A breast lift is a procedure I commonly perform to restore a youthful shape to the breast, and to reposition the nipple higher on the breast. While there are many different types of breast lifts that can be done, it's important to customize the procedure for each woman's individual breast size and shape. A breast lift can also be combined with a breast augmentation for women interested in increasing the size and fullness of their breasts. I commonly perform a variation of the well-known lollipop lift. In this type of breast lift (known medically as a mastopexy), incisions are made around the areola (the flat colored portion of the nipple) and extend down toward the breast fold. Scars located on the perimeter of the areola heal very well, and over time the vertical scar also becomes less noticeable. During surgery we re-suspend the breast tissue higher on the chest and tighten the breast skin that can become loose with pregnancy and aging. This results in much more youthful and rejuvenated breasts.
How is breast lift surgery done?
A breast lift is performed by carefully placing incisions so that they are hidden as much as possible in the natural fold under the breast and at the border of the areola. By taking advantage of the normal color changes and curvature of the breast visible scarring can be diminished. The goal of a breast lift is to tighten the skin by removing any excess skin and lift the actual breast tissue and nipple so that they are higher on the chest. I typically perform a breast lift in a hospital operating room. You go to sleep for the procedure, and go home after surgery. Typical breasts lifts take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the amount of surgery required.
What is the recovery period like?
Full recovery takes several weeks. After surgery I wrap your breasts in an ACE wrap. This is exchanged for a supportive bra that does not have an underwire after a few days. The bra is worn all the time except for showers for the next month. At 6 weeks most patients have no restrictions. Most patients take narcotic pain medicine for a few days, and then switch to Motrin/ibuprofen at a week after surgery. I typically recommend taking 7-10 days off from work depending on how much physical activity is part of your work.
Dr. Mahlon Kerr
Plastic Surgeon