Procedure name:
Breast Lift - Mastopexy

Anticipated result of the procedure:
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. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. After a breast lift, the bustline will appear higher and more youthful looking, and the firm texture of the breasts will be rejuvenated. This procedure can be combined with breast implants to enhance the size of breasts as well as the shape.

Procedure Description:
Breast lift technologies vary but have the same goals—raise the nipple and reproject the breast mound. Some breasts require more internal reshaping while others need more skin removal. Depending on your particular needs, scars may be only around the nipple complex (perpendicular), around the nipple complex and down to the breast fold (vertical), or around the nipple complex and down to the fold with extensions along the fold (inverted “t”, anchor-shaped). Your surgeon will recommend the optimal procedure for your breast size and shape.

Length:
1 to 3 hours

Anesthesia:
General Anesthesia.

In/ Outpatient:
Outpatient

Temporary Side Effects:
Bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast skin.

Recovery:
Back to work in 1 week or more. More strenuous activity 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: several months to 1 year.

Duration of Results:
Variable. You can expect to maintain your new breast shape, unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant. The breast will still age with gravity and diminished skin elasticity over time. Breast projection can be maintained longer with the addition of a breast implant (augmentation – mastopexy).

Risks:
Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery. Mastopexy does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction

Top Duke specialists:
Michael Robert Zenn, MD
Gregory Georgiade, MD

FAQs

When will I achieve the final result?:
Generally within 2 - 4 months.

Do I have to wear special garments?:
Yes, a specialized garment will help to shape the breasts and allow the full effect of the surgery. The garment should be worn continually until your surgeon removes it.

What can I do to lessen the visibility of incisions?:
By massaging the incisions beginning at 2 weeks after surgery can increase the blood supply and lessen the thickness of the lines as well as speed the healing. The placement of the incisions is a vital part of the preoperative discussion. These are placed in around the nipple. These are usually well hidden.