Breast Lift
As the years pass, you might notice that your breasts are gradually losing their youthful shape and firmness, or that they are beginning to sag. Pregnancy, weight gain and loss, and the inevitable effects of aging and gravity are all events that factor into the changing look of your breasts – it’s unavoidable, and can have an adverse effect on your confidence and your feelings about your body.
Breast Lift Options
A breast lift (or mastopexy) is a procedure to restore the firmer, more youthful body contour you once had. Pregnancy and weight loss can stretch the skin on your breasts, making them look deflated and hang lower than they used to. Combined with the gradual loss of skin elasticity, as well as depletion of collagen and elastin due to the natural aging process, you’re left with excess skin, asymmetrical shape, and nipples that point downward.
When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Terrasse, he will examine you, take 3D photographs which can be used to visualize various options, and determine the appropriate mastopexy technique for you, based on the following factors:
- Degree of sagging
- Size and shape of your breasts
- Size and position of your nipples and areolas
- Quality and elasticity of your skin
- Amount of excess skin to be removed
- Determine if implants can be utilized at the same time
Once Dr. Terrasse has determined what your needs and goals are for your breast lift, he will recommend one of the following incision techniques:
Crescent Lift – This technique involves an incision that runs in a crescent shape around the top edge of the areola. It isn’t frequently used, but can be good for women with a very small amount of sagging or who are getting breast implants along with a lift.
Peri-Areolar Lift – Also known as a “donut lift,” this technique uses an incision all the way around the outside edge of the areola. It addresses mild sagging, and is performed more often than a crescent for both lifting and adding implants. It is also a good option for reducing areola size.
Vertical Lift – Known as a “lollipop lift,” this technique is used more often to correct moderate sagging. It involves an incision around the areola, as well as one that runs vertically from to the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold, which creates a lollipop shape. This procedure allows Dr. Terrasse to remove excess skin and easily reshape your breasts, providing excellent results with minimal scarring.
Inverted T Lift – Called an “anchor lift,” this is the best option for women with significant sagging and excess breast tissue. This procedure combines the incisions of the lollipop lift with one more incision along your inframammary fold, and can be used in a lift alone, or a lift combined with breast reduction. The scars are more visible, but still easily hidden.
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Schedule NowSurgery, Results, and Recovery
A breast lift is an outpatient procedure that is performed using general anesthesia, with or without sedation. Once Dr. Terrasse makes the incision, he will remove any excess skin, lifting and re-contouring the underlying breast tissue to improve firmness and shape. The nipple and areola are then repositioned for a perkier look, and the incision is closed.
You will initially experience some swelling and mild pain, but prescription or over-the-counter pain medication is adequate to address this. You will wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and protect your breasts, and you can usually return to work and resume everyday activities one to two weeks after surgery. Once Dr. Terrasse has given you the go-ahead (usually after about six weeks) you can engage in more strenuous activities.
Results of a breast lift are considered permanent, as long as you maintain a healthy weight. You will probably notice some sagging as you continue to age naturally, and the degree of those changes is based on genetics and activities that stretch the tissue.
If you’re ready to restore the youthful body contour that you once had, a breast lift might be the solution. Call Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery today at 847-234-2400 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Terrasse.