Breast Lift

Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift is designed to return breasts to a more youthful shape and position.  Breasts can begin to sag or droop over time due to a number of reasons that are outside the control of the patient.  The main reason breasts begin to sag or droop is a loss in skin elasticity.  This means the skin that supports the breast volume has stretched and no longer supports the breast.  A breast lift can restore the skin to a more youthful and elastic state.  These changes and a loss of skin elasticity can be a result of:

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Significant weight loss/gain
  • Aging
  • Gravity
  • Heredity

Since a breast lift does not change to overall volume of the breasts, it is often combined with a breast augmentation or breast reduction to achieve the best results.  The overall volume of the breast should be considered when considering a breast lift, and should be discussed with Dr. Michele Koo prior to the procedure.

Breast Lift Procedure

The incision location for a breast lift will depend on a patient’s breast size, shape, size and position of the areola, amount of correction needed, and skin elasticity.  There are 3 common incision locations for a breast lift and Dr. Michele Koo can help to determine which incision location will deliver the best results.  The three incision locations include:

  • Around the areola
  • Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
  • Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

Once the incision is chosen and made, Dr. Koo will gently lift and reshape the underlying breast tissue.  Once the desired contour is achieved, any excess skin is removed to restore a more youthful skin elasticity.

Breast Lift Results

The results of a breast lift are immediately visible following the procedure.  As time passes, inflammation and incision lines will fade and become less visible.  Following the breast lift procedure, dressings and bandages will cover the incision and a support bra or elastic bandage will support the breasts during the healing process.  The elastic bandage or support bra will also help to minimize swelling and help to reduce recovery time.  Satisfaction will continue to grow following a breast lift as swelling and incision lines begin to fade revealing a more youthful position and shape to a patient’s breasts.