Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Anyone who has lost breast volume due to breastfeeding, weight loss, or simply time, can potentially be a candidate for a breast lift. In short, if you do not like the current position of your nipples, or the shape of your breasts, you may be a candidate for a breast lift. Many patients choose to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation. This combination may be suitable for those looking to correct breast asymmetry, restore volume lost due to aging or nursing, or enhance the overall shape and size of the breasts.

A common issue with breast sagging is the lack of fullness in the upper portion of the breasts, which often will not be restored by a breast lift alone. A breast implant might be recommended to add fullness and restore the breasts' upper pole volume.

Candidates for a breast lift, with or without augmentation, should be healthy and non-smokers. Procedures that involve lifting and reshaping the skin, like a breast lift, challenge the skin’s blood supply. Smoking greatly diminishes blood flow quality and increases the risk of serious complications, including skin or areola loss. That’s why patients must quit smoking for six weeks prior to, and after the procedure, to reduce these risks.

Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your breast lift is crucial. The best approach is one that takes your concerns and final goals into account and forms a tailored surgical plan to meet your specific needs.

During your consultation, our team will discuss these considerations in detail to help you determine the best option. Generally, the areola remains attached to the underlying breast tissue, which helps preserve sensation and the ability to breastfeed.

Breast lift procedures, with or without simultaneous augmentation, are performed at Riverview Health Westfield Hospital. A breast lift can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case. A board-certified anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia and will monitor you throughout the procedure.

Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Tieman will make incisions to reposition the breast tissue. The extent of these incisions varies depending on how much lifting is required. For minimal lifting, an incision may only be made around the areola. In cases of significant sagging, a vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold may be needed, known as a "lollipop" incision. In more extensive cases, a horizontal incision at or near the breast fold, often referred to as an "anchor" incision, may also be required.

Since the procedure involves general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home afterward. All breast lift patients are required to wear a surgical bra and will have dressings over their incisions for about two weeks. It's common to experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort after the surgery. While your surgeon may prescribe pain medication, many patients find that over-the-counter medication is sufficient to manage soreness.

Most patients can return to their daily routines within one week. We recommend waiting at least three weeks before engaging in exercise or other strenuous activities. It is also important to handle your breasts very gently for six weeks following the surgery to ensure proper healing.

Breast lift results are visible immediately, but they become clearer over the next few months as swelling decreases. While the outcomes of a breast lift are generally long-lasting(10-15 years), the procedure can’t halt the natural aging process. Over time, gravity and weight changes can lead to further sagging. Some patients may opt for a revision breast lift years later to maintain their desired appearance.