Procedure: Breast Lifts; Mastopexy

Purpose: To shape and reposition the breasts.

Surgery Length: 2-4 hours.

Anesthesia: General and/or local with I.V. sedation.

Where: Outpatient or overnight stay.

Recovery: Temporary swelling, numbness and bruising.

Back to work: 1-2 weeks.

Full activities: 3-4 weeks.

Risks: Bleeding, scarring, tissue loss, infection, uneven nipple position, loss of sensation in breasts and nipples.

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A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to raise and reshape sagging breasts. With age, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. The skin loses its elasticity, the breasts lose their shape, and they begin to sag. A breast lift repositions the breasts into a desired position and gives a more pleasing contour and shape. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

A mastopexy can be done in conjunction with breast augmentation for women who have small breasts or have lost breast volume (due to age, pregnancy, or other factors). To achieve this, breast implants are inserted during the mastopexy to increase both breast firmness and size. Breasts of any size can be lifted and enhanced, but please note that results may not last as long for heavy breasts.

Many women desire a mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. Anyone planning to have more children, however, should postpone a breast lift: while there are no special risks that will affect future pregnancies (for one, mastopexy usually does not interfere with breast feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch the breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.

During the procedure, the surgeon will mark the areas of skin that will be removed above and below the areola. The nipple will then be moved to a new, higher position while the excess skin above and below the nipple is removed and the breast reshaped. The procedure takes approximately two to four hours and is performed in an outpatient surgery facility.

Dr. Daniel Man and his staff will be happy to discuss breast lifts with you. Please call for a private consultation at 1-800-232-5508 or schedule an appointment online.