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Breast Lift or Mastopexy
in Bethesda Maryland - Washington DC Metro Area
Mastopexy is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape breast tissue. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. In some cases, breast implants are used in conjunction with mastopexy to increase firmness and breast size. A breast lift can restore the shape of your bust line, enhancing your appearance and self-confidence.
How mastopexy can help you
If you are interested in enhancing the shape of your breasts, augmentation mammoplasty may be for you. You may simply want to increase the size of your bust line, or reverse a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy. Augmentation mammoplasty is also used for reconstruction after breast surgery, and can also balance a noticeable difference in size between breasts.
Your surgical consultation
Your surgeon will evaluate your general health and examine your breasts, measuring them while you're sitting and standing. Several variables affect the procedure--such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You might also consider whether an implant is advisable. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they'll be moved higher during the procedure. It's important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon, and to listen to their opinion. Every patient has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.
The surgery
Your breast lift may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or a surgeon's office-based facility. It's usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience.
Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you'll sleep through the operation. In selected patients--particularly when a smaller incision is being made--the surgeon may use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort.
Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision below the nipple following the natural contour of the breast.
The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.
Some patients are candidates for internal matopexy, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, this procedure requires less extensive incisions. This procedure is a modification of the "doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy," in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.
If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
If you are interested in scheduling a complimentary consultation for breast enlargement or breast augmentation surgery, please use our online plastic surgery information form to make an appiontment.