Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in San Francisco

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

Women whose breasts have stretched and sagged, because of breast weight, pregnancy, or just the passage of time. A lift is appropriate for women who are happy with their breast size but just want to correct sagging. Some women may obtain adequate lifting of the breast by only the addition of an implant. Some women may need both an implant and a lift to achieve the look they want. Think about what your goals are so that you can explain them to Dr. Cedars at the time of consultation.

WHAT RESULTS CAN BE EXPECTED?

The breast should be lifted so that it doesn't rest against the lower chest or abdomen and doesn't fall out to the side excessively when you lie down. The nipple is repositioned higher on the breast mound. This look is sometimes described as "perky." If you wish, the areola (the pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple) can be reduced in size if it has enlarged. Large breasts may stretch out again if they are not made smaller with surgery.

HOW IS A BREAST LIFT DONE?

A breast lift is achieved by removing some of the breast skin, so that the remaining breast tissue is fitted into a smaller skin envelope. The nipple and areola are usually left attached to the breast mound but are repositioned higher on the breast. Dr. Cedars will explain this to you at the time of consultation.

Depending on the initial shape of your breasts, several scar patterns are possible. The scar may have an "anchor" shape--the scars make a circle around the areola, a curving line along the junction of the bottom of the breast with the chest wall (the "inframammary fold"), and a vertical line connecting the two along the central line of the breast. Sometimes a "short scar technique" can be used, which may reduce or occasionally eliminate the scar in the inframammary fold. Sometimes the only scar required is the circle around the areola.

Nipple sensation is usually not affected by Mastopexy.

AFTERCARE

At the end of surgery you will be placed into a surgical bra or an Ace wrap. Narcotic pills are typically taken for about 4 days. You may be able to return to desk work after a week, although some women want an extra 2 or 3 days.