BREAST LIFT
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a common procedure performed by women in Newport Beach and Orange County to create a youthful, perkier, shapelier breast. This is an excellent option for patients who have some existing breast tissue which is sagging due to age and genetics. There is also an option to reduce the size of the areola to be more proportional to the breast. To increase firmness and size, a breast lift can be done in conjunction with a breast augmentation, including implants.
The Procedure
A Breast Lift can be performed through a variety of different methods. Appropriate incisions and techniques will be selected based on how much lift you want to achieve, along with the following factors:
- Breast size & shape
- Size & position of areolas
- Degree of breast sagging
- Skin quality & elasticity
- Amount of extra skin
There are three common incision patterns when it comes to Breast Lift procedures:
Once the incision is made, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to provide firmness and improved contour to the breast. In addition, the nipple and areola are re-positioned to achieve a more youthful, perky appearance. Any excess skin remaining is removed to restore elasticity. A Breast Lift procedure tightens skin using the same incisions as a breast reduction, however the procedure removes only skin and not breast tissue.
Sutures are positioned in layers deep within the breast tissue to create and provide support for the newly lifted breasts. Most of the sutures used are dissolvable, however, the sutures applied around the the areolas will need to be removed in a follow up visit.
The length and location of the scar is dependent on how much of a lift one needs. Dr. Nitta makes every effort possible to limit the length of the scar for the best visible healing.
Different Types of Breast Lifts
1. Peri-Areolar Breast Lift
Usually, a peri-areolar operation results in a very minor lift, and best works for ladies who are dealing with minor breast sagging. As its name tells us, the peri-areolar breast lift implies a very small incision along the entire areola, thus giving the scar a very uniform look. Peri-areolar lifts are often praised for being minimally visible, in the sense that it would be difficult to spot the scar after your breast has healed. Generally, peri-areolar breast lifts are recommended for middle-aged people, who don’t want to see a drastic change in the appearance of their breasts. If you just think your breasts could do with a bit of a boost, then a peri-areolar lift might be the right choice for you.
2. Crescent Breast Lift
Another great option for the ladies who just want a minimal intervention on their breasts. A crescent lift only acts as a minor rejuvenator and perks up your breasts a little. As such, it’s not recommended for women past a certain age, or those dealing with advanced sagging. Rather, a crescent lift would be best suited for people in their 30s or early 40s who notice the beginning of sagginess in their breasts and want to correct that. A crescent breast lift carries the benefit of having a scar that’s practically invisible. In this case, the incision is made along the upper edge of the areola and naturally concealed by the darker pigment there. The crescent and the peri-areolar procedures are represented by the first image above. Generally, peri-areolar breast lifts are recommended for middle-aged people, who don’t want to see a drastic change in the appearance of their breasts. If you just think your breasts could do with a bit of a boost, then a peri-areolar lift might be the right choice for you.
3. Vertical Breast Lift
Also sometimes referred to as “lollipop lift” because of the shape of the incisions (one vertically down the breast, and another along the lower fold. Vertical lifts are recommended for women with moderate breast sagging. Unlike the previous two techniques, vertical lifts require more remodeling, in order to restore shape and firmness. Generally, peri-areolar breast lifts are recommended for middle-aged people, who don’t want to see a drastic change in the appearance of their breasts. If you just think your breasts could do with a bit of a boost, then a peri-areolar lift might be the right choice for you.
4. Anchor Breast Lift
The anchor breast lift is by far the most “serious” procedure. It’s usually reserved for women with major sagginess and loss of firmness. For an anchor breast lift, an incision is made around the areola (like in the peri-areolar procedure), one vertically, and one horizontally, along the natural breast crease. IN terms of reshaping, anchor breast lifts are the ones that will yield the most dramatic results.
Recovery
Following a breast lift, the patient will be placed in a post-operative bra. In most cases, a surgical drain is not necessary, however in rare instances it may be administered. On the second day after surgery, if patients do not have a drain, they can remove the post-operative bra and gauze to take a shower. Incisions will be dressed with steristrips, which will need to remain in place. The first post-operative visit will occur on the third day following surgery. At this time, steristrips will be removed from the incisions. If a drain was used, it will be removed at this time as well. Sutures are removed one week after surgery.
Patients should expect to experience some pain during the first 48 hours of recovery. Following these first two days, pain should subside and be replaced by just feeling sore. The post-op bra must be worn 24/7 throughout the recovery period, with limited activity for the first 10 days. On day 11, driving and low-impact cardio can be resumed. Within the first month, patients need to stay away from any heavy lifting or activities requiring upper body strength. Activities like tennis, kickboxing, yoga or swimming will need to be put on hold for 6 weeks.
During your consultation, Dr. Nitta will help you ascertain which procedure is best for you. Generally, peri-areolar breast lifts are recommended for middle-aged people, who don’t want to see a drastic change in the appearance of their breasts. If you just think your breasts could do with a bit of a boost, then a peri-areolar lift might be the right choice for you.
To find out more about our Breast Services, call our office at (949) 722-6644 to schedule a consultation with Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Katharine C. Nitta today!
