Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, restores a more youthful appearance to a woman’s breasts. Over the years breasts can lose their shape and firmness due to pregnancy, nursing and loss of skin elasticity, causing them to sag. Mastopexy will raise and reshape breasts—slowing the effects of aging and gravity. This procedure also can reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

Mastopexy is commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation (implants) to increase breast firmness, fullness, and size. This may appeal to women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy. Pregnancy and nursing often result in stretched skin and therefore decreased volume. If you are planning a future pregnancy, it may be advisable to postpone your breast lift as pregnancy will likely cause further stretching.

The Procedure

There are several types of mastopexy or breast lift procedures ranging from simple lifts with minimal scarring to extensive lifts with longer scars.  Often a mastopexy is combined with the use of a saline or silicone breast implant to create fullness.  The type of lift is individualized for each patient depending on the severity of ptosis ("sagging") and the desired patient goals.

Though not a simple operation, mastopexy is a very common procedure performed by Dr. Tjelmeland. Mastopexy is an outpatient procedure performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of your individual case.

The surgery may take between 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Smaller lifts can usually be accomplished with incisions around the areola.  More extensive lifts involve an incision along the natural contour of the breast where excess skin will be removed. The nipple and areola are then repositioned. The skin surrounding the areola is brought together to reshape the breast, with stitches around the areola and the lower breast area.

After Surgery: What to Expect

After surgery, your stitches will be covered with gauze and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra will hold the breasts in place. Your breasts will be swollen, and you may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication. A soft support bra replaces the bandages or surgical bra after a few days.

After a week, the stitches will be removed. Some noticeable, permanent scarring is normal, but easily covered by your bra or bathing suit. The scars may be pink for a few months, eventually fading and becoming less obvious. Although unusual, some patients may experience a change in sensation in the nipple/areola area. 

Usually patients return to work between 5 - 7 days depending on the type of procedure and the type of work.  You will need to avoid any heavy lifting or vigorous activity for usually 3 to 4 weeks depending on each situation..  Dr. Tjelmeland will advise you when it is safe to resume vigorous activity.

                                 Link to Breast Lift Photos