A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is an operation to correct the sagginess, or ptosis, of the breasts. Breast ptosis is defined by the descent of the nipple and areola below the breast crease, also called the inframammary fold. This condition is most often caused by natural aging and softening of the breast tissue, childbirth, pregnancy, weight loss, or after breast implant removal.
In order to restore shape and contour to a saggy breast, the nipple and areola are repositioned above the inframammary fold, and the breast tissue is reshaped to achieve more projection. Opposite to a breast reduction, there is no excision of breast tissue. Depending on the severity of the breast ptosis, the incision will either be around the areola, descending down from the areola, or, in severe cases,s have an additional incision along the inframammary fold that will be well hidden once healed—a breast lift results in a nicer aesthetic contour and a firmer and younger-looking breast shape.
There are several natural causes of breast ptosis, such as:
- Aging: As you age, your breasts naturally start to droop. The reduced production of collagen and elastin protein causes the skin tissues to lose firmness and elasticity.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, your breasts become heavier and fuller, causing stretching in the skin. Once breastfeeding is over, the breasts have lost their new volume, but the skin is still stretched, leading to sagging and excess skin.
- Weight Changes: Gaining weight causes the skin to expand. After dramatic weight loss, the skin has trouble shrinking back down, creating excess drooping skin.
- Gravity: The steady downward pull of gravity causes the tissues to sag over time
In order to restore shape and contour to a saggy breast, the nipple and areola will be repositioned above the inframammary fold, and the breast tissue will be reshaped to achieve more projection. There is no excision of any breast tissue. Depending on the severity of the breast ptosis, the incision will either be around the areola, descending down from the areola, or, in severe cases, have an additional incision along the inframammary fold that will be well hidden once healed. The end result of a breast lift is a nicer aesthetic contour, with a firmer and younger-looking breast shape.
If you would like to increase the overall volume or projection in addition to a breast lift, you might be a candidate for a mastopexy with breast augmentation using a breast implant. Breast implants help increase the volume and add to the overall fullness of the deflated upper pole of the breast. There are many ways to perform a breast augmentation with a breast lift, and the incision will not change with the addition of an implant. Ideally, the patient only needs small implants in combination with the mastopexy to achieve their best results.
If an implant should be deemed necessary as a result of your breast evaluation, Dr. Franck will recommend the best possible options suitable for your body in order to deliver the breast size, shape, and lift you desire.