Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

 

The medical term for a breast lift is Mastopexy. This is performed to lift sagging breasts and can be performed on breasts that already have breast implants in place. Breast lifts can also include the placement of breast implants. There are different breast lift surgical options and the type of breast lift you need will depend on various factors including:

 

• The degree of lift desired
• The amount of skin that needs to be removed
• The scars that are acceptable

 

A breast uplift will not change the overall size of your breasts substantially change the size of your breasts. If you want your breasts made smaller you will need a breast lift with breast reduction surgery. In the UK it may be possible to have breast reduction surgery, via the NHS.

 

Types of Breast Lifts

 

When deciding what type of breast lift is most suitable you should ideally discuss all of the options with your plastic surgeon. The location of breast lift scars will depend on the type of breast lift.

 

Crescent Breast Lift

The crescent breast lift is usually only recommended to correct a small degree of sagging and the best breast lift on small breasts.

This option does not allow for relocation of the nipple, is less invasive, and only requires an incision around the upper top half of the areola. When there is excess skin, inserting a breast implant may be recommended with this option, to provide extra volume and fill out the skin that is causing the breasts to sag.

 

Periareolar Breast Lift

The periareolar breast lift is also referred to as a doughnut lift and is normally recommended when there is mild to moderate sagging. The advantage of this procedure over the crescent breast lift is that it makes it possible to remove more skin and relocate the position of the nipple. Two incisions are made, one around the outer edge of the areola and another one a short distance away, which forms a doughnut shape. The skin is then removed and the incisions are sutured together. This means the only scar is limited to the outer edge of the areolar.

 

Vertical Breast Lift

The vertical breast lift is also referred to as a lollipop lift and is normally recommended for moderate sagging. This type of breast lift requires an incision that runs around the outer edge of the areolar and another incision that runs vertically, from the middle of the bottom edge of the areolar to the inframammary fold (breast crease). The incisions create a lollipop shaped scar.

 

Inverted T or Anchor Breast Lift

The inverted T breast lift is also referred to as an anchor breast lift and is usually the best breast lift for large breasts with significant sagging, as it makes it easier to remove larger quantities of excess skin. Three incisions are required for an anchor breast lift. One incision is made around the outer edge of the areola, the second incision is made vertically from the edge of the bottom of the areolar, up to the inframammary fold (breast crease). The third incision is made in the inframammary crease. This is the most common type of lift that is performed when a breast reduction is also requested.

 

Breast Lift vs Breast Reduction

A breast lift and a breast reduction are normally combined. Although a breast lift can be performed without removing breast tissue. The crescent lift and periareolar breast lift can both be performed, without breast reduction. This is usually performed for smaller breasts, where only excess skin is causing the breasts to sag.

 

Breast Lifts and Drains

Drains may be required when a breast lift has been performed, they are also more likely to be required if breast implants or a breast reduction is required. Drains allow excess fluid and blood to drain away which helps to prevent hematomas (collection of blood) and seromas (collection of fluid) and subsequent complications.

 

Breast Lift Recovery Time

Recovery for each type of breast lift will vary, after a crescent breast lift, most patients only take three to five days off work. An anchor breast lift may take a little longer. The final breast shape is usually formed after 12 weeks, although there may be residual swelling for up to 6 months.

Breast Lift Scars

Breast lift scars are often a concern. Although scars are not avoidable, different surgical techniques can improve the appearance of scars. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon who should explain what incision methods they will use and why. The main concern is the possibility of keloid scarring resulting in dark, thicker scars that are very noticeable. If you have ever had any keloid scarring anywhere on your body, let your plastic surgeon know so they can take appropriate precautions.

Breast lift Risks and complications

All types of breast lifts have associated risks and complications which tend to increase when breast reduction is also requested. The main complications include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Necrosis (death of cells)
• Keloids or hypertrophic scars
• Asymmetry with breast size and shape
• Loss of nipples if they are detached to be relocated
• Never damage, which can cause numbness in nipples and, or in other areas of the breasts
• Breast implant extrusion (when breast implants are inserted)

 

Recovery After a Breast Lift

 

On the day of surgery you will probably wake up in some pain and discomfort. Swelling and bruising and pain should improve over the following week and most women take at least one week off work.

Stitches are usually dissolvable and the first follow-up consultation will normally take place two weeks after a breast lift. The majority of the bruising and swelling should have gone after approximately six weeks and your breast shape should start to look more normal.

After around 12 weeks almost all swelling should have gone and you will have a good idea of how your breasts will look. After a year your breast shape is not going to change much, although over time and as you age breasts will naturally sag.

If your breast lift is uneven, or you are unhappy with the result after 12 weeks,  speak with your plastic surgeon. Occasionally revision surgery may be required.

 

 

Cosmetic Surgery Advancements and Breast Lifts

 

The OrbiShape™ (Implanted Bra)

 

The OrbiShape™ is a revolutionary alternative to a breast lift. This medical device has also been called the “internal bra”. Made from thin silicone the Orbishape is a sling that is attached

to the rib cage, with titanium screws and surgical thread. Implantation of the OrbiShape™ has been demonstrated live during successful surgery, performed by Prof. Hamdi, at the annual CATBBAS conference in Brazil.

The OrbiShape™ can be used with or without breast implants and also provides an alternative way to give internal support to extra-large breast implants.

“OrbiShape™ presents a true breakthrough ….; it is gratifying that after 5 years of clinical trials and patient follow up we have excellent and stable results.” says Professor Hamdi, Head of the Plastic Surgery Department at the UZ Brussels Hospital who performed the live surgery in Brussels.

Mr. Yossi Mazel, CEO and Medical Director of Orbix Medical based in Irael, was enthusiastic about the device and has said  “OrbiShape™ is a long awaited simple and safe device that brings a valuable addition to the standard procedure without compromising time or procedure methodologies.”

Approved for use in the UK and many other countries in Europe, the OrbiShape™ is not FDA approved and cannot be used in America.

 

The Dermal Matrix Breast Lift

This breast lift provides an alternative breast lift for breasts that have a large degree of sagging or excess skin. The advantage of the dermal matrix breast lift is the single incision that is made around the areola. The breast tissue is molded internally and excess skin is reduced with a second circular incision, that is created a small distance from the edge of the areola. The procedure incorporates an acellular dermal (ACD) matrix which is attached to the chest wall. The ACD matrix is implanted to support the breast tissue and helps to prevent the breasts from sagging in the future. This procedure is also performed to provide extra large breast implants with additional support.

 

Breast Lift Questions

 

Q. Can a breast lift help with back pain?

A. Large breasts may cause back, shoulder, and neck pain which might improve following abreast lift with breast reduction.

Q. Can breast lift affect breastfeeding?

It is recommended you do not have a breast lift if you think you might want to breastfeed.

Q. Can a breast lift be done with local anesthesia

A breast lift can be done under local anesthesia. However, most plastic surgeons will perform a breast lift under general anesthesia, as this gives more control over time and is more comfortable for the patient.

Q. Is it safe to have a breast lift and tummy tuck surgery?

This will depend on the type of breast lift and the amount of skin that needs removing for the tummy tuck. Some plastic surgeons prefer not to perform a breast lift and tummy tuck, due to the increased risk of complications.

Q. Does breast lift affect sensation?

A breast lift is likely to reduce sensation and some areas of the breast may feel numb. This risk is reduced if you are having a crescent lift.

Q. How long does a breast lift last?

A. Breast lift results are not permanent, however, they will last longer if you don’t lose or gain significant weight.

Q. Can you breastfeed after a breast lift?

A. Surgeons strongly recommend against having a breast lift if you intend to breastfeed. This is due to the high risk of breast ducts being damaged and cut during breast lift surgery.

Q. How much does a breast lift cost?

A. The cost of a breast lift will depend on the type of breast lift and if you want to have breast implants inserted. The price of a breast lift will vary between £5500 and £7000. In the U.S the cost is between $4500 and $6000. The cost of a breast lift will typically depend on the type of procedure and the experience of the plastic surgeon.