Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery can create firmer and more youthful looking breasts for women who have drooping breasts that have lost volume. Learn more about breast lift surgery below, including details about what to expect during the breast lift procedure.

What to Expect During the Breast Lift Procedure

To help you prepare for breast lift surgery, we have provided information about what you can expect, including details about the anesthesia process, the types of incisions and sutures that are used, and the procedure to reshape the breast.

Anesthesia

Breast lift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. In some cases where little skin needs to be removed, the breast lift procedure can be performed with a local anesthetic and a sedative. When general anesthesia is used, it is typically administered first through an intravenous liquid, then through a gas after the patient is asleep.

General anesthesia puts patients in a state that is similar to sleep in which they feel no pain and are unaware of what is happening. Patients awaken with no memory of the surgery. After receiving general anesthesia, patients will need someone to drive them home as it will take several hours for the full effects of the anesthesia to disappear. There are possible complications and adverse reactions associated with general anesthesia that should be taken into consideration.

Incisions

In all types of breast lift surgery, an incision is made, excess skin is removed, and the skin and nipple are repositioned to result in breasts that are firm and lifted. The size and locations of the incisions that are made depends on the breast lift surgery technique used.

The standard breast lift surgery is the most invasive type of breast lift because it uses an anchor or keyhole incision, which begins in the breast crease and extends around the areola. A less extensive incision is possible in a doughnut mastopexy, also called a peri-areolar or Benelli lift, in which an incision is made just around the areola.

Reshaping the Breast

To reshape the breast during standard breast lift surgery, the surgeon removes most of the skin below the nipple and relocates the nipple to a higher position. Then, the skin above the nipple is brought down and around the swell of the breast. This makes the breasts firmer and higher. When a doughnut mastopexy is performed, only a circular piece of tissue around the areola is removed and the surrounding tissue is reattached. The size of the areola can also be altered during the breast lift procedure.

Breast lift surgery with augmentation may be more beneficial when extensive ptosis is apparent. A breast implant can be included with the breast lift procedure to add volume and create a fuller and more rounded shape.

Sutures

Once the breast has been reshaped, the surgical incision is carefully closed using sutures. For standard breast lift surgery, the sutures are usually located around and under the areola, and in the crease under the breast. If a doughnut mastopexy is performed, the sutures are located just around the areola.

Breast lift patients are fitted with a surgical bra to hold the breasts in place and provide support after surgery. Typically, patients are able to return home within a few hours of breast lift surgery and sutures are removed within one to two weeks.

Contact a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

For more information about what to expect during the breast lift procedure you should contact a qualified plastic surgeon. Through DocShop’s online listing, you can find a surgeon in your area who is experienced in breast lift surgery.