Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?

The ideal candidate for any cosmetic surgery is someone who has realistic expectations. The patient must be close to their final desireable weight, as any significant weight gain or loss will cause the breast shape to change, requiring additional surgery. The patient must understand there will be scars on the breast after a lift. Fortunately the risk of unattractive scarring is very low.

Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?

Possible complications for breast lift surgery include scarring, bleeding, infection, pain and numbness, assymetry (our bodies are not perfectly symmetrical, so minor asymmetry is always present), change in nipple sensation, change in breast feeding, and possible need for further surgery. Fortunately these complications are relatively rare, but are part of the informed consent.

How long do the results last?

This is a hard question to answer, as each patient is different. Assuming the patient does not lose or gain significant weight, and does not become pregnant, most patients should see a stable breast lift result for several years.

What is the recovery period like?

A breast lift surgery is much less painful than a breast augmentation, since only skin is removed. However, the patient must refrain from any heavy upper body activity for at 2-4 weeks, to minimize risk of suture break down, swelling, infection, etc. If a patient has a desk job, she may return to work in one week, if no heavy lifting is involved at work.

What is Breast Lifting?

A breast lift (also called a mastopexy) is required when the nipple is too low relative to the rest of the breast and or excess skin exists. There are several types of breast lift and each is used based on the patient's need.

How is breast lift surgery done?

An amount of skin (which is determined before surgery) above the areola (the round circle around the nipple) is removed so that the areola and nipple can be moved up to its new location. If excess loose skin is available below the areola, the amount of skin required to be removed is marked and excised. The open areas are then closed using sutures.