Breast Lift

Explaining the breast in simplistic terms, Chicago-based plastic surgeon Rodger W. Pielet, MD, says “The breast is made up of an outer skin envelope and inner stuffing—breast tissue and fat. When the breast sags, it’s usually because the envelope is too big for the stuffing. Age, pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and genetics all contribute to changes in the breasts. Sagging, called ptosis, includes breasts that are flattened with an elongated shape and a nipple/areola complex that is pointed downward. In profile views of more pronounced cases of ptosis, the nipple/areola complex of an unsupported breast hangs visibly lower than the breast crease. For these women, wearing a support bra is a necessity to maintain a more normal appearance.

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, returns the breast to a more youthful shape and position. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher natural point of projection. Underlying breast tissue is tightened and sagging breast skin is reduced. It’s also possible to reduce the size of an enlarged areola. The result is perky breasts even without the constant support of a bra.

A breast lift does not change the amount of breast tissue a woman has, but does change the shape, which can affect your overall breast size. If size is important to you, an implant can be inserted during your breast lift to enhance size or firmness.

How it’s done

Dr. Pielet says that when you want to lift the breast, there are three options. “You can decrease the size of the skin envelope, you can increase the size of the stuffing or you can do a combination of both.” A breast lift, with or without an implant, is generally performed under local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are made to sculpt the new breast position and raise the nipple/areola complex. Incision patterns may include one or more of the following:

> Around the areola

> Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

> Horizontally at the breast crease

The recommended technique for your breast lift will be based on your breast size and shape, and the size and position of your nipple/areola complex. Equally important is the degree of breast ptosis, or sagging; the elasticity of your skin; and the amount of excess skin that your plastic surgeon plans to remove.

The new shape and position of your breasts will be visible immediately after surgery, however the new look will settle a bit over the following few weeks. Breast lift surgery is the only permanent way to restore a youthful body contour to the breasts. No amount of exercise or breast firming cream has ever been proven to produce measurable visible results.