Breast lift - Overview

Definition of Breast lift:

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is cosmetic breast surgery to lift the breasts. The surgery may also involve changing the position of the areola and nipple.

Description:

Cosmetic breast surgery can be done at an outpatient surgery clinic or in a hospital.

You will probably receive general anesthesia before this procedure. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain. Or, you may receive medicine to help you relax and local anesthesia to numb the area around the breasts to block pain. You will be awake but unable to feel pain.

Your surgeon will make 1 to 3 surgical cuts in your breast. Your surgeon will remove extra skin and may move your nipple and areola.

Sometimes, women have breast augmentation (enlargement) when they have a breast lift.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

Cosmetic breast surgery is surgery you choose to have. You do not need it for medical reasons.

Women usually have breast lifts to lift sagging, loose breasts. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and normal aging all may cause a woman to have stretched skin and decreased breast volume.

You should probably wait to have a breast lift if you are:

• Planning to lose weight
• Pregnant or still nursing a child
• Planning to have more children

Talk with a plastic surgeon if you are considering cosmetic breast surgery. Discuss how you expect to look and feel better. Keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.