Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the breasts by elevating and reshaping them. Of all the procedures in plastic surgery, a breast lift is one of the most rewarding. It is not unusual to hear a woman note after her surgery that she wished she had done it years before.
Mastopexy helps improve the shape and position of breasts that have ptosis, or are sagging. This may be the result of pregnancy, aging, weight loss, or heredity. Patients with such concerns range in age from 20 years old and higher. Dr. Shuster specializes in short-scar, Minimally Invasive Techniques. Dr. Shuster performs the mastopexy procedure by combining techniques from Brazil and Europe to create fuller more youthful breasts.
For many women, he accomplishes this using their own breast tissue. During a breast lift, the skin of the breast is redraped over the breast tissue. The breast itself and the nipple are not removed. Rather, Dr. Shuster creates an internal support for the breasts with their own tissue. In doing so, he creates a natural brassiere which reshapes the breasts and helps maintain them in a more youthful position.
In addition to sagging, some patients have little breast volume. In these cases, a breast lift with implants may be advantageous. Dr. Shuster will perform both the breast augmentation and the breast lift in the most minimally invasive manner. During your consultation, Dr. Shuster will discuss this procedure with you in detail.
Dr. Shuster places an emphasis on achieving natural, more youthful results for his patients who choose to have a breast lift. At the same time, his philosophy is to accomplish this in the most minimally invasive manner.
Breast Lift Procedures
A breast lift can be performed in the hospital or at the outpatient surgery center. Most are performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery is done under anesthesia and takes approximately two and a half hours. There are two approaches which Dr. Shuster utilizes most often. Both techniques result in significantly shorter scars than the older traditional techniques.
- Concentric: This involves an incision that goes around the areola. Also known as a peri-areolar, or Benelli, mastopexy, this procedure improves the nipple position and breast shape and is most commonly combined with a breast augmentation.
- Vertical: Also known as a lollipop incision, this type of breast lift involves an incision around the areola and down toward the crease of the breast. This allows for a thorough remodeling of the breast.
- FAQs: Find the answers to commonly asked breast lift questions.
- What to Expect at your Consultation: A breast lift can be an involved procedure. Make sure you are prepared for your consultation.
- Request a Consultation: A breast lift consultation can take place in Dr. Shuster's Fort Lauderdale and Miami area office. A virtual consultation can also be scheduled.
We also offer a number of resources that help you prepare for your plastic surgery procedure with Dr. Shuster:
Recovery
Recovering from a breast lift varies from patient to patient and depends upon the extent of the procedure. Following surgery, our patients are given a supportive brassiere. They are encouraged to wear a sports bra, or similarly supportive bra without underwire, for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. Swelling and bruising will be present after surgery. Bruising usually resolves within 7 to 10 days. Swelling resolves gradually. The results continue to improve over time as swelling continues to decrease and the incisions continue to smooth and fade.
Depending upon their occupation, most patients can return to work 4 to 5 days after their breast lift surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks, patients can resume non-impact lower body exercise. Four weeks after surgery, they can resume impact exercises and 6 weeks following surgery they can resume upper body exercise.
Results
While patients will of course see results immediately after surgery, there is always swelling that develops. During the first week after surgery, the breasts and surrounding area are swollen and may appear high. Over the course of several weeks the swelling subsides and breasts settle creating a more natural appearance. As with any cosmetic surgery, the key to success is to have realistic expectations. Through open communication and innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Shuster helps his patients achieve their desired results.
Complications
Even though complications occur infrequently, risks associated with breast lift surgery include bleeding, infection, and loss of sensation. Dr. Shuster will discuss the risks/complications associated with the surgery in detail.
Follow Up
Dr. Shuster and his staff are committed to the care and well being of every patient. Dr. Shuster sees his patients frequently in the postoperative period and continues to follow their progress for an extended period. The staff is also available to patients for any future needs they may have.