Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed to raise and reshape breasts that have sagged as a result of aging, pregnancy, weight loss, gravity or other factors. By trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissue, patients can achieve an uplifted, youthful breast contour. After surgery, the breasts are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. The nipple and areola can also be repositioned or resized during this procedure to further enhance the appearance of the breast.
Since a breast lift does not change the shape or fullness of the breasts, many patients choose to combine this procedure with a breast augmentation or reduction in order to achieve their desired results.
Candidates for Breast Lift
A breast lift is a safe and effective procedure for many women seeking to enhance the appearance of their drooping breasts, although there are certain restrictions on eligibility. The ideal candidates for a breast lift are women with:
In addition to sagging breasts, it is also important for women considering this procedure to be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations for surgery. It is recommended that women still planning to have children postpone this procedure, as pregnancy and nursing can counteract the effects of a breast lift.
Breast Lift Procedure
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours. Depending on the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the degree of sagging and amount of excess skin, your surgeon will determine an appropriate incision approach for the procedure, which may include:
After the incisions are made, breast tissue is removed and reshaped to achieve the desired breast contour. The nipple and areola may be moved higher on the breast or resized as well. Finally, any excess skin is trimmed to create a tighter, more defined appearance. When the breast lift is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches and tend to heal well.
Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects nearly half of all men, resulting in localized fat and/or glandular tissue in the breasts. For most cases of gynecomastia, the cause is unknown, but this condition may be linked to certain medications or diseases. Many men are embarrassed by this condition and seek treatment to achieve a smooth, contoured chest through male breast reduction.
Male breast reduction may be performed using liposuction, surgery or a combination of the two, depending on the amount and type of tissue found in the breasts. If the breasts consist of mostly fatty tissue, liposuction may be used to suction out fat from an incision in the nipple or underarm areas. For breasts with an excessive amount of glandular tissue, excision surgery may be performed, which requires cutting away the excess fat, skin and tissue through a larger incision. Your surgeon will determine which technique is best for you based on your individual goals for surgery.
After breast reduction surgery, patients will usually be able to return home the very same day. Post-operative symptoms may include swelling and discomfort, which can be managed through pain medication and compression garments worn for the first few days after surgery. Patients will be able to return to work once they feel well enough, but should avoid sexual activity and strenuous exercise for a week or two while the chest heals. For most patients, breast reduction surgery produces a flatter, more well-defined chest that can last for many years, as long as patients maintain a stable weight.
To learn more about the Breast Procedures we provide, please call us today to schedule a consultation.
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