Breast Lift, Reduction, or Revision Surgery

Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy is a surgical procedure that firms and raises the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening tissue. This tightening process reshapes the breasts and supports the new contour of the breasts. Overtime, a woman’s breast will change from aging, heredity, weight changes, pregnancy or breastfeeding. The areola also becomes enlarged over time and a breast lift will also help their look. 

Breast lift surgery will not change the size of the breast or the shape. The technique used will depend on the one selected by the surgeon for this particular breast lift. During the breast lift surgery, three incisions are made --- one around the areola, one vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease below the breast and the third horizontal under the breast following its natural curve. A surgeon will then remove excess breast skin and move the nipple and areola to a higher place (this creates the lifted, youthful look). 

In some breast lift procedures, the areola itself may be reduced in size. In these cases, the skin that was once above the areola is brought down and placed beneath the breast to reshape it. The nipples and areola remain attached to the tissue as this allows the woman to still breastfeed and protects all sensitivity to the area.  

Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, skin, and tissue. Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery is used to relieve pain or discomfort related to the size of the breasts, e.g., chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, rash or irritation under the breasts, difficulty sleeping, or poor self-image.

Breast reduction surgery is not restricted to patients of a specific age, though doctors may recommend waiting until the breasts are fully developed or until after any planned pregnancies. The changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy could affect the results of the surgery, and some patients may experience difficulty breastfeeding after breast reduction.

Most breast reductions surgeries are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery facility under general anesthesia. After the procedure, the breasts will be wrapped in gauze or bandages and a tube may be placed under each arm to help drain off any excess blood or fluid. A special compression bra may be recommended during the initial week of healing, when the breasts will be most tender. While the breasts heal over the next two to four weeks, the surgeon will recommend limiting physical activity and may suggest avoiding underwire bras.

The surgeon will remove any stitches and monitor recovery during a follow-up visit.