Breast Lift
Breast Lift
A breast lift is a surgical procedure, during which your plastic surgeon restores a breast to a more youthful position and form. This usually includes one or more of the following:
- raising the nipple
- reshaping the breast mound
- raising the breast mound
The medical term is mastopexy. Dr. Perrotta and Dr. Luppens routinely perform mastopexies as outpatient surgery, and usually do so in the certified, nationally-accredited operating room located inside the Salisbury office complex.
For women who also desire to have their breasts enlarged or desire permanent fullness of the upper poles of the breasts, the doctor also inserts breast implants during the mastopexy procedure.
On the other hand, if your breasts are larger and heavier than you would like or cause you back and shoulder pain, a breast reduction might be more appropriate for you.
Goals Of A Breast Lift
- Higher, more youthful breast contours
- Perky, shapely, lifted breasts
- Nipple-areolar complexes in a more desirable size and location
- Increased self-confidence
- Symmetry
Candidates For A Breast Lift
- Women with sagging breasts due to past pregnancies, genetics, weight loss or maturity
- Women with sagging of the breasts too severe to be corrected by insertion breast implants alone (minor cases of droopiness can be corrected with breast enlargement)
- Women whose nipples are too large, too low, pointing out or pointing in.
- Women with breasts that are uneven in size and/or shape
- Women who have undergone partial mastectomy (lumpectomy) and radiation therapy for breast carcinoma and, as a result, have a breast with abnormal shape and/or a nipple in the wrong location and/or a longer, more droopy breast on the opposite side of the chest (asymmetry).
- Women who have undergone complete mastectomy and reconstruction for breast carcinoma and have a more droopy breast on the opposite side (asymmetry).
Want to learn more about Breast Lifts?
What to Expect at your Consultation
Drs. Perrotta and Luppens will devote as much time as necessary to discuss your individual goals and needs with you. After a focused physical examination, your surgeon will provide preliminary recommendations and explain what you can expect from surgery.
Once your surgeon determines his surgical plan, our aesthetic coordinator will produce a written quote, which lists all costs of your proposed surgery so that there are no surprises. At that time, an appointment is set for your pre-op visit.
Pre-Op Visit
Much is covered during your pre-op visit. First, one of our highly trained medical assistants will take pre-op photos. Next, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique to you and thoroughly inform you as to what you can expect, including any potential complications. Note that all procedures involve some risk, but major complications are rare. Dr. Perrotta or Dr. Luppens will then obtain a more complete medical history from you and perform a final pre-op physical examination, including a check of your vital functions to ensure that you are physically fit for surgery. All informed consents for surgery will be filled out at this appointment and final payments are due at this time. You will be notified 24 hours prior to your surgery with your arrival time.
The Breast Lift Procedure
Drs. Perrotta and Luppens perform breast lifts on an outpatient basis under IV sedation and local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
The design of the incisions varies but usually includes an incision around the nipple-areolar complex. Beyond this, and depending on your anatomy and the severity of droop, there can be some variability. If your surgeon determines a donut mastopexy is best for you, you will not need any other incisions. If he determines a lollipop lift is for best for you, he will need to make another incision extending from the circular incision around the nipple areola complex down to the fold under the breast. If he determines an anchor scar is needed, he will add a curved, horizontal incision along the fold.
In most cases, our surgeon raises the nipple-areolar complex, removes the excess skin, and reshapes the breast, which together provides a more pleasing contour and youthful position. Again, he will also insert an implant if the patient desires larger breasts as well. If she desires smaller ones, he simply removes some tissue during the process.
After he closes the wounds, the surgical team applies the dressings and either a specialized bra or ace bandages.
The Breast Lift Procedure
Drs. Perrotta and Luppens perform breast lifts on an outpatient basis under IV sedation and local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
The design of the incisions varies but usually includes an incision around the nipple-areolar complex. Beyond this, and depending on your anatomy and the severity of droop, there can be some variability. If your surgeon determines a donut mastopexy is best for you, you will not need any other incisions. If he determines a lollipop lift is for best for you, he will need to make another incision extending from the circular incision around the nipple areola complex down to the fold under the breast. If he determines an anchor scar is needed, he will add a curved, horizontal incision along the fold.
In most cases, our surgeon raises the nipple-areolar complex, removes the excess skin, and reshapes the breast, which together provides a more pleasing contour and youthful position. Again, he will also insert an implant if the patient desires larger breasts as well. If she desires smaller ones, he simply removes some tissue during the process.
After he closes the wounds, the surgical team applies the dressings and either a specialized bra or ace bandages.
Post-Op Recovery
You can go home the same day wearing the dressings and the bra or aces. You will leave the bra or aces intact until you are instructed to change the dressing.
Any initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral pain medication. You can resume light activities in about 5-10 days.
After your procedure, you will follow up with us several times so that we can monitor your healing.
FAQ’s
Who is a good candidate?
Breast lifts are beneficial for those with sagging breasts due to aging, genetics, pregnancy, or weight loss; women with uneven breasts or those who have undergone a mastectomy; and women who desire to correct nipple position or breast shape.
When will I see the results?
Immediate improvements are noticeable, but the final results will take shape over several months as swelling decreases and the breasts settle into their new position.
How long do the results last?
Factors like aging, weight changes, and gravity can influence the long-term results of a breast lift. Regular follow-ups are recommended to assess breast health and the integrity of any implants used.
What should I do before and after?
Adhere to your surgeon’s guidelines before surgery, which might include dietary restrictions and medication adjustments. Post-surgery, follow specific care instructions, such as wearing support garments and limiting physical activity, to ensure optimal recovery.
Is there any downtime or side effects?
Patients typically take 5-10 days off to recover from the procedure and must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks. Pain medications can be used to manage swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
What can I expect?
The consultation will discuss your aesthetic goals and evaluate your suitability for the surgery. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, involving incisions tailored to your needs for breast reshaping. Recovery involves wearing special dressings and a support bra. A follow-up visit is essential to monitor healing and address any concerns.
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- 314 W. Carroll St. Ste #1
Salisbury, MD 21801 - Phone: 410-546-0464
- Fax: 410-546-8529
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- 30265 Commerce Dr. Ste #208
Millsboro, DE 19966 - Phone: 302-663-0119
- Fax: 302-663-0120
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Berlin, MD 21811 - Phone: 410-449-3993
- Fax: 410-449-3992