What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

Many women experience the descent and deflation of their natural breasts with aging, pregnancy, breast feeding, and changes in weight.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that can restore sagging breasts into a natural breast shape and youthful position.

A breast lift often requires removal of excess breast skin and redundant breast tissue. Additionally, a breast lift may be combined with an augmentation (breast implant surgery) for additional volume and to create a perkier appearance.

As both a woman and a plastic surgeon, Dr. Parcells is distinctively qualified to address your concerns and tailor her technique to achieve your desired results.

This procedure is very popular, and our breast lift patients are often some the happiest patients in our practice.

Common Questions:

1. WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

This cosmetic surgery procedure is great for women who have breasts that droop because of the effects of time and gravity.

A lift will restore the breasts and nipples to their ideal anatomic position.

It may also correct breasts that are asymmetric, improve cleavage, make you more comfortable wearing clothing, and improve the appearance of your nipples and areolas.

2. Is there an exercise that can reverse sagging or ptosis of the breast?

Unfortunately, the short answer is no.

Breast descent, or ptosis, is typically caused by skin laxity due to a combination of factors including weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding, and the effects of aging over time.

Only a breast lift surgery can eliminate excessive breast skin and reshape the breasts into a more youthful appearance.

3. HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE? HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY?

On average, this surgery can take 3-4 hours and requires general anesthesia.

Most patients elect to have a numbing block in the recovery room which helps minimize or eliminate pain for several hours after surgery and allows them to go home the same day.

Most patients describe mild discomfort for several days following surgery and are back to their activities of daily living by about 3-5 days.

Most patients return to work within a week.

If breast implants are added to the lift, patients are in special bras to assist in shaping for several weeks after the procedure.

4. WHERE IS THE SCAR?

In order to remove excess skin, the traditional pattern includes an incision around the areola and down to the bottom of the breast in a lollipop pattern.

In some patients who need a more significant lift, the scar extends under the breast fold and resembles the shape of an anchor.

These scars heal very well and after a few months often blend well into the skin. Long term results reveal minimal scarring.

5. Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

Most women are still able to breastfeed after having a breast lift. However, there can be changes in the amount of milk produced and you can experience changes in sensation to your breasts after this procedure.

If you plan to have more children, it is best to discuss your goals with Dr. Parcells during your consultation.

6. What is the difference between a breast augmentation (IMPLANT SURGERY) and mastopexy (breast lift)?

Breast implants are traditionally used to increase breast volume, but they do not generally address breast skin excess or laxity.

In women with a small amount of ptosis (breast descent), an implant can lift a breast and nipple slightly without additional scars.

Women with moderate to severe deflation and sagging breasts may require a combination of implant and a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time.

This combination lift and implant will achieve a natural, full result.

7. What is a mommy makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is a combination of a breast procedure (implant, mastopexy/lift, or reduction) with an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck).

Most women who have children will have both a separation of their abdominal muscle (rectus diastasis) as well as laxity in their abdominal skin. Additionally, the effects of pregnancy and breast feeding can leave the breasts deflated and ptotic (sagging).

By combining a breast procedure with an abdominoplasty, Dr. Parcells can restore a woman’s body to her natural or enhanced shape pre-pregnancy.

8. How much does A Breast LIFT cost?

Each patient is different, and your needs are unique. The cost of this procedure will depend on the conversation between you and Dr. Parcells during your one-on-one consultation.

After reviewing your medical history and discussing your desired goals, Dr. Parcells will perform a physical exam to evaluate your breasts as well as skin tone, laxity, nipple position.

She will then provide her expert advice and discuss your options to achieve your desired outcome. She will also address all risks and benefits of the procedures you are interested in.

At the end of your consultation with Dr. Parcells, you will meet with our surgical coordinator who will address the logistics and finances of the procedure you are best suited for.

Dr. Parcells is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.