A WOMAN'S BREASTS OFTEN CHANGE OVER TIME, LOSING THEIR YOUTHFUL SHAPE AND FIRMNESS. These changes, including loss of skin elasticity, can result from pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and gravity. Heredity may also be a factor, and a woman in her teens may experience loose, sagging breast tissue. Breasts that have lost their firm, uplifted contours can affect a woman's self-image and confidence.

If you desire to restore the firmness and shape of your breasts, then a breast lift may be right for you. In general, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) has become enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well. A breast lift rejuvenates the female figure with a breast profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm.

This presents an overview of breast lift. The best way to learn how a breast lift can help fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.

Over time, a woman's breasts begin to sag and the areolas become larger.

Incisions outline the area of skin to be removed and the new position for the nipple.

Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast its new contour.

After surgery, the breasts are higher and firmer, with sutures usually located around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast.

If your expectations are realistic, chances are you'll be satisfied with your breast lift.

Breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is surgery to uplift and improve the shape of a female breast that:

Sags or is pendulous, but is proportionate with the body frame

Has lost firmness and skin elasticity

Has a flatter, elongated shape

When unsupported, the nipple falls below the breast crease

Has a nipple and areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) that point downward

Has stretched skin and an enlarged areola

A breast lift is appropriate for women who wish to improve breast shape and position. When an increase in breast volume is also desired, breast implants may be inserted in conjunction with a breast lift.

While a breast lift does not generally affect breast function, women who are planning future pregnancies should discuss this with their plastic surgeon. The changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Likewise, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed. For these reasons, good candidates for a breast lift are generally women of normal, stable weight whose breasts are fully developed and who have completed their family. Breast lift is appropriate in younger women as well, most commonly in cases of breast asymmetry where the position of one breast is lower than the other.

A breast lift is best performed on: . Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness
or medical conditions that can impair healing . Non-smokers . Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving body image

Where do I begin?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how a breast lift can improve your breast contours. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about breast lift in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case

The options available in breast lift surgery

The likely outcomes of a breast lift and any risks or potential complications

The prescribed course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon

Your plastic surgeon will also answer your questions.

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of breast lift surgery. These will be carefully evaluated in consultation with your plastic surgeon. The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction requires that you:

Honestly share your expectations with your plastic surgeon .

Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs .

Be candid about any history of breast cancer in your family and your personal breast health

Commit to precisely following all of your plastic surgeon's instructions

Safety

By making the decision to consult with your plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking
an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.

My breast lift

Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for your case will be determined based on:

Breast size and shape

The size and position of the areola

The degree of breast sagging

Skin quality and skin elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

There are many variations to the procedure, however one of the most common is a pattern with three incisions:

Around the areola

Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

Horizontally along the breast crease

Through these incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height. If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Alternative techniques eliminate either the horizontal incision at the breast crease, the vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease or sometimes both. In any case, incisions are usually placed so that they can be hidden under clothing and swimsuits. Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.