How is a Breast Lift Performed?
Breast sagging is a common, and often unavoidable, aesthetic concern for many women. That’s why breast lift surgery is so consistently popular. Also known as mastopexy, breast lift surgery can help women achieve perkier, younger-looking, better-positioned breasts. Since I often hear from prospective patients who are curious how this procedure is performed, I wanted to take some time to run through the basic steps of breast lift surgery.
Step #1: Anesthesia
To help comfort patients during a breast lift, anesthesia is administered before the procedure begins. A breast lift is typically performed under general anesthesia, but we will discuss your options in more detail during the consultation.
Step #2: Making the Incision
Depending on your breast size and skin, we will determine will be the most beneficial approach for you. There are three different incision methods that can be used during a breast lift. An incision will either be made around the areola, around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, or vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease.
Step #3: Lifting the Breasts
Once the incision is made, the real work begins. I start by lifting and reshaping the underlying breast tissue to improve breast position and firmness. The nipple and areola may be repositioned to a more natural height. In some cases, enlarged areolas can be reduced if the patient prefers. To help treat lost elasticity and sagging of the breast, excess breast skin is removed.
Step #4: Finishing Up
Once the breast tissue has been lifted and repositioned, it is time to close the incisions. I always try to conceal incision lines in the natural breast contours using special techniques to help reduce visual scarring. It’s important to remember that scarring after a breast lift will fade significantly over time. Sutures are layered within the breast tissue to help support the breasts.
The true first step for patients interested in a breast lift (or any other cosmetic surgery procedure) is a consultation appointment with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Finding the right plastic surgeon to perform your breast lift can make all the difference in the world. For more information on breast lift surgery or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more cosmetic surgery tips, videos, and news.