Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Changes in breast shape and / or volume occur for a variety of reasons. As we age, our skin slowly loses its elasticity causing it to stretch and even droop.
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This aging of the breast skin may be exacerbated following periods of hormonal and / or weight fluctuations such as during pregnancy or menopause. Though it varies from person-to-person, typical changes in the breasts over time include:
- Replacement of glandular (breast) tissue with fat
- Descent of the glandular / fat tissue below the breast fold
- Stretching of the breast skin with drooping of the nipple / areola (ptosis)
- Development of stretch marks (striae)
- Volume changes of the whole breast or isolated to the upper portion of the breast (usually volume loss or hollowing)
- Decreased sensation of the nipple / areola and surrounding breast skin
A mastopexy is a cosmetic procedure designed to restore youthful breast shape and contour. This is typically accomplished by reducing the diameter of, and lifting the nipple / areola while tightening the surrounding breast skin. If your breasts are asymmetric at baseline, some breast tissue may be removed from the larger breast to improve overall symmetry.
A distinction must be made between breast volume and breast shape. A mastopexy primarily addresses breast shape. In other words, if you are dissatisfied with the shape of your breasts, but overall satisfied with the volume of your breasts, particularly when wearing a brassiere, then a mastopexy alone may be all that is required. If, however, you are dissatisfied with the shape and volume of your breasts, even in a brassiere, then volume must be added at the time of mastopexy, either in the form of fat grafting or a breast implant, in order to give you the results you seek.
Dr. Gougoutas may recommend the use of an absorbable mesh at the time of your mastopexy. This mesh disappears completely after ~ 3 months, but the thin layer of scar tissue it leaves behind serves as an “internal brassiere” to stabilize the suspended breast tissue and improve the durability of your result. Dr. Gougoutas will discuss whether you are a candidate for mesh at the time of your consultation.
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After
Before
After
What Are Other Differences Between A Breast Reduction And A Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
| Mastopexy | Reduction | |
| The areola is reduced in diameter and repositioned, with the nipple, to a higher, more youthful position on the breast | + | + |
| Breast volume is removed | +/- | + |
| Skin of the breast is tightened to provide a youthful, rejuvenated appearance | + | + |
| An incision is placed around the areola | + | + |
| A vertical incision is placed under the areola down to the breast fold | +/- | + |
| An incision is placed under the breast | +/- | + |
| Includes liposuction | +/- | +/-
Not covered by insurance. Inquire at the time of your consultation. |
| Covered By Insurance | No | +/- |
| Done as an Outpatient | + | + |
| Requires Surgical Drains | +/- | +/- |
Q. How do I know if I need a reduction done at the time of my lift?
A. A breast reduction addresses volume and shape, whereas a breast lift addresses primarily shape. If you are happy with the volume of your breasts in a bra, then you likely do not need a reduction at the time of your breast lift.
Q. Can my breasts be enlarged with a lift?
A. Tightening of loose, redundant breast skin typically makes the breasts appear slightly smaller even though little skin volume is removed. While a lift rejuvenates breast shape, it does not replace the volume loss that tends to be seen after breastfeeding or menopause. If additional volume is desired, it can be added with fat grafting or with an implant . Dr. Gougoutas will review these options with you at the time of your consultation.
Q. Will I be able to breastfeed after a lift?
A. In general, yes, it is possible to breastfeed after a lift. That being said, it is recommended that you wait to pursue a breast lift until you are done breastfeeding, as future pregnancies may alter the shape / volume of your breasts.
Q. How long after I’m done breastfeeding should I wait before getting a breast lift?
A. Changes to the breast tissues may be ongoing for up to a year following breastfeeding. In general, it is recommended that you wait at least 8-12 months after completion of breastfeeding to pursue a lift.
Q. Can my breasts enlarge after a lift?
A. Yes. The portion of the breasts that is fat can enlarge with weight gain even after the skin has been tightened.
Q. Where are breast lift scars located?
A. Most commonly, the scars for a breast lift are seen around the nipple, below the nipple to the breast fold, and within the breast fold- like an “anchor” when viewed from the front. In certain, smaller-breasted individuals, the portion of the scar within the fold may not be necessary- like a “lollipop” when viewed from the front.
Q. Do I need a mammogram before my breast lift?
A. If you are 40 years old or older, or otherwise have a strong family history of breast cancer, a mammogram will be required before pursuing your breast lift. Regularly scheduled mammograms will also be required following your breast lift.