BREAST LIFT & BREAST REDUCTION

Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises the position of the nipple, reshapes a droopy or sagging breast, and can reduce the size of the areola to create a more attractive and youthful breast shape. Pregnancy, genetics, weight loss, gravity, and aging can all have negative effects on a woman’s breasts. These issues can be improved with a breast lift.

A breast reduction, or reduction mastopexy, is conceptually similar to a breast lift, except that an additional goal is to reduce the overall size of the breast. Genetically or with age, some women can develop breasts that are overly large in proportion with the rest of their bodies. Large breasts can result in back and neck pain, grooving in the location of the bra straps, skin irritation, difficulty with athletic activities, and a negative effect on your self-image.

The tradeoff of a breast lift and/or reduction is that scars are placed on the breast. There are different ways to perform this surgery, some with longer incisions than others. The decision of which technique to use is highly individualized and mostly based on the amount and location of excess breast tissue and skin.

F.A.Q

Yes, however, it is highly recommended that you wait until you no longer plan to have more children. In addition, you should be at least 1 year after completion of breastfeeding. Having more children can further change the shape of your breasts and reverse many of the improvements of your breasts after surgery. In addition, a breast lift can potentially affect your ability to breastfeed.

While a breast lift is very effective at raising the position of the nipple and improving the shape of the lower part of the breast, a breast lift achieves minimal to no improvement on the upper part of the breast. If one of your main concerns is that the top of your breasts appear flat or deflated, then a breast implant or fat grafting can help improve the appearance of the upper portion of your breasts.

The incision pattern depends on the degree of drooping of the breasts and how much skin & tissue needs to be removed and reshaped in order to achieve the desired shape. In general, the more the breast needs to be lifted, the longer the incisions.

Incision patterns options include:

Crescent pattern (incision just along the upper areola)
Donut (around the areola)
Lollipop (around the areola + vertical
Anchor (around the areola + vertical + along breast underfold)

Good candidates are healthy nonsmokers with realistic expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Vaca can help answer your questions and both of you will determine if you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery.

All surgical procedures carry a degree of uncertainty and risk.

The principal risk is scarring and asymmetry between the breasts. Poor healing can occur – this is more common in smokers. Unfavorable scarring is more common in patients who experience poor healing.

Infection and bleeding are rare but can occur.

After surgery, there will be a change in sensation in the breast and nipple. Sensation recovers over time in most patients; however, loss or decreased sensation can be permanent in some areas.

While many women are still able to breastfeed after surgery, a breast lift & reduction may affect your ability to breastfeed.

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