Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast Lift Surgery in NYC
Many women experience natural changes in the size, shape, and position of their breasts over time. As skin ages, it loses elasticity and firmness. Hormonal changes, pregnancies, breast feeding, and weight fluctuations can also lead to unwanted changes in the breasts. Not only can sagging breasts make some women feel self-conscious about their figure, they can also cause physical strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as rashes and yeast infections underneath the breasts. A breast lift (mastopexy) can help raise breasts into a more youthful position, while improving breast shape and symmetry. During a breast lift, the nipple may be repositioned and the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) may be reduced, if desired. Whether performed on its own, or in conjunction with either breast augmentation or breast reduction, a breast lift can help give you a more balanced and youthful looking figure.
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| WHAT CAN BREAST LIFT DO FOR ME?* |
| Lift breasts into a more youthful position |
| Correct sagging and drooping |
| Improve the shape of breasts |
| Balance asymmetrical breasts |
| Reposition the nipple |
| Reduce the size of the areola |
Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?
Women who are seeking higher, firmer, and more youthful looking breasts may be good candidates for breast lift surgery. Additionally, women who want to improve both the size and shape of their breasts may benefit from breast lift combined with either breast augmentation or breast reduction. Generally, it is better to delay breast lift surgery until the patient no longer expects pregnancies, which could result in further changes to the shape of the breasts. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations, and help you determine if a breast lift would be right for you.
| BREAST LIFT AT A GLANCE | ||
| Procedure* | Recovery* | Post-Op Care* |
| Performed in our in-office surgical facility | Go home same day |
Surgical bra recommended for 2 weeks post surgery |
| Surgery time approximately 2-3 hours | Back to work in 1 week | Sutures will dissolve on their own |
| Incision placement varies, depending on specific corrections needed | Light exercise in 1 week | |
| Twilight or general anesthesia | More strenuous exercise in 3 weeks | |
| Swelling and breast tenderness for 1-2 weeks | ||
How is breast lift surgery performed?
There are many techniques that may be used to improve breast shape and position. Depending on the amount of correction needed, your procedure may include lifting and reshaping breasts, correcting deformities, and removing excess skin. Many women are candidates for “short-scar” procedures. The specific techniques used will depend on many factors, including breast shape and size, the degree of sagging, nipple position, skin elasticity, and the amount of excess breast skin. Dr. Levine will discuss with you the best technique to address your specific concerns, and answer any questions that you may have.
Where do you place incisions for breast lift surgery?
Incisions will be placed carefully in order to minimize visible scarring where possible. Incision placement will depend on many factors, including your specific anatomy and the amount of correction you desire. Dr. Levine will discuss with you the best place for your incisions, but in general, incisions are usually made in one of three patterns:
- Around the areola (circumareolar; edge of the nipple)
- Around the areola, and then vertically down to the breast crease (lollipop or vertical pattern)
- Around the areola, vertically down, and then running horizontally along the breast crease (inverted “T” or anchor incision)
What kind of results can I expect from breast lift surgery?
Patients can experience excellent results from breast lift surgery.* While breast lift surgery can help improve the shape and position of the breasts, it’s important to remember that breasts are dynamic organs that transform over time due to natural aging and hormonal changes. A breast lift cannot stop the natural aging process, and you should expect certain changes in the breasts as you continue to age, including changes in breast size, shape, and symmetry.
Can breast lift surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Breast lift surgery is often combined with breast augmentation in order to improve the shape and position of the breasts, while increasing breast size. Breast lift surgery may also be combined with breast reduction in order to improve the appearance of the breasts, while relieving physical strain caused by large breasts. Some patients choose to combine breast lift with other cosmetic procedures, such as inverted nipple correction, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for breast lift surgery?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your breasts to determine their physical condition, the thickness and quality of the skin, and the characteristics of any stretch marks. He will also address your medical history to determine other factors that may affect breast surgery, such as hormonal influences, history of weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. Most women will need a current mammogram (within one year) in order to serve as a baseline for post-operative comparison. Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
What type of anesthesia will be used for breast lift surgery?
We recommend twilight or general anesthesia for breast lift surgery. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What can I expect during breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery can be performed in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on the extent of the correction needed, but on average, the surgery usually takes 2-3 hours.* After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You may return home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after breast lift surgery?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you can expect to have possible bruising, swelling, and tenderness of the breasts for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Most patients report mild to moderate pain after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Are there any minimally invasive alternatives to breast lift surgery?
Dr. Levine offers the scarless breast lift, which is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional breast lift surgery. This no-scar breast lift technique uses BodyTite™ technology to raise the breasts to a more youthful position. The scarless breast lift can tighten drooping skin and remove small amounts of excess fat from the breasts. Dr. Levine can discuss if a no-scar breast lift is right for you during your consultation.
