Breast lifting (mastopexy) is a cosmetic surgery that raises, reshapes, and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Breast lift surgery is commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation to help lift a sagging breast and simultaneously add volume. Many women will seek to have breast lift surgery after experiencing situations that deflate the breasts or cause them to droop downward, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss, aging and hereditary issues. A breast lift also corrects an areola that is misplaced due to the sagging. The surgery results in a shapelier, more youthful appearing breast.
The type of incision used during a breast lift procedure will vary depending on the degree of lift and whether implants will be placed during the surgery. If implants are a part of the procedure, whether silicone or saline, they are placed under the pectoralis muscle. This method provides additional support and helps to keep the breasts in a higher position for a longer period of time.
Breast lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia at an accredited surgery facility. Operative time in most cases is around 2 hours. Recovery following a breast lift will vary depending on whether it was a stand-alone surgery or in conjunction with another body-contouring procedure. Most patients are able to resume their normal work schedules within a 1-2 weeks. Exercise will be a gradual process. Most women are able to resume their normal routines within 6-8 weeks.