If you have ever stood in front of a mirror and wished that your breasts were firmer, higher and more youthful-looking, breast lift surgery may be a good option for you. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by restoring the lift and shape that is often lost as gravity takes its toll.

In breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, the breasts are raised, the nipples are repositioned and the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may be reduced in size. If you have lost breast volume over the years and you want to add more fullness, implants may be inserted during breast lift surgery to increase breast size.

Is A Breast Lift Right For Me?

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts, so you may wish to postpone surgery until after having children. Still, many women elect to go forward with surgery before having children, knowing that they can address any pregnancy-related changes later. The milk ducts and nipples typically are not affected during breast lift surgery, so usually the procedure will not alter your ability to breast-feed.

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• Breasts are pendulous, but are a size that is satisfactory to you
• Breasts lack substance or firmness
• Nipples and areolas point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

In many cases, women seek breast lift surgery to correct inherited traits or asymmetry — one breast may be firm and well-developed while the other is not. Breasts of any size can be lifted. However, the results are more long-lasting for women whose breasts are smaller and lighter.

What Should I Expect From the Consultation?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a breast lift. During this meeting, Dr. Legere will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• Previous surgical procedures
• Past and present medical conditions
• Medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements
• Past experience with weight loss and the effect it had on your breast size

When examining your breasts, Dr. Legere will consider their size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of the nipples and areolas. Measurements and photographs may be taken for your medical record.

In most instances, insurance companies won’t pay for breast lift surgery. However, coverage may be provided in certain circumstances. For example, if a breast reconstruction is performed after mastectomy, and the newly reconstructed breast doesn’t match the opposite breast, an insurance company may pay for a breast lift on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry. Prior to surgery, your insurance company may require a letter of predetermination. Dr. Legere’s staff will help you with insurance matters related to the procedure.

How Is A Breast Lift Performed?

Your anatomy, Dr. Legere’s preferences and your desired results will determine the specific method chosen for you breast lift. The most common method of breast lift surgery involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third is a horizontal incision beneath the breast that follows the natural curve of the breast crease.

After Dr. Legere has removed the excess breast skin and shaped the remaining breast tissue, the nipple and areola are shifted a a higher positions. The areola, which is usually stretched out in sagging breasts, can also be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

The nipples and areolas remain attached to the underlying mounds of tissue and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed.

Incisions outline the area of skin to be removed and the new position for the nipple.

Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast its new contour.

After surgery, the breasts are higher and firmer, with sutures usually located around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast.

If your expectations are realistic, chances are you’ll be satisfied with your breast lift.

Are There Options?

There are many variations in breast lift technique. Dr. Legere will determine the best technique for you based on the size and shape of your breasts, the size of your areolas and the extent of the sagging.

In some instances, it may be possible to avoid horizontal incision that runs beneath the breast. For other women, a technique may be used that avoids both horizontal incision and the vertical incision that runs from the edge of the areola to the breast crease. If you are a good candidate for one of these modified techniques, Dr. Legere will discuss this with you.

If you and Dr. Legere have decided that your breasts will be enlarged at the same time they are lifted, breast implants will be required. If you are considering this option, she will review the necessary safety information with you and may give you additional information on breast augmentation.

How Will I Learn About the Safety Of Breast Lift Surgery?

Each year, thousands of women undergo breast lift surgery and experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits. One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and Dr. Legere will have about the possible complications of breast lift surgery. In addition to listening carefully to what she tells you, be sure to raise any questions or concerns that you may have about the procedure.

Remember, by carefully following Dr. Legere’s advice and instructions — both before and after surgery — you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.

What Can I Do To Prepare For My Surgery

When the date for your surgical procedure has been set, Dr. Legere will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. A number of points will be covered, including:

• Avoiding medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
• Stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
• Arranging for help or special care following surgery
• Having a baseline mammogram before surgery, if your surgeon feels it’s appropriate

How Will I Look And Feel Right After Surgery?

When surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. In some cases, small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the breast skin to help prevent fluids from accumulating. Gauze dressing will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or supportive bra.

On the day of surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. Most of the discomfort you feel in the days following the procedure can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:

Within the first week

• You will begin to move about more comfortably and perhaps even return to (non-strenuous) work.
• Surgical drains (if used) will be removed and dressings will be changed.

After several weeks

• Bruising, swelling and normal periodic discomfort will diminish.
• The last of the stitches will have been removed.
• You can discontinue wearing a surgical support bra.
• Sensation within the nipple and areola area will gradually improve.
• You may return to most of your normal activities, including mild exercise.

After a few months

• Your breasts will start settling into a more natural shape.
• Incision lines, which initially are red or pink, will begin to fade.

What Should I Know About My Results?

After breast lift surgery, your breasts will feel firmer and appear more youthful and uplifted. The position of your areolas and nipples will be improved and your areolas will be more pleasingly proportioned.

Although the incision lines will be permanently visible, they will fade over time and are easily concealed under clothing — even most swimsuits and tops with low-cut necklines.

You can expect to maintain your new breast shape, unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant. If, over time, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a second breast lift procedure to help restore their more youthful contour and appearance.

How Long Will I Continue To See My Plastic Surgeon?

After the initial healing period, you will return to Dr. Legere’s office for a postoperative follow-up visit so that your healing and progress can be evaluated. In the following months, she may ask you to return for periodic checkups. It’s important to keep these appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term result and address any questions or concerns you may have.