Breast Lift

Confidence in Yourself and Your Surgeon

Results matter. Breast lifts rejuvenate drooping, sagging breasts by trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissues to achieve an uplifted, youthful contour with breasts that are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. Breast lifts can also reposition and reduce the size of the areola-the dark skin surrounding the nipple-which may have stretched or drooped.

Also known as mastopexy, this procedure is often performed on women whose breasts have lost shape and volume, and are flat, elongated or pendulous. Many women seek improvements to the shape and contour of their breasts to counteract the effects of aging, heredity, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.

A breast lift restores youthful shape and lift to the breasts, but does not change the size of the breast. Women who desire larger, smaller or more rounded breasts may consider combining a breast lift with a breast augmentation or breast reduction procedure.

Procedure Techniques

The breast lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours to perform. Dr. Alexander individualizes each procedure to ensure that each patient achieves the result that is desired while utilizing his unique experience, expertise and advanced knowledge to perform a safe and effective procedure.

There are several types of incision methods that can be used when performing a breast lift. The technique a surgeon chooses depends on the patient's:

• Breast size and shape
• Degree of sagging
• Size and position of the areolas/nipples
• Amount of excess skin

• Skin quality
• Subjective global assessment
• Artistic sense

The three most common incision types are two rings around the areola in a doughnut shape (small-incision mastopexy, generally only recommended for patients with small breasts and minimal sagging); around the areola and down to the breast crease in a lollipop shape; and the lollipop with an additional half-moon incision along the breast crease, in an anchor shape.

In all cases, breast lift surgery begins with administration of anesthesia. Dr. Alexander makes the necessary incisions, and then lifts and reshapes the breast tissue into its new, rejuvenated contour. He moves the nipple and areola higher on the breast and removes extra skin around the perimeter if the areola is enlarged. Finally, Dr. Alexander trims the excess breast skin that resulted from poor elasticity. Stitches layered deep throughout the breast tissue support the lifted breasts.

When the breast lift is complete, the skin is closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with an advanced tissue adhesive. Some of the incisions are hidden in the breast crease. Others will be visible. All scars will mature with time.

Breast Lift Recovery

Allow yourself time to relax and heal. After surgery, soft gauze dressings are applied.

The breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable after surgery, but this usually passes in a few days. Any numbness in the breasts and nipples should lessen as swelling subsides. Dr. Alexander performs his procedures using the most advanced techniques and careful skill to help patients experience a shorter, gentler recovery. Stitches are dissolvable. If drains are used, they are removed in a few days. Most patients can return to work after a couple weeks, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks.

The results of the breast lift procedure are visible immediately after surgery, and most patients are satisfied with their new appearance because of the clear communication and discussion of realistic expectations that Dr. Alexander has with each of his patients before surgery.

» Call us today to find out about the individualized breast lift procedure performed under the trust and confidence of Dr. Alexander.

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