1. What are the concentric (doughnut) and anchor-shaped breast lift

There are several different types of breast lift that can be used depending on how much lift is necessary. In a patient who only requires a small amount of lift, the scar can usually be limited to just around the areola and can be referred to as a concentric, doughnut, or periareolar lift. For a patient in whom more lift is necessary, the scar is shaped like a lollipop arranged around the areola and extending vertically down to the bottom of the breast. This type of lift is referred to as a vertical lift. In a patient with breasts that are severely drooping, more skin is removed requiring larger incisions placed around the areola, vertically to the bottom of the breast, and then along the fold under the breast. This is the anchor-shaped scar.


2. Is the placement of the nipple and areola affected by a breast lift?

By definition, a drooping breast is one where the nipple is located too low on the breast. Any breast lift will involve lifting the nipple and areola to a better position higher on the breast.


3. Where are the incisions made during breast lift surgery?

As explained in question number one, the locations of the scars will really depend on how much lift is necessary for each particular patient. Since all lifts involve moving the nipple and areola, all will have a scar around the areola.


4. Does breast lift surgery require any prior medical tests?

Each plastic surgeon has an opinion about the necessary tests before surgery. In my practice, any woman over the age of 40 will need a mammogram performed in the 12 months prior to surgery. I also require a mammogram within the past 12 months for a woman over the age of 35 with a family history of breast cancer. For healthy patients undergoing elective cosmetic surgery, I don' t order routine blood tests, although they are sometimes required by the anesthesiologists involved in their care.


5. What does a typical mastopexy consultation entail?

During any cosmetic surgery consultation, I sit down with the patient, discuss their goals, perform an examination, and then make recommendations on what is necessary to achieve the patient' s goals. We would discuss the procedure, the recovery, risks of the surgery, as well as review photographs of other patients who have had similar surgery. A detailed estimate of cost is also provided at the consultation.


6. Is there a lot of swelling involved with mastopexy?

Most patients experience only slight swelling with mastopexy. Immediately after surgery the breasts may be overly perky and firm to the touch. This improves and softens over approximately 3 months.


7. When will I be able to see the results?

Patients see an immediate improvement in the shape of their breasts right after surgery but the final shape and feel are apparent 3 to 6 months after surgery and the scars will fade over 1-2 years.