The Mastopexy, commonly known as breast lift, is a procedure is done to restore a youthful shape to a breast that has begun to sag, particularly that seen in an aging breast. Likewise, after massive weight loss and childbirth, the normal retaining ligaments of the breast have become stretched and the breast tissue atrophies and sags. These changes cause the breast to appear saggy, deflated and softer than usual.
There are many different techniques used to restore a youthful shape and volume to an aging breast. We will tailor the surgical technique based on the degree of sagging tissue and your desired outcome.
Schedule a consultation at our Metairie office by calling 504-888-4297.
In order to lift the breast, a certain amount of skin must be removed. These incisions vary depending on the technique and usually heal very well. As a result of the skin removal, the volume of the lifted breast will be reduced by a small amount. Occasionally, a patient may wish to increase the volume of the lifted breast with an implant that may be placed at the same time as the lift. Not all patients are candidates for implant placement at the time of the breast lift. Whatever the motivation may be for undergoing this procedure, patients need to take time to reflect and feel confident that it is solely from an internal desire.
Mastopexy is a surgical procedure that requires incisions, although great care is taken to conceal them. We believe that this procedure is safest when performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Our goal is to restore the breast to a more youthful shape and position. The results can be long lasting but as we age, the size, shape and composition of the breast will continue to change.
The techniques include:
Inverted T Technique: This is the most common technique utilized as it allows for correction of significant degrees of ptosis. The procedure involves an incision around the nipple areolar complex, an incision from the bottom of the areola down to the inframammary fold (IMF) at the bottom of the breast, and an incision concealed within the IMF. This technique can transform a severely drooping breast to a perky, shapely, and youthful breast. Typically the only incisions visible after surgery are the incision around the areola and the vertical incision. The concealed IMF incision varies in length depending on the amount of lift and reshaping needed.
Vertical (“lollipop incision”) technique: This technique is best used for patients with minimal ptosis. It allows for a small about of areolar elevation along with minimal lift of the breast itself. The resulting incision is similar to the inverted T technique except there is no incision within the IMF. Although this option may seem more appealing to patients, it will not adequately correct severely drooping breasts.
Peri-areolar: This technique is used for patients that need a small about of elevation of the areola only. The incision is confined to around the areola and is commonly used in conjunction with a breast augmentation when nipple areolar complex remains slightly lower than desired after implant placement. “Peri-areolar” mastopexy does nothing to reshape the breast as do other techniques.
Mastopexy-augmentation: Restoring breast volume and shape in patients that have had severe deflation secondary to massive weight loss and breast feeding can be challenging with mastopexy alone. Some patients may be a candidate to receive a breast lift with and implant to help increase the volume loss that has occurred over many years.
While costs, surgical and recovery time will vary with each patient, we’ve included this chart to give you an idea of how to compare the breast lift procedure with other plastic surgery procedures.
Our office is located in Metairie near New Orleans. We offer a variety of plastic surgery procedures including body contouring, breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. To learn more about how we can help you, call 504-888-4297.
