Minimal Scar Breast Lift Surgery
Over time, breasts can lose their shape and firmness and start to sag. Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding, ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a Breast Lift to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour.
Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a Breast Lift can increase breast size and at the same time improve the shape and position of the breasts. This is known as a Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy. Whether performed alone, or with the addition of Breast Augmentation, a Breast Lift can enhance your appearance and your confidence.
Ideal Candidates for a Breast Lift
- Breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
- Breasts that lack volume or firmness
- Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease
- Breasts that fluctuate in size
Breast Lift Surgery Procedure
The placement of the incisions depends on the size of the breasts and the degree to which the breasts sag. Most commonly, Dr Gartner performs the procedure with a circumareolar or “lollipop” incision. This technique is also called the Short Scar Breast Lift. The circumareolar incision is made around the areola. The lollipop incision begins with the circumareolar incision and runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. After Dr. Gartner has removed excess breast skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed. If performed in conjunction with an implant, then Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy can result in a smaller scar.
Breast Lift Recovery
The surgery usually takes two hours or less. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Sometimes, small drain tubes will be placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze or other dressings may be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra. You may experience discomfort, swelling and bruising. The pain should not be severe and can be relieved with medications. You will need an adult to accompany you for the first 24 hours. A soft cotton bra without an under wire is worn for the first two months to allow the implants to drop into position. Most patients return to work in one week. During your pre-op consultation, Dr. Gartner and his staff will review all these details so you are fully prepared at the time of your surgery.
Patients report that restoring their breasts to a more youthful shape and position improves self esteem and confidence in their body image. Take a look at some before and after images.
