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As a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), this physician is among a select group of board-certified plastic surgeons who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgical training, continuing education and clinical experience.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and recontours loose, sagging breasts. You may decide you would like a breast lift because you have lost volume and tone in your breasts after having children. Another frequent reason for having this procedure is the loss of a significant amount of weight.

A breast lift elevates and reshapes loose, sagging breasts.

A breast lift improves the appearance of your breasts in several ways. It elevates your breast tissue, removes excess skin from the lower portion of your breast and then reshapes your remaining breast skin. At the same time, it relocates your nipple and areola (the pigmented skin surrounding your nipple) to a higher position. If your areolas have stretched over time, they can be reduced in size. Women who have their breasts lifted often may decide to also have them enlarged. If this is the case, and implant is placed behind the breast tissue or chest muscle.

Using this common technique, incisions follow your breast's natural contour, defining the area of excision and the new location for the nipple. Skin in the shaded area is removed, and your nipple is moved higher. Variations in the placement of incision may be used, depending on individual patient factors and surgeon recommendation.

A commonly performed breast lift technique (see illustrations) uses incisions that follow your breast's natural contour. The resulting scar, which is permanent but will fade to some extent over time, encircles the areola and extends vertically down the breast and horizontally along the crease underneath the breast. There are other breast lift techniques that may eliminate the horizontal incision, the vertical incision, or both. The use of any particular pattern of incisions depends on individual patient factors and your surgeon's recommendations.

Skin formerly located above and to the sides of the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Following surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in a gauze dressing or placed in a surgical bra. You may be instructed to wear a supportive bra for several weeks. Swelling and discoloration are to be expected but will gradually subside. You may experience decreased breast or nipple sensation, which usually is temporary. You should be able to return to work within a week or two.

After surgery, your breasts will be positioned higher and feel firmer. The resulting scars are permanent but will fade to some extent over time.