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, this 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 mastopexy techniques. When performing mastopexies, Dr. Shuster combines techniques from Brazil and Europe to create fuller more youthful breasts. For many women, he accomplishes this using their own breast tissue. During a mastopexy 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.

Some patients whose breasts are sagging have little breast volume. In these cases, a breast implant may be advantageous in addition to a lift. Dr. Shuster utilizes the same incisions for these surgeries so there are no additional scars. 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 mastopexy. At the same time, his philosophy is to accomplish this in the most minimally invasive manner.

About The Procedure

A breast lift can be performed either in the office operating suite or at the hospital. Most are performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery is done under anesthesia, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia and takes approximately two and a half hours.

There are two approaches which Dr. Shuster utilizes most often. The first, known as a peri-areolar mastopexy, involves an incision which goes around the areola. There are no other incisions, and therefore no other scars and it allows for a modest improvement in nipple position and breast shape. It is the technique most often combined with a breast augmentation.

The second approach, known as a verticle mastopexy, involves an incision around the areaola and vertically beneath this toward the crease under the breast. It avoids the long incision across the bottom of the breasts. Some describe this as a lollipop incision. It allows for a more thorough remodeling of the breast for patients who require it. Both techniques result in significantly shorter shorter scars than the older traditional techniques.

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 under wires, 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 resolve and the incisions continue to smooth and fade.

Depending upon their occupation, most patients can return to work 4 to 5 days after 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 the 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 are also available to patients for any future needs they may have.

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