The 4 Most Common Questions About Breast Lifts (Mastopexy)
For those considering a breast lift, here is an overview of the most common questions asked and our response:
Q-1 What are the reasons women choose to have a breast lift?
Breast lifts, also known as mastopexy, are one of the most common procedures we accomplish for patients in regard to body contouring. After pregnancies and breast feeding, weight changes or after implants are removed, breasts are frequently found to be in a lower position on the chest than is desirable.
Q-2 How do I know if I need a lift?
One can discern the appropriate position for the nipple-areola complex by measuring its relationship to the mid portion of the humerus, or to the fold under the breast. When the nipple-areola complex is found lower than the fold under the breast in the standing or sitting upright position, the breast is generally felt to be ptotic, or drooping. Another measure is from the clavicle, or collarbone, to the nipple-areola complex, which in most women should be a distance of 19-22 centimeters depending on their height.
A breast lift can be accomplished to recreate the youthful appearance of a lifted, firm breast. This procedure can frequently be combined with the placement of an implant for volume changes. All large breasts ptose, or droop, to some degree and when breast reduction is carried out a lift is an important part of each of those procedures. It is our aim to correct for both size and shape of the breasts with any breast surgery.
Q-3 Where are incisions generally made?
Incisions can be varied depending on the amount of movement of the nipple-areola complex that may or may not be necessary and whether or not volume is being added with either an implant or fat transfers, which use one’s own fat from other areas of the body. These incisions can be simply around the areolas with a vertical dart(lollipop) or around the areolas with an inverted T toward the inframammary fold. The greater amount of skin that requires removal determines the amount of incision site necessary.
Q-4 If I have my implants removed do I have to have a lift?
If implants have to be removed breasts may look deflated. A lift can compensate for that. When breast volume is to be changed and there is only a minor amount of ptosis, if implants are placed on top of muscle that ptosis will be maintained and the volume increased. If there is a significant drooping, then placing the implants in a sub muscular fashion with a lift is generally necessary. In any regard, the decision on both breast size and shape is a very personal one. The numbers and position of incisions required to achieve those parameters are determined at the time of consultation.
Women and Plastic Surgeons have many choices when it comes to breast lifts. The skill, experience, and willingness of your Plastic Surgeon to educate you about your choices is important. Our role is to provide patients with accurate and credible information and to help you choose the option that is most pleasing to you.
If you are considering a breast lift or any type of cosmetic breast surgery, it’s best to receive careful consultation of all options to help determine the appropriate course of treatment. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation!
