Breast Lift

The type of incision used during a breast lift procedure will vary depending on the degree of lift and whether implants will be placed during the surgery. If implants are a part of the procedure, whether silicone or saline, they are placed under the pectoralis muscle. This method provides additional support and helps to keep the breasts in a higher position for a longer period of time. In situations where a larger implant is desired, a supportive tissue matrix may be used as a sling to hold the implants in place.

INCISION TYPES

The degree of lift will determine how many incisions are needed and where they will be placed. Once the incisions are made, excess skin and tissue are removed and the nipple and areola are repositioned for a natural placement. The sutures during this procedure are placed deep in the breast wall to secure and hold the breast up firmly. There are several incision placements to consider:

• Around the curvature of the areola (the tissue immediately surrounding the nipple)
• Vertically on the bottom of the areola, down to the crease under the breast
• Horizontally beneath the breast following the natural crease

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is considered an outpatient procedure. Operative time in most cases is between 1-2 hours. Recovery following a breast lift will vary depending on whether it was a stand-alone surgery or if it occurred in conjunction with another body contouring procedure. Most patients are able to resume their normal work schedules within a few days. Exercise will be a gradual process. Most women are able to resume their normal routines within 6-8 weeks. This includes running and weight training.