Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is designed to reposition and reshape the breasts to more youthful and pleasing aesthetic position. This is fashioned by removing excess skin and reshaping the underlying breast tissue. Many of my patients ask “will I have scars on my breast?” The answer is yes, but the amount of scars depends entirely on the level of breast ptosis, otherwise known to all of us as “saggy breasts.”
How “saggy” are my breasts?
Plastic surgeons grade breast ptosis, or sagginess, based on the relative position of a woman’s nipple to the under crease of the breast. Grade I – the nipple is at the level of the inframammary crease: Grade II – the nipple is below the level of the inframammary crease; and, Grade III- the nipple is at the lowest position of the breast mound. Another important concept is pseudoptosis, where the nipple is in an adequate position, but the majority of the breast gland hangs below the inframammary fold. Based on your physical examination and standardized photographs, your surgeon will “grade” your level of ptosis and recommend the appropriate breast lift surgery for you.
What kind of scars can I expect?
Several techniques of breast lift surgery are performed in the United States. The most common of which include the periareolar mastopexy, vertical scar or “lollipop” mastopexy, and Wise-pattern (anchor or inverted T) mastopexy. In general, the greater the breast ptosis, the more scars required to create an adequate breast lift. All of these techniques involve a scar around the areola at the interface between the darker areola and surrounding breast skin. Vertical mastopexy incorporate a scar that extends from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary crease, and accordingly the inverted T, adds a scar in the inframammary crease itself. Although the scars may seem extensive, most scarring fades with time and is not visible in a moderate coverage bikini top or swimsuit. And, the result is uplifted breasts that require less scooping into pushup bras and overall better aesthetic appeal.
Can I undergo Breast Augmentation at the same time as Mastopexy?
The answer is yes. Single stage mastopexy augmentation combines breast lift surgery and breast augmentation in the same surgical setting. By placing and implant at the time of your breast lift, you will enhance the overall shape of the breasts, specifically in the upper pole and cleavage, areas most women would like improved. These surgeries may also be performed in a stage approach- breast lift first, following by breast augmentation 3-6 months later. Your plastic surgeon may recommend a staged mastopexy augmentation if there are certain risk factors in your history that preclude a single stage approach.
How can I learn more about breast lift surgery?
To learn more about breast lift surgery, contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center to schedule your consultation, on of Naples Female Plastic Surgeons. We believe that education and communicating with her patients are the keys to helping them achieve successful, natural looking results. Schedule your consultation at the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples. Located at 1175 Creekside Parkway, Suite 100, Naples, FL or by calling 239-594-9100.