions
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