A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure used to elevate and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipples. The size of the nipple-areolar complex can also be reduced during a breast lift if necessary. Breasts sag over time for many reasons including age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or genetics. A breast lift restores a youthful contour and reduces sagging.
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A breast lift is completely different than a breast augmentation. Breast lifts are ideal for women who like the size of their breasts in a bra, but don’t like the way their breasts look out of a bra. This operation can also be combined with a breast augmentation to improve shape and increase size at the same time.
You could be a candidate for a breast lift if your breasts are longer or lower than you desire. Often, mastopexy candidates have breasts that are elongated or pendulous with nipples that point down toward the ground. You may also be a candidate for a breast lift if your nipples are positioned below the crease of your breasts.
A breast lift, is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll need to avoid eating or drinking starting at midnight the night before surgery.
There is removal of excess skin to tighten the shape of the breasts and reduce the size of the areola. Often, women who are pregnant or nursing will ultimately choose to have a breast lift to regain some of their pre-pregnancy breast shape and youthful contour. A breast lift will not significantly increase or decrease the size of the breasts themselves. The nipples will also be readjusted and resized, and excess skin removed before closing the incisions. You may or may not need drains after the surgery, which typically stay in for about a week.
The first night after surgery is always the hardest in terms of pain. You should take the prescribed medications to keep yourself comfortable after surgery. Each day will feel a little better. You will be given detailed post-operative instructions for activity. Recovery after breast lift is about 1 week, after which you can return to
non-strenuous work. If you have drains, they will be removed about 1 week after surgery.
