Breast Lift
(Mastopexy)
Breast Lift Overview
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure can restore a more youthful and uplifted breast contour, often lost due to factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuations. While a breast lift can improve the shape and firmness of the breasts, it does not significantly change their size. For increased breast volume, a lift can be combined with breast augmentation using implants. Patients often seek a breast lift to enhance their self-image and feel more confident in their appearance.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Length of surgery: 2-2.5 hours
Anesthesia: General
Outpatient/Inpatient: Outpatient
Recovery: 4-6 weeks for full recovery
Insurance coverage: Typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance
Common reasons people seek a Breast Lift:
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Your breasts sag or have lost their youthful shape and firmness.
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Significant weight loss leaves excess skin that cannot be reduced with diet and exercise alone
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Your nipples and areolas point downward instead of forward.
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Your nipples fall below the breast crease when unsupported.
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One breast sits lower than the other.
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The skin on your breasts has stretched, or your areolas have become enlarged.
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You experience rashes or infections underneath your breasts due to sagging.
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Drooping breasts interfere with your lifestyle or physical activities.
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Your breasts have a flattened, elongated, or pendulous shape.
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You're unhappy with the shape and projection of your breasts.
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Your breasts have lost volume and shape due to pregnancy or aging.
Potential risks of Breast Lift surgery:
Breast lift surgery, while generally safe, carries several potential risks that patients should be aware of:
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Infection and Healing Complications: Risk of infection at incision sites, healing issues, and fluid accumulation (seroma).
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Aesthetic Issues: Scarring, breast asymmetry, contour irregularities, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and possible loss of nipple or areola.
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Surgical Risks: Bleeding, hematoma formation, anesthesia-related complications, and the need for revision surgery.
Common Benefits of Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery typically leads to a variety of psychological, aesthetic, and physical benefits in patients.
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Psychological benefits: Many women report increased self-esteem and body confidence after undergoing a breast lift, feeling more comfortable with their physical appearance
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Aesthetic benefits: A breast lift restores a perkier, and more youthful breast contour by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding breast tissue. The surgery can also reposition downward-pointing nipples, reduce enlarged areola appearance, and improve symmetry.
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Physical benefits: By lifting sagging breasts and potentially reducing breast size, a breast lift can alleviate skin irritation and painful chafing that often occurs underneath heavy, drooping breasts.
Post-operation recovery timeline
Remember that every patient's recovery is unique, and it's essential to follow your surgeon's specific instructions throughout the healing process.
Dr. Tuttle and her team made everything about the process simple, clear, and easy for me. Although I anticipated a long and rough recovery, I'm happy to report that I'm three months post-op and pretty much healed! Everyone I encountered at the clinic, from the receptionist to the nurses to Dr. Tuttle, was each very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. If there was a grade higher than A+, or a way to give more than 5 stars, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeons in Woodbury would get it from me!
Why Dr. Tuttle?
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with over 15 years of experience
Specializes in breast procedures including breast augmentation, lift, and reduction
Dr. Tuttle has a 98% patient satisfaction rate