Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift surgery is designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts secondary to factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change, aging, and gravity. If you have not yet finished having children, consider waiting or your breasts may sag again after the surgery. This operation can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume, breast implants inserted at the same time as the breast lift can increase both firmness and size. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with large breasts.

One down side to the breast lift is that the procedure leaves permanent scars on the breasts. These scars start around the areola, but if there is a significant amount of sagging, the incisions may need to extend vertically from the lower edge of the areola to the crease, and possibly in the crease as well. The greater the sagging, the more scars needed to create the lift. The extent of scarring will be discussed during the consultation with your physician.

 

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the size and weight of a woman’s breasts. Women who have large breasts often suffer from problems such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation beneath the breasts. Breast reduction surgery is performed to help alleviate these symptoms. There are a variety of different techniques used to reduce and reshape the breast and these will be discussed during your consultation with the doctor.

The most significant draw back to breast reduction surgery is that it leaves permanent scars on the breasts. These scars usually begin around the areola, extend vertically from the lower edge of the areola to the crease, and follow the crease beneath the breast. It is a compromise between the breast-related discomfort and the scars, and you must be willing to accept the scarring or the procedure is not ideal for you.

 

Breast Implant Exchange/Removal

If you already have breast implants in place but do not like the size, shape or firmness of your breasts, you may be a candidate for an implant exchange or replacement. This may involve not only placing new implants, but also removing some of the internal scar tissue and/or lifting the skin.