Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Over time, breasts can loose their shape, firmness and start to sag. 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. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size and at the same time improve the shape and position of the breasts. This is known as a Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy. A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your confidence.

Ideal Candidates for Breast Lift

• breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
• breasts that lack substance or firmness
• nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease
• breasts that fluctuate in size

Breast Lift Procedure

The incisions depend on the size of the breasts and the degree the breasts sag. Most commonly Dr Gartner performs the procedure with a circumareolar or lollipop incision. Both of these incisions are also called the short scar breast lift. The circumareolar incision is made around the areola. The lollipop uses the circumareolar incision and runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. After Dr. Gartner has removed excess breast skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed. If used with an implant, then Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy can result in a smaller scar.

Breast Lift Recovery

The surgery usually takes two hours or less. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Sometimes, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze or other dressings may be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra. You may experience discomfort, swelling and bruising. The pain should not be severe and can be relieved with medications. You will need an adult to accompany you for the first 24 hours. . A soft cotton bra without an under wire is worn for the first two months to allow the implants to drop into position. Most patients return to work in one week. During your pre-op consultation Dr. Gartner and his staff will review all these details so you are fully prepared at the time of your surgery.

Patients confess restoring their breasts to a more youthful shape and position improves self esteem and confidence with their body image, take a look at some before and after images.