A mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, is a popular procedure amongst women who are looking to give their bodies a more youthful appearance by reshaping and lifting their breasts.
Common concerns from women who eventually choose to undergo a mastopexy include breasts that are sagging, feel deflated, or have downward-pointing nipples. These issues are often caused by weight loss, pregnancy/breast-feeding, or simply the effects of time on the body. By removing the excess skin and lifting the breast tissue and nipple, this procedure raises and reshapes breasts so that they are more firm and perky.
What exactly is a mastopexy?
A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a procedure that reshapes and lifts breasts without necessarily changing their size. During your consultation with Dr. Schwarz, you discuss your expectations and what you wish to achieve through the procedure. Most often, the plan includes rearranging the tissue, shifting the position of the nipples, adjusting the size of the areolae, and tightening the skin so that the breasts have a firmer appearance and a rounder shape. It is important to note that this procedure does not have any impact on your ability to breastfeed.
The procedure and recovery for a breast lift
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 1-1.5 hours. Patients will typically take 5-7 days off of work and are encouraged to wear a surgical bra for 2 weeks. Several postoperative visits are scheduled, during which Dr. Schwarz monitors the healing process and assures you are happy with the final cosmetic result.
Mastopexy as a combination treatment
A breast lift can be a stand-alone procedure. It can also be combined with a breast augmentation (with an implant), a breast reduction, or as part of a “mommy makeover.”
A “mommy makeover” traditionally combines a breast surgery with a tummy tuck. Nowadays it can include several procedures- breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction for body contouring. This blend of treatments targets the “problem areas” in women who have had one or more pregnancies. During pregnancy, both the abdomen and breasts can increase in size dramatically. While the body does a good job of repairing itself to a certain degree, many women are left with deflated, sagging breasts and excess, hanging skin of the abdomen. The goal of the “mommy makeover” is to give patients their pre-baby bodies back, and sometimes even enhance it!
If you are considering a mastopexy or related procedure, we invite you to discuss the details with Dr. Schwarz, take time to think about it, and make an informed decision. For more information or to reach our team, please visit our website here.
