What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to alter the shape of the breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin removed, and breast tissue reshaped to elevate the breasts.
Purpose of Breast Lift:
- A breast lift chosen when breasts sag or nipples point downward, aiming to improve breast shape.
- It can enhance self-image and boost self-confidence.
What a Breast Lift Doesn’t Change:
- A lift doesn’t alter the size of the breasts. However, it can combined with breast augmentation (increasing size) or breast reduction (decreasing size).
A lift is a surgical solution to address sagging breasts, providing reshaping for a more lifted appearance. While it doesn’t change breast size, it can combined with other procedures of comprehensive results.
Q: Can I lift my breast without surgery?
A: Yes, there are non-surgical methods that may help improve the appearance and lift of the breasts to some extent. These methods include:
- Exercise: Strengthening the muscles underneath the breasts and the chest may provide some lift. However, it won’t significantly change the position of the breasts, as they are primarily composed of glandular tissue and ligaments, not muscles.
- Supportive Bras: Wearing a well-fitted, supportive bra can help lift and shape the breasts, providing a temporary improvement in their appearance.
- Posture: Maintaining good posture can influence the perceived lift of the breasts. Standing and sitting up straight can contribute to a more lifted look.
- Creams and Lotions: Some topical creams and lotions claim to promote skin elasticity and firmness, but their effectiveness varies, and results may be subtle.
Q: Does a breast lift remove fat?
A: A traditional lift, or mastopexy, primarily addresses sagging and reshapes the breast tissue by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It doesn’t typically involve removing a significant amount of breast fat. However, in some cases, liposuction may performed in conjunction with a breast lift to address excess fat in the surrounding, such as the sides of the breasts.
It’s essential to note that while a breast lift can improve the position and shape of the breasts, it does not significantly change their size. If a person desires both a lift and an increase in breast volume, they may consider combining a lift with breast augmentation, which involves the placement of implants.
Crescent Lift:
- Indication: Minimal sagging.
- Incision: Small incision made at the upper half of the areola.
- Procedure: This lift is suitable for patients with minimal sagging. It involves removing a small crescent-shaped piece of tissue above the areola to lift the nipple and areola slightly.
- Scarring: Minimal scarring, as the incision is small.
Peri-Areolar or “Donut” Lift:
- Indication: Mild to moderate sagging.
- Incision: Circular incision around the edge of the areola.
- Procedure: This lift is suitable for correcting mild to moderate sagging. It involves removing a donut-shaped area of skin around the areola and tightening the surrounding tissue.
- Scarring: The scar is limited to the edge of the areola, resulting in a single scar.
Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift:
- Indication: Moderate sagging with a need for more extensive reshaping.
- Incision: Two incisions – one around the edge of the areola and another vertically down from the areola to the breast crease.
- Procedure: This lift is suitable for patients with moderate sagging. It involves removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue, creating a lift and a more youthful contour.
- Scarring: Scarring is in the shape of a lollipop, with incisions around the areola and vertically down the breast.
Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift:
- Indication: Extensive sagging requiring significant reshaping.
- Incision: Three incisions – around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.
- Procedure: This lift is suitable for more extensive sagging. It involves the most significant reshaping, with removal of excess skin and tissue. The surgeon repositions the nipple and areola, creating a more lifted and youthful appearance.
- Scarring: The incisions resemble an anchor shape, with scarring around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease.
