Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift or mastopexy surgery raises, firms and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues.  

Types of Mastopexies

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 inicision as well as a vertical incision down to the inframammary fold. The vertical component 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 but the vertical component heals very well and the benefit in breast shape makes up for it. Therefore 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.

It is typically used in situations with a significant excess of skin that cannot be addressed with the previous two methods.

Anesthesia

The anesthesiologist will administer medications to keep you comfortable during the breast lift surgery.  It is usually done under intravenous sedation and does not require 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. In addition, 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 closes your incisions by first placing sutures deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts.  Then he places sutures on your skin to result in the finest scars possible.   Dr. Thomassen places much importance on the technique of skin closure, as well as postop care of the incisions and scar management.

Afterwardspatients receive a soft surgical bra or compression garment.

Recovering from a Breast Lift

To attain the best results following any plastic or reconstructive surgery, patients need to follow the post-op instructions they receive.

• 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.
• Following a Breast Lift, you can undertake light exercise after two weeks and full exercise at the end of four weeks.

Final Results

The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible.  Most significantly, you will notice increased upper pole fullness.  In addition, our breasts will be centered higher on your chest wall.  However, 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 who would like to know more about the various cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive procedures available at Thomassen Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL should contact the office today.

Related Posts