Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

The following "Guide to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery" is an overview to cosmetic plastic surgery and was published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. 

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and re-contours loose, sagging breasts. You may decide you would like a breast lift because you have lost volume and tone in your breasts after having children. Another frequent reason for having this procedure is the loss of a significant amount of weight.

A breast lift improves the appearance of your breasts in several ways. It elevates your breast tissue, removes excess skin from the lower portion of your breast and then reshapes your remaining breast skin. At the same time, it relocates your nipple and areola (the pigmented skin surrounding your nipple) to a higher position. If your areolas have stretched over time, they can be reduced in size. Women who have their breasts lifted often may decide to also have them enlarged. If this is the case, an implant is placed behind the breast tissue or chest muscle (see Breast Enlargement).

A commonly performed breast lift technique (see illustrations) uses incisions that follow your breast’s natural contour. The resulting scar, which is permanent, will fade to some extent over time. It encircles the areola and then extends vertically down the breast and horizontally along the crease underneath the breast. There are other breast lift techniques that may eliminate the horizontal incision, the vertical incision, or both. The use of any particular pattern of incisions depends on individual patient factors and the surgeon’s recommendation.

Following surgery, you may be instructed to wear a supportive bra for several weeks. Swelling and discoloration are to be expected but will gradually subside. You may experience decreased breast or nipple sensation, which usually is temporary. You should be able to return to work within one or two weeks.

Illustrations from left to right:     1. A breast lift elevates and reshapes loose, sagging breasts.     2. Using this common technique, incisions follow your breast’s natural contour, defining the area of excision and the new location for the nipple. Skin in the shaded area is removed, and your nipple is moved higher. Variations in the placement of incisions may be used, depending on individual patient factors and the surgeon’s recommendations.     3. Skin formerly located above and to the sides of your nipple area is brought down and together to reshape your breast.     4. After surgery, your breasts will be positioned higher and feel firmer. The resulting scars are permanent but will fade to some extent over time.

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The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, neck and chin surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), surgery after massive weight loss, and tummy tucks. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables (Botox) and facial fillers (Radiesse and Restylane) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires.