Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

What is involved in a breast lift?
Breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. The use of implants alone will not lift the breasts.  Breast lift requires incisions to shape and firm the breasts.  The most common patterns of incision used are:

• Incision around the areola
• Incisions around the areola and the vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease
• Incisions around the areola and the vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease and finally extending horizontally in the breast crease

The size and shape of your breasts, size of your areolas, and extent of sagging are factors that will help Dr. Stephenson determine the best technique for you.  Occasionally, it may be determined that a small breast implant may be necessary or desired to enhance the fullness of the upper portion of the breast.  This can be done at the same time as the lift or at a later date.

Who is a good candidate?

• Good candidates are women who demonstrate:

  •	Breasts that have lost volume and shape
  •	Breast that are flat or elongated
  •	Breasts that have enlarged or stretched areolas
  •	Breast that have nipples that point downward and/or are below the crease of your breasts

• Non-smokers
• Overall good health 

What to expect during your consultation.
Dr. Stephenson will evaluate your overall health and more specifically evaluate your current breast size, breast shape and take measurements of the breast to help determine the amount of sagging that is present.  Additionally, Dr. Stephenson will evaluate your underlying bony anatomy of your chest, the presence of any breast masses (if any), laxity of skin of the breasts (if any) and your body shape in proportion to your breasts.  This evaluation will help him to develop your individual plan. He will also review the risks involved in breast lift surgery. Dr. Stephenson encourages you to discuss any areas of your appearance that concern you as well what you hope to accomplish with surgery.  This will help him understand your goals/expectations and whether these expectations can be realistically achieved.

Breast lift Recovery

At the completion of your breast lift procedure, you will be placed in a surgical dressing that may include a support bra.  Swelling is expected after breast lift surgery. The swelling will start to resolve during the first week or two after surgery, although this will vary between patients. Usually patients may return to work within three to five days.  Most patients can resume modest activity in two weeks.  Complete recovery occurs in about four to six weeks.

 

View 3D Animation of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast Lift

 

Breast Lift with Implants

 

 

BREAST SURGERY CREDENTIALS

Credentials matter. Dr. Stephenson is certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only medical specialty board for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Dr. Stephenson will be happy to discuss how a breast lift may be beneficial to you.  To schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephenson at Signature Plastic Surgery, call (770) 466-4700.