What Is a Breast Lift and How Is It Performed?
A breast lift—also known as mastopexy—reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin, tightening tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola into a more youthful position. It doesn’t change size unless combined with implants or reduction.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
🔍 Why Women Choose a Breast Lift
- Corrects sagging due to aging, pregnancy, weight changes, or genetics.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Improves breast shape, uplift, symmetry, and nipple placement for a more youthful profile.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
✂ Common Surgical Techniques
- Crescent Lift: Small crescent-shaped cut above the areola for minor lift.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Donut (Benelli) Lift: Circular incision around the areola—minimal scarring, mild sagging correction.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Lollipop (Vertical) Lift: Incision around areola plus vertical down to breast crease—suitable for moderate sagging.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift: Around the areola, down vertically, and along inframammary fold—for severe sagging.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
🛠 General Procedure Steps
- Performed under general anesthesia, often as outpatient surgery.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Surgeon marks incisions based on breast anatomy, skin quality, and sag severity.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Excess skin is removed and underlying tissue reshaped; nipples and areolas are repositioned.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Combined with augmentation or reduction if desired for volume or symmetry.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Incisions closed with sutures; a surgical bra or support garment is worn post-op.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
⏱ Recovery & Outcome
- Most women return to light activities within a week or two; full healing takes ~6 weeks.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Results are long-lasting, though aging, weight changes, and gravity may gradually affect lift.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Scars fade over time but remain permanent; they’re usually positioned to be concealed by bras/swimwear.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
⚠ Potential Risks to Know
- Risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, asymmetry, and noticeable scarring.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Nipple or breast sensation changes, and rare complications like tissue necrosis or impaired breastfeeding are possible.:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
📋 Summary Table
Step | What Happens |
---|---|
Incision & skin removal | Excess skin removed based on sag severity |
Tissue reshaping | Underlying breast tissue tightened and reshaped |
Nipple repositioning | Areola and nipple placed higher for lift effect |
Closure & support | Closed with sutures; surgical bra supports healing |
✅ Final Thoughts
A breast lift (mastopexy) rejuvenates sagging breasts by lifting and reshaping tissue, tightening skin, and repositioning the nipple—all without changing breast size. Different incision techniques are tailored to degree of sag. Recovery is relatively quick, and results can be long-lasting with proper care.
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