Breast Lift
Or call us at (480) 223-9500
What is a breast lift (mastopexy) with augmentation?
Breast lift with augmentation refers to the combination of two very common breast procedures. The first, breast augmentation, is a procedure where breast size is increased using silicone or saline breast implants. It is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, breast enhancement surgery, or breast enlargement surgery. Breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States and has a very high rate of patient satisfaction.
Causes of breast sagging
Breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a procedure where the breast is reshaped to provide a more youthful appearance. A breast lift improves droopy or saggy breasts in 4 primary ways:
- The excess loose skin of the breast is reduced
- The breast tissue itself is reshaped, becoming firmer and more youthful
- The nipple is elevated to the center of the breast mound
- The size of the areola (pigmented skin around the nipple) is also reduced
Typical appearance before and after breast lift surgery
Breast augmentation and mastopexy are frequently performed together in a combined operation, although they can also be performed in separate, staged operations. During your consultation, Dr. Kelly or Dr. Forsberg will go over which procedures you are the best candidate for as well as the advantages and disadvantages of doing the procedures combined or separately.
For more detailed information about each procedure, click here:
Breast Augmentation (link to respective pages)
Breast Lift
Above is a patient of Dr. Forsberg’s who experienced deflation and drooping of the breasts following significant weight loss. She underwent simultaneous breast lift and breast augmentation using 400cc subpectoral silicone implants.
Will breast implants alone provide a lift without formal mastopexy?
While increasing the volume of the breast with an implant can fill out loose skin and improve the appearance of a slightly droopy breast, it will not elevate the nipple position. If there is significant skin excess, or a significant elevation of nipple position is desired, a breast lift will most likely be needed in addition to the implant to provide the best result. During your consultation, Dr. Kelly or Dr. Forsberg will perform a detailed physical exam after discussing your goals and expectations to help determine which operation is best for you. A good rule of thumb, however, is that if the nipple lies below the level of the lower breast fold, a breast lift will be needed to provide optimal results.
Where will I have scars after the breast lift (mastopexy)?
There are three primary patterns of scar location for a breast lift. The most common type of mastopexy performed is called a vertical mastopexy, with a scar resulting in a “lollipop” configuration around the areola and down the center of the breast.
Vertical mastopexy done with a “lollipop” scar
In some cases of mild drooping, a scar limited to the areola (periareolar scar) can accomplish the necessary lift and tightening.
Periareolar mastopexy
In other cases of severe ptosis or sagging, scars in an anchor configuration, around the nipple, down the center of the breast, and across the base of the breast may be needed to provide optimal shape.
Anchor scar mastopexy
Why would I consider getting breast implants in addition to a breast lift alone?
While a breast lift will result in a breast that appears more perky and youthful, it does not increase the overall volume of the breast. Additionally, while the breast can appear more full, the increase is primarily in the lower portion of the breast. Women who desire an increase in breast size or who are particularly concerned about improving the fullness in the upper portion or cleavage area of the breast, should also consider augmentation.
Pictured above is a 56yo patient old patient of Dr. Forsberg’s who wanted to improve the sagging of her breasts that occurred with age and after having several children. She did not want a large increase in size, and she wanted to enhance her cleavage and improve the fullness in the upper portion of her breasts. She chose to undergo a breast lift with augmentation using 213cc moderate profile silicone subpectoral implants.
See what patients of Dr. Forsberg have had to say about breast surgery.
Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgury
Connect With Us
© 2024 CDPS. All Rights Reserved. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices | Terms of Service
