Breast Lift Information

Breast Lifts (Mastopexy)

Before and After Pictures

click on a link to jump to a section

initial consultation
costs
pre-op preparation
basic procedures/techniques
recovery
risks/complications
scars

initial consultation
For information on choosing a plastic surgeon, see our Basics Section

At the initial visit, your doctor will likely ask you to describe in detail what you would like improved. Be specific about what you would like done. If your surgeon fully understands your expectations, he'll be able to determine whether your goals are realistic. Your surgeon will examine your breasts. He will talk to you about what size you want your breasts to be and will show you where he intends to position the nipple and areola.

You are at increased risk for complications if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc. You'll want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with your physician before you choose to undergo surgery.

Insurance Coverage
Insurance will not generally cover mastopexy unless it part of breast reconstruction.

Questions to ask your insurance:

Does my policy cover the costs of the surgery, the anesthesia, and/or other related hospital costs?
Will there be an increase in my insurance premium?
Will future coverage be affected?

costs

BREAST LIFT (Mastopexy)*
Cost Range: $4,000-$9,000

Average Total Cost : $5,200 Surgeons fee: $3,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $1000

RELATED FEES**
Breast implant removal (Breast Augmentation patients only) $2,086
Breast augmentation (saline) $3,583
Breast augmentation (silicone) $4,005
Breast lifts $4,258
Breast reduction in men $3,305

*Fees generally vary according to region of country and patient needs.
**These fees are averages only. Fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
Source: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

pre-op preparation

[ ] Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (your doctor can provide you with a list of OTC medications to avoid)
[ ] If you smoke, quit smoking for at least 2 weeks pre-op (and anticipate no smoking for the recovery, smoking greatly increases your risk of complications)
[ ] Obtain a copy of your doctor's protocol
[ ] Make arrangements to have someone drive you to and from the operation
[ ] Arrange for someone to care for you the first 24-72 hours after surgery
[ ] Fill prescriptions (especially pain medications and antibiotics) before surgery
[ ] Consider a pill case with time chart for taking medications
[ ] Set up home recovery area: lots of pillows, books, magazines, journal, stationery, T.V., remote control, videos, favorite CDs
[ ] Black out windows so you can rest during the day
[ ] Whistle, bell, walkie-talkies or intercom system for requesting help
[ ] Prepare and freeze meals for 2 weeks
Consider quick snacks: Protein shakes, soup, applesauce, jell-O, frozen dinners, yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, juice (purchase flexible straws for easier drinking)
Be sure to have adequate protein - the body needs it for proper healing
Talk to your doctor about low-sodium foods to reduce swelling
[ ] Prepare Icepacks (can also use packs of frozen veggies or fruit, gel packs, etc/) to reduce post-op swelling
[ ] Moisturizers, scar reducing creams and petroleum jelly for incisions
[ ] Laxatives (pain medications are often binding)
[ ] Eye Drops (after any surgery, eyes can be dry)
[ ] Consider hand-held shower head and bathroom chair
[ ] Telephone with speaker phone near your bed (turn off the ringer so it doesn't disturb you while you sleep; have answering machine in another room)
[ ] On the day of surgery, wear loose clothing which will be easy to get off and on after operation (a shirt that buttons in front)
[ ] Follow your physician's directions carefully regarding medications, eating & drinking, etc.

basic procedures/techniques

Anesthesia: General or Sedation
Location: Hospital, surgical center or office
Surgery time: 1-3 hours (more if implants are placed)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Many women seek mastopexy following weight loss, pregnancy, lactation or menopause.

There are various degrees of sagging (ptosis):

Mild ptosis: Nipples that have dropped to the level of the breast crease
Moderate ptosis: Nipples have dropped below the level of the breast crease
Advanced ptosis: Nipples are pointing toward the floor

There are a number of possible surgical techniques based on the degree of ptosis, the areola, nipple position, breast volume, and the amount of excess skin. Mild ptosis may be corrected by breast augmentation. Additional improvement may be made by removing excess skin from around the areola. Moderate ptosis may only warrant an incision around the areola. Advanced ptosis requires an additional vertical incision. The incision goes from the areola to the breast fold. If ptosis is severe, a third incision underneath the breast may be made.

The procedure may be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The operation takes about two hours, and you will normally return home the same day.

During mastopexy, the surgeon makes an incision which is normally in a keyhole pattern: a circle around the aerola and two incisions down the breast which will be closed to form one line. The surgeon then repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position and removes excess skin from beneath the breast. Closing the remaining skin lifts the breast mound to a higher position and reshapes the breast. No breast tissue is your removed, so you will remain the same size, although your breasts will seem larger because the skin is tightened. If you choose, a breast implant may be placed at the same time (see breast augmentation). Sutures close the incisions.

Wait until you are done having children before undergoing a breast lift. Ptosis is likely to occur again after pregnancy.

recovery

Pain Level: Mild to moderate discomfort. 1 week of pain medication
Sutures: Removed after 1 week
Swelling and Bruising: 2-3 weeks
Numbness: 1-2 weeks.
Work: 1 week. If job is strenuous or requires lifting, wait longer.
Exercise: Wait 3-4 weeks
Final result: 6 months

On the day of surgery your chest will be bruised and swollen and you may feel pain or be nauseated. Pain medication will be prescribed.

You will wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over dressings for the first few days. The incisions may be taped to reduce scarring. Then, you will wear an ace bandage or sports bra worn another 1-4 weeks. Do not wear an underwire bras during recovery.

For faster recovery:

Keep ice packs applied to your chest on the day of your surgery.
Sleep in an upright position. Do not sleep on your stomach for the first two weeks after surgery.
Moisturize the breasts daily (do not apply lotion to any taped areas)
To avoid unnecessary swelling or bleeding, do not bend over, strain, exercise or do any other activities that could increase pressure in your chest during the first week.

risks/complications

Possible risks & complications:
Anesthesia reaction
Asymmetry
Bleeding
Breast droop relapse
Change in nipple color
Hematoma (pooling of clotted blood; risk is 3-4%)
Implant leak
Infection (risk is less than 1%)
Interference with mammography
Irregularities in position of nipples and areola
Keloid (heavy scar)
Nerve Damage
Nipple numbness
Pain
Permanent numbness
Reactions to medications
Seroma (pooling of watery blood)
Skin irregularities
Slow healing
Swelling
Visible scar

Asymmetry
Small differences in shape or size of the breasts are not uncommon following mastopexy.

Nipple Sensation
Most patients will have some change in nipple sensation following mastopexy. This is usually temporary but could take months to return.

Scars
The scars extend around the nipple, vertically down from the nipple and under the breast. The scars fade in time but tend to be wide scars and are still visible.

Breastfeeding
Mastopexy should not affect your ability to breastfeed because the nipple is normally not separated from the milk glands.

scars

Surgical scars are permanent. Mastopexy scars are more extensive than breast augmentation scars as the procedure is more involved. The more skin that is removed during surgery, the larger your scars may be. The scars are around the nipple, and may extend vertically down from the nipple and under the breast.

Information provided is for general education about breast lifts, breast augmentation, face lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. This information is subject to change. Smart Plastic Surgery.com does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any actions resulting from the use of this information. General information provided in this fashion should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation, and is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician. Only discussion of your individual needs with a qualified physician will determine the best method of treatment for you. All board certified plastic surgeons listed are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and/or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Board certified plastic surgeons are verified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.