Breast Lift
(Mastopexy)
What’s it address: Sagging, deflated (elongated) shape of the breasts
Recovery: 1-3 weeks
Technique: Will be individualized for you. Vertical (lollipop) and Wise pattern (anchor) are the most common. Periareolar is a choice for those in need of a less dramatic lift.
Anesthesia: Twilight anesthesia (conscious sedation) or general anesthesia.
Commonly combined with other procedures
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts, creating a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Breasts tend to lose their youthful appearance and sag over time. This process can be hastened by changes in weight, breast feeding, and having larger breasts.
Breast Lift Consultation:
We will meet and discuss your aesthetic goals at length as well as evaluate your overall health to ensure you are a good candidate for a breast lift. We will also discuss scars at length. Dr. McEwan always uses as little scarring as reasonably can be done. In general, the greater the degree of droop you have, the greater degree of scarring you need. The two most common scar designs are the lolli pop (vertical technique mastopexy - a circular scar around the areola and a vertical scar from the areola to the bottom of the breast) and the anchor shaped scar (Wise pattern mastopexy), which is a lolli-pop scar plus an additional scar running horizontally in the crease below the breast. If this extra scar is necessary, it hides nicely underneath the breast.
We will also discuss whether or not implants are desired. Implants are certainly not required in a breast lift; however, many patients choose to have implants placed at the same time as their lift to increase volume, fullness of the upper part of the breast, or both. There are important considerations to evaluate when considering whether or not to have both procedures at the same time. We will discuss those at length during your consultation.
The Procedure:
Breast lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia and usually take a couple hours. It is an outpatient surgery.
Care and Recovery:
There is not much care that you have to perform afterwards. No drains are used and all the sutures dissolve on their own. You will need to wear a non-underwire elastic bra (like a sports bra) at all times after surgery for a couple weeks. Most women are able to return to light activity and work in a week, but more strenuous exercise will need to be avoided for about a month.
Results:
You will have some mild swelling and bruising after surgery. This usually resolves in about a week. It will take at least a few weeks for your breasts to settle into their final position. Scars on the breast fade over time and are rarely an issue.
Many patients experience a boost in self-confidence and are thrilled with their breasts in a more youthful position.