Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy surgery, raises and firms the breasts. This procedure reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin. It also tightens the surrounding tissues.  As detailed below, there are numerous mastopexy types to be considered when deciding to have this procedure.

Mastopexy Types

Benelli or Circumareolar Mastopexy

In this technique, the incision is made only around the areola. Slightly more skin removed in the superior aspect of the areola. When closed, this results in a lift of the nipple-areola position. This also allows reducing areolar size in patients with excessively large areolas.

There is a limit to how much skin can be removed in this technique. If too much is removed, this will flatten the breast and it will loose its natural shape and projection.

Vertical mastopexy

This technique involves the periareolar incision as well as a vertical incision down to the inframammary fold. The vertical part allows coning of the breast. This results in a nicer breast shape than if an excessive Benelli lift is performed.

The drawback of this technique is more scar burden. Nonetheless, the vertical part heals very well. The advantage in breast shape makes up for it. So this technique is the most popular mastopexy technique.

Wise Pattern Lift

In this technique, the periareolar and vertical incision components are used as well as an incision along the inframammary fold. This allows removal of excess skin not only along the axis of the breast, but perpendicular to this. This avoids a dog ear in the inframammary fold if an aggressive vertical lift alone is performed.

This technique is often used in situations with a significant excess of skin. The earlier two techniques can’t tackle these situations.

Anesthesia

The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will give medications to keep you comfortable during the breast lift surgery. It is usually done under intravenous sedation and does not need general anesthesia. Dr. Thomassen will recommend the best choice for you.

Reshaping your breasts

The lifting and reshaping of the breast as detailed above is mostly achieved by the removal of excess skin. Additionally, sutures placed in the breast parenchyma help hold the lift in place and add longevity. In some cases, sutures are placed to the pectoralis major fascia to help add support.

Closing the incisions

One of the most important parts of this surgery is careful suture placement to obtain the best scar possible. Dr. Thomassen begins by placing sutures deep within the breast tissue. These sutures create and support the newly shaped breasts.  Then he places sutures on your skin to result in the finest scars possible.   Dr. Thomassen emphasizes the technique of skin closure. He also focuses on postop care of the incisions and scar management.

Afterwardspatients receive a soft surgical bra or compression garment.

Recovering from a Breast Lift

To achieve the best results after any plastic or reconstructive surgery, patients need to follow the post-op instructions they get.

• Patients who have a Breast Lift alone usually experience minimal discomfort.  Nonetheless, we prescribe an appropriate pain medication you should take in the few days after surgery.
• The majority of patients can return to work within five days of their Mastopexy.
• After a Breast Lift, you can start light exercise after two weeks. You can resume full exercise at the end of four weeks.

Final Results

The results of your breast lift surgery are instantly visible.  Most significantly, you will notice increased upper pole fullness.  Additionally, our breasts will be centered higher on your chest wall.  Nevertheless, over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and some upper pole fullness will be lost. Also, the breasts will become less firm and incision lines will fade.

Individuals interested in learning more about the various cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive procedures at Thomassen Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL should contact the office.

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