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Breast Lift

The breast lift, technically known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure which can restore a more youthful shape and lift to the breasts. The breast lift offers a solution to women whose breasts have begun to sag due to age, pregnancy or weight loss. The surgery may be combined with breast augmentation using implants for women who are seeking increased volume and firmness. Surgery can also reduce the size of large areolas if necessary.

Candidates for breast lift surgery are in generally good health and have realistic expectations for improvement. The best results are often achieved on women with small, sagging breasts, though surgery can be performed on breasts of any size. In addition, individuals who are planning future pregnancy or weight loss may be advised to postpone surgery.

Dr. Steinbrech perform breast lift surgery on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO accredited office-based surgery facility at Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City. General anesthesia is commonly used and surgical times average 1.5 to 3.5 hours. The incision for the breast lift is shaped similar to an anchor as it circles around the areola and then extends downward, ending in a horizontal line along the crease beneath the breast. Through this incision, excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are relocated to a new, higher position, and the breast is reshaped. Smaller-incision mastopexy techniques may be possible for patients with smaller breasts and minimal sagging. This may include the concentric or “doughnut” mastopexy which involves the removal of excess skin through two concentric circular incisions located around the areola.

Some swelling, bruising and discomfort can be expected in the early days of recovery, and medication can be taken to relieve the discomfort. Bandages applied after surgery will be removed within a few days and will be replaced by a soft support bra that should be worn at all times for about one month. Some numbness in the breasts and nipples can occur but generally fades as the swelling subsides. This can occasionally last for months and on rare occasions may be permanent. Most patients find that they can return to work after one to two weeks.