Plastic surgeons define a breast lift as a plastic surgery procedure that is used to firm, reshape and lift breasts that have become droopy or saggy from weight loss, pregnancy, aging or genetics. During mastopexy (breast lift) surgery, the diameter of the dark skin around the nipples (the areolas) can also be reduced.

Different Types of Breast Lifts: Surgeons can perform a breast lift in several ways.  Your doctor will help you select the best procedure based on the size of your breasts and the amount of ptosis (drooping).  Well-executed breast lift procedures produce lift and re-shaping with as little scarring as possible. The various breast lift procedures are often distinguished by the scars they leave behind.  These techniques are the anchor lift (full mastopexy), the donut lift (Benelli or concentric mastopexy), and the lollipop lift (short scar or vertical mastopexy).

Full Mastopexy.  This procedure involves three incisions that form an inverted T or anchor shape: in the crease beneath the breast, around the outer edge of the areola, and between the areola and underside of the breast.  When the procedure is complete, the breast will sit in a higher position, excess skin will have been removed, and, in most cases, the areola size will be decreased.

Concentric Mastopexy.  During a concentric breast lift, circular incisions are made around the areola. Skin around the areola is removed, and the nipple is lifted into a higher position on the breast.

The vertical mastopexy procedure involves a circular incision around the nipple and a vertical incision running from the areola to the bottom of the breast. Surgeons can also perform a variation of this technique called a crescent lift by removing a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from the underside of the breast.

What a Breast Lift Achieves: Studies show that that the best long term breast lift results are accomplished by the vertical mastopexy. A technique called the superior medial pedicle procedure can also be used to ensure lasting fullness in the top portion of the breast during contouring.  Loss of shape over time and lower breast drooping are minimized by using the superior medial pedicle procedure. A breast lift achieves the goal of raising and re-shaping breasts, but does not considerably change their actual size. Patients who wish to increase breast volume should discuss with their surgeons a breast lift augmentation, which would meet that additional goal.

Breast Lift Candidates: Women suffering from breast ptosis who are otherwise physically and mentally healthy may be candidates for mastopexy. Patients need to understand that the surgery will likely leave behind some visible scarring.  Women considering breast lift surgery should also understand that breast lift procedures are not a permanent solution, as gravity and the natural aging process will probably cause future ptosis.

A woman is an unacceptable candidate for mastopexy if she plans to become pregnant or drop a large amount of weight in the future, as these can greatly affect the results of the surgery.

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This post was submitted by Andy Inuss.

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