BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)

This procedure is indicated for women who have sagging breasts, as opposed to empty breasts (which would benefit from breast augmentation). Sagging breasts are characterized by laxity of the skin and excess skin in the upper part of the breast, causing the nipples to descend to a lower position. In addition, the nipples often point downwards. A breast lift involves relocating the nipple areolar complex to a higher position and removing the excess skin to tighten up the breast. In addition, the areolas are usually too large, so they are reduced to a more normal size.

A breast lift restores the breast to its previous youthful and taut appearance and shape. The scars associated with the procedure comprise one that encircles the newly relocated areola, a vertical scar that runs from the lower margin of the areola down the middle of the breast, and which joins a short horizontal scar along the crease at the bottom of the breast (the inframammary fold). These scars are necessary in order to achieve the effects of the breast lift. However, they tend to fade well and become inconspicuous with time. Most patients who undergo a breast lift end up feeling that the scars were worth the benefit of regaining a youthful looking breast.