Breast Lift or Mastopexy

Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts--at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume--for example, after pregnancy--breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

Procedure: Raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples.

Length: 1 to 3 hours.

Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general.

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Sometimes inpatient.

Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. Permanent scars.

Risks: Thick, wide scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breast.

Recovery: Back to work: 1 week or more. Strenuous activities: 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year.

Duration of Results: Variable; gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging. Results may last longer or be enhanced when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure.

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Mastopexy.cfm

Dr. Morwood is a board certified plastic surgeon in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  Please call (831) 646-8661 to set up a consultation.