Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a transformative procedure designed to elevate and reshape sagging breasts, providing a more youthful and uplifted appearance. Whether you’re looking to restore your breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding or combat the effects of aging and gravity a mastopexy might be the right procedure for you. Read on to understand the pros and cons and what you can expect when you undergo a procedure.

 

What Is A Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and firm the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. The goal is to enhance the overall aesthetics of the breasts, providing a perkier and more contoured appearance that many women desire.

Read More: Breast Lift

 

Benefits Of A Breast Lift

A breast lift offers several significant benefits, including restored youthfulness by counteracting the effects of aging, gravity, and life changes like pregnancy and breastfeeding. By lifting and reshaping the breasts, this surgery can help restore a youthful appearance. Additionally, the procedure enhances the overall body contour by lifting and firming the breasts, complementing a woman’s natural shape and improving her silhouette. Many women also experience a boost in confidence, feeling more comfortable in their bodies, which leads to improved self-esteem and a more positive self-image.

 

Types Of Breast Lift Procedures

There are a number of breast lift procedures to choose from depending on the shape and size of your body as well as the desired outcome you are looking to achieve.

Crescent Lift

The crescent lift involves a small incision along the top half of the areola and is ideal for women with minimal sagging. This technique provides subtle lifting and is often chosen by those who need only a slight adjustment to achieve their desired look. The crescent lift is less invasive, resulting in quicker recovery times and minimal scarring.

Periareolar (Donut) Lift 

The periareolar lift, or donut lift, involves a circular incision around the areola and is suitable for women with mild to moderate sagging. This method allows for more substantial lifting compared to the crescent lift while maintaining relatively inconspicuous scarring. It is an excellent option for those seeking a balance between effectiveness and minimal invasiveness.

Vertical (Lollipop) Lift

The vertical lift, or lollipop lift, includes incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, perfect for moderate sagging. This technique provides a significant lift and reshaping, addressing more pronounced sagging while maintaining a more natural breast shape. The resulting scar resembles a lollipop, which typically fades well over time.

Inverted T (Anchor) Lift

The inverted T lift, or anchor lift, involves three incisions: around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease. This method is ideal for significant sagging and offers the most comprehensive reshaping and lifting. While it results in more extensive scarring, the anchor lift is highly effective for those with considerable sagging or larger breasts.

 

Pros and Cons of Breast Lift with Implants

A breast lift goes hand in hand with implants and there are two main implants to choose from each with their own unique pros and cons. Let’s examine how saline and silicone implants compare.

Saline Implants

Saline implants offer several advantages and disadvantages. On the pro side, they are adjustable during surgery to achieve the desired size and symmetry, offering flexibility in achieving the perfect look. Additionally, because they are filled after placement, saline implants often require smaller incisions, resulting in less noticeable scars. If an implant ruptures, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body, making the rupture immediately noticeable. However, there are also a few cons to consider. Some patients find that saline implants feel less like natural breast tissue compared to silicone. Moreover, they are more likely to show rippling or wrinkling, particularly in women with less breast tissue, which can affect the overall aesthetic result.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants offer several notable benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, they tend to feel more like natural breast tissue, providing a more realistic and natural result. They are also less likely to show rippling or wrinkling under the skin, which enhances the overall appearance. Additionally, silicone implants come in a variety of shapes and textures, allowing for more customization to meet individual preferences. However, there are some downsides to consider. A rupture in a silicone implant may not be immediately noticeable without an MRI, as the gel may remain contained within the implant shell. Furthermore, silicone implants require a slightly larger incision for placement due to their pre-filled nature, which can result in more noticeable scarring.

Read More: Mitigating The Risks Of A Plastic Surgery Procedure Through Education And Care

 

Choosing the Right Surgeon

One of most important factors when undergoing any procedure is choosing the right plastic surgeon and finding one that will work with you to achieve your desired aesthetic and results. It all starts with the pre-surgery consultation. You should feel comfortable asking questions with your surgeon and ensuring they understand what you are looking for. Be sure to get examples of previous procedures they have done with before and after photos that will allow you to decide whether they can achieve what you are looking for. Lastly they should be board-certified and have an established plan for post-operative care with you that ensures if anything arises after the procedure you will have their full support.

 

The Breast Lift Procedure

Surgical Techniques and Incision Options

Your surgeon will discuss various incision options, including:

Crescent Lift Incision: Ideal for minimal sagging, with an incision along the top half of the areola, providing subtle lifting with minimal scarring.

Periareolar Incision: Suitable for mild to moderate sagging, with a circular incision around the areola, allowing for significant reshaping with less noticeable scarring.

Vertical Lift Incision: Perfect for moderate sagging, with incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, offering comprehensive lifting and reshaping.

Inverted T Incision: Best for significant sagging, with three incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease, providing the most extensive lifting and reshaping.

 

Anesthesia and Recovery Expectations

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about 2-3 hours and will result in some discomfort after including swelling and bruising. Expect to take pain reducing medication and be able to return to normal activities in a couple of weeks.

 

Long-Term Care And Maintenance

Ensure to follow your surgeons recommendations and show up to all of your follow-up appointments in order to monitor your breast health and recovery. Long term care will be different for everyone and you should stay vigilant about any changes to your breast or overall well-being. Ensure to eat a healthy diet and remain a stable weight to help prolong the benefits and results of your procedure.