The Breast Lift: Restoring a Youthful Appearance

Significant life events such as pregnancy, weight loss, and the natural aging process can alter the shape and position of the breasts. Such changes include sagging of the breast tissue, a downward-facing nipple, volume deflation and loss of a round shape. Re-shaping and lifting the breast tissue through a breast lift, or mastopexy, can help restore a youthful appearance and feel to the breasts, leading to a boost in self-confidence and body image for many women.

A breast lift procedure involves repositioning the breast tissue and nipple on the chest wall. This not only restores a youthful look but also improves upper breast fullness and cleavage with centralization of the nipple over the projecting breast tissue. When the native breast tissue volume is insufficient to create the desired result, a breast implant (silicone or saline) may also be required to achieve the desired volume, shape, and projection. The procedure is performed in a way that attempts to preserves nipple sensation with patients even reporting an increase in sensation due to reduced stretch on the nerves.

The breast lift procedure itself involves a few distinct steps. First, during your in-depth consultation, measurements are taken to help decide on incision location, lift technique, and implant choice (if required). Following this we will have a thorough discussion about your goals and expectations, with photographs often brought in to help visualize the desired outcome. This step is critical in shaping the operative plan and deciding whether just a lift is needed, or if a lift and an implant will be required.

The surgery is then performed, typically lasting 3-4 hours depending on the degree of shaping required to achieve the desired look. Under general anesthesia, I use one of several techniques to approach the breast lift.

This will always be decided prior to surgery so that we have a solid plan that is tailored to you. When possible, scars are placed in existing creases to minimize the long-term visibility of scars.

Following surgery, my patients are discharged home the same day and usually experience minimal discomfort. They can typically return to light work within a week following surgery, although strenuous exercise or heavy labor should be avoided for six weeks following the procedure to ensure proper healing. A supportive bra with underwire is also recommended to be worn for six weeks following the surgery. I have discovered that this added support has benefited my patients over time by defining the lower breast contour throughout the healing process.

The results of a breast lift can be long-lasting, especially if patients maintain an active lifestyle and avoid significant changes in natural breast volume, such as with substantial weight changes and pregnancy. However, as skin gradually loses its elasticity with age, the robustness of the result may be compromised over time. As such, some patients may desire additional revisionary procedures to re-elevate and tighten the breasts in the future.

The decision to undergo a breast lift procedure is a personal one and should be made after careful consideration and consultation. This procedure has the potential to restore a youthful appearance to the breasts, boost body confidence, and improve overall quality of life. However, as with any surgical procedure, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that results can vary based on individual circumstances and body types.