Breast lift (mastopexy)
Breast lift
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.
Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.
A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. A woman's breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Weight fluctuations
Aging
Gravity
Heredity
What breast lift surgery can't do
Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and breast augmentation surgery.
If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and breast reduction surgery.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia that is used for a breast lift depends on the individual patient. However, many breast lifts can be done comfortably with local anesthesia and light sedation.
Cost
The total cost of a breast lift depends on the individual patient, but can range from $3500 to $5500.
Recovery
There is usually a week period of significant recovery after a breast lift. Bruising and swelling is typical. Sutures are usually removed within 14 days.
During your breast lift recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is completed.
You'll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
How to care for your breasts following surgery
Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
When to follow up with Dr. Rhee.
Risks
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Breast lift risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bleeding or hematoma formation
Infection
Poor healing of incisions
Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
Breast contour and shape irregularities
Breast asymmetry
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Fluid accumulation
Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Possibility of revisional surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all of your questions directly with Dr. Rhee.
Breast lift and breast implant placement
Some women may want to consider placement of a breast implant in addition to the breast lift.
An implant can provide improved upper breast fullness or cleavage. Implants can be placed at the same time or as a second procedure, depending on the specific patient.