A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a type of cosmetic surgery that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.

Women typically choose to have breast lift surgery to reverse the effects of aging and gravity, which cause sagging. Breast lift surgery can be effective for both smaller and larger breasted patients.

If you plan to have children in the future you may want to postpone breast lift surgery until after you are finished having children and after you are done breast feeding.

Before getting a breast lift, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will explain the different options available to you. The procedure will be discussed in detail, including the risks and limitations of your surgery.

Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements and photographs for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated.

During your preoperative consultation, the surgeon will give you instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. Your surgeon will answer any questions you might have at this time, so come to your appointment prepared.

Breast lift surgery may be performed under local anesthesia (awake) or general anesthesia (asleep), in a hospital or in an office surgical suite.

Breast lift surgery can be performed using a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of your areolas
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and elasticity
• The amount of excess skin

There are three common types of incisions:

1. Around the areola
2. Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the crease below the breast
3. Around the areola, vertically down to the crease below the breast and horizontally along the crease below the breast

After the incisions are made, your breasts will be reshaped and excess skin removed, then the remaining skin will be tightened as the incisions are closed.

Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

You may be able to go home the same day as your surgery, but you will need someone to drive you. During breast lift surgery recovery, your breasts will be bruised, sore, and swollen for the first few weeks. Your surgeon can prescribe medications for pain.

Initially, you may find that you have temporarily lost sensation in your breasts and nipples. Sensation usually returns after several weeks, but in some cases, it can take several months.

Breast lift scars are permanent, but will fade over time and are easily hidden by clothing.

Most people are able to return to work about one week after surgery. You may be required to wear a surgical bra or other support garment (see below for post-surgical support garment options), and limit your activities for a few weeks following surgery.

Breast Lift Support (Compression) Garments
Immediately following a breast lift procedure your doctor may instruct you to purchase and continuously wear a compression garment. These are designed to help improve and increase blood circulation, rid your body of potentially harmful fluids, decrease your post surgery recovery time, and reduce swelling. They also help the new skin fit the body’s contours allowing you to recover faster.

To purchase a breast lift compression garment, click on the links below. Among your garment options are compression vests and post-surgical or compression bras. Ask your doctor which type(s) of garment is best for you.

These garments are typically worn immediately after your surgery. They are generally worn continuously for several weeks, so you may want to purchase more than one.

Contour® is America's 1^st choice in premium quality post-surgical compression garments for women and men. Contour® has 25 years of experience with design, fabric and craftsmanship so Contour® garments fit every subtle contour of the body, offering unprecedented comfort during the recovery process. ContourMD website also offers helpful information on recovery tips and sizing charts.

Although breast lift surgery is a relatively safe procedure, all surgery comes with some risk. Potential breast lift surgery risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Nipple numbness
• Asymmetry (Small differences in shape or size of the breasts are not uncommon after a breast lift)
• Change in nipple color
• Irregularities in position of nipples and areola
• Nerve damage

Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Breast lift surgery costs vary based on a number of factors including:

• Type of surgery
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

Costs can range from around $3,500 to around $6,000.

American Society of Plastic , www.plasticsurgery.org

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, www.surgery.org

University of Rochester Medical, www.stronghealth.com