Aging and having children can affect a woman’s appearance, including the look and feel of her breasts. Over time, gravity and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to sag or droop, and to lose their once perky appearance. A breast lift, known medically as a mastopexy, is a surgical breast procedure that tightens the skin of the upper breasts and removes excess fat and skin. This provides patients with a younger, more lifted look. However, this procedure does not provide additional volume.
Breast Lift Candidacy
Before a breast lift procedure, Dr. Rednam consults with her patients to determine their desired aesthetic goals. A mastopexy can be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation or reduction, but can also be performed on its own. The best way to know what will give you the best results is to speak candidly with Dr. Rednam.
The best candidates for this surgery include patients with tubular breasts, or those who have stretched nipples or nipples that point downwards. The goal of a breast lift isn’t simply to add volume, but to sculpt the breasts into the shape that the patient has always desired.
Breast Lift Procedure
During a breast lift surgery, Dr. Rednam uses her artistic eye to reduce the effect of sagging breasts, and to lift them up on a patient’s chest wall. There are numerous ways to perform this procedure. Dr. Rednam chooses the technique depending on the patient’s initial body type and desired overall appearance.
Techniques
Donut Lift: This technique utilizes a unique incision technique known as a “periareolar incision.” During surgery, Dr. Rednam makes an incision around the perimeter of the areola. This is typically most effective for those with minimal sagging.
Crescent Lift: This treatment is another great option for women with minimal sagging. Dr. Rednam makes a crescent shaped incision around the top half of the nipple. She then removes excess skin and fat to lift the breasts.
Lollipop Lift: This is a great technique for women with moderate to severe sagging, who aren’t interested in implants. Dr. Rednam makes an incision circling the areola and extending vertically down the breast towards the breast crease.
Anchor Lift: For more severe sagging, this lift is a good option. It is quite similar to a lollipop incision, except Dr. Rednam also makes an additional incision along the breast crease, in order to give patients the best lifted result.
Breast Lift Recovery
Results from a breast lift are immediately visible. The final results of the procedure, once swelling and scarring fade, will appear progressively over a few months, as a patient’s new breast shape and position settle. To maintain results, patients should remain at a similar weight and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Individual recovery periods vary for a breast lift, as they depend on the type and location of the incision. During recovery, patients should be sure to speak to Dr. Rednam about how to care for their breasts after surgery.
Most patients see immediate and long lasting results, though their breast shape may change slightly due to weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, gravity and aging.
