Search for a doctor by Zip Code:         Breast Augmentation Liposuction Tummy Tuck BOTOX® Facelift Rhinoplasty Breast Lift More... Find a Plastic Surgeon in your area - TOPICS - Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Liposuction Tummy Tuck Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Fraxel® Laser Treatment Facelift Rhinoplasty Brow Lift Eyelid Surgery BOTOX® Obagi Blue Peel® Chemical Peel Microdermabrasion Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Quick Facts about Breast Lift Medical Names: Breast Lift, Mastopexy Estimated Cost: $3,000 - $5,000 Type of Anesthesia: General Total Recovery Time: 3-6 Weeks, Down Time 1-2 Weeks Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes a woman's sagging breasts. Breast lift is a popular surgery for patients who want to restore breast size or shape or correct a physical imbalance, due to pregnancy, nursing, muscle atrophy, loss of skin elasticity or aging. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were 92,740 breast lifts performed in 2005. Breast lift is effective for small and large breasted women. Did You Know? As a quick procedure that lasts just one to three hours, a breast lift is one of the most effective plastic surgery procedures available. A patient can usually return to work within one week. THE BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE Breast lift surgery is performed under a general anesthetic in a hospital or plastic surgery center and is generally done on an outpatient basis. However, the plastic surgeon may require an overnight stay for larger breasted women. Surgery lasts one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The plastic surgeon makes several incisions, which are dependent upon the technique used (see technique descriptions below). Once the incisions have been made, the surgeon removes the excess skin from the lower section of the breast. The nipple, areola and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. The skin around the areola is drawn down and together to reshape the breast. The treatment areas are sutured and bandaged. Following surgery, the patient will experience moderate pain, which is treatable with medication. Tenderness and swollen breasts can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your general rate of recovery. You can expect to wear bandages or a surgical bra for several days. Stitches are removed in stages within the first two weeks. Heavy lifting should be avoided for two weeks following the procedure. BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE OPTIONS Three basic techniques are used in breast lift surgery: anchor mastopexy, vertical mastopexy and concentric mastopexy. Other considerations before treatment include the degree of the lift and whether implants will be inserted. Anchor Mastopexy This technique involves three incisions that form the shape of an anchor: one around the areola which creates a new position for the nipple, one vertical incision from the nipple to the base of the breast and one on the underside of the breast below the fold. The incisions create skin flaps to allow for the excess skin to be removed. The surgeon may remove other areas of excess skin in order to place the nipple and areola in a higher location. The skin above the nipple is placed around the new nipple location and sutured together. At all times the areola and nipple remain attached to the breast tissue, associated nerves and blood supply which reduces the likelihood of loss of nipple sensation. Vertical Mastopexy If less of a lift is needed, your plastic surgeon may elect to perform a vertical mastopexy. This technique omits the horizontal incision along the base of the breast and leaves less scarring. Concentric Mastopexy For women with smaller breasts, the plastic surgeon may use a series of small, concentric incisions, known as concentric mastopexy, which omits both the vertical and horizontal incisions completely. Breast Lift Surgery with Implants Many women opt to have implants at the same time as breast lift surgery. This is a common multi-procedure that involves not only removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple, but also inserting the implants. IS A BREAST LIFT RIGHT FOR YOU? Ideal Candidate for a Breast Lift Women who are emotionally stable, healthy and have realistic expectations are suitable candidates for breast lift surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, women with small breasts and those with minimal sagging achieve the best results. Women with large breasts will realize results with breast lift surgery, although the results may not last as long as with small-breasted women. Other Considerations for a Breast Lift Breast lift surgery is a major surgery and is suitable for most healthy people. The surgery should be planned after your last planned pregnancy as pregnancy and nursing can undo the effect of a lift. At your initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the options, risks and limitations of each technique and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review your pre-surgery preparation instructions, the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results and post-surgery instructions for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues with your plastic surgeon. BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE COST Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. Prices range from $3,000 to over $5000 for rhinoplasty and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost may include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as prescriptions. Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner. BREAST LIFT PROS & CONS Pros Patients benefit from enhanced physical contour and a fuller appearance Improved shape and size; breasts are lifted and restored to previous proportions Results are immediate with complete results when all of the swelling disappears Procedure recipients report greater self-confidence Cons Effects of the lift will diminish over time, due to aging and gravity Permanent scars; will lighten over time and can be hidden by a bra or bathing suit Loss of nipple sensation is a common side effect; which usually subsides with time Time off from work, generally one to two weeks ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT BREAST LIFT - FAQ What are the benefits that most people receive from this procedure? Improved breast contour and overall body appearance is a major benefit that most patients experience after having this procedure. Breast lift surgery is successful in reducing or eliminating sagging breasts and evening out irregular breasts. Is a breast lift permanent? Like any procedure that involves the removal of skin or the reversal of time, a breast lift will last a very long time but is not permanent. Over time, as you age and gravity takes effect, the breasts will begin to lose shape and form. However, for a woman having breast lift surgery in her thirties, the effects will remain well into her sixties. Is general anesthesia always used? A general anesthesia is used with most breast lift surgeries. For women with smaller breasts, a local anesthesia and a sedative may be used. Who should get a breast lift? Anyone who would like to restore sagging breasts would benefit from a breast lift. Both small and large breasted women can be treated successfully with breast lift surgery, with varying results dependent upon the size of your breasts and your overall state of health. © 2006, 2007 PlasticSurgeon411.com & DDC Internet, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Plastic Surgeon 411 is sponsored and made possible by the community of plastic surgeons on this website. Plastic Surgeon Directory | Plastic Surgery Procedures | Discussion Forum | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming © 2006, 2007 PlasticSurgeon411.com & DDC Internet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.