Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
To correct sagginess, restore shape, and regain a youthful chest appearance, some women undergo mastopexy or breast lift.
What Is A Breast Lift?
It’s a surgical procedure that reshapes and recontours the region, to correct a host of cosmetic concerns. Namely, it benefits women who lost shape and firmness following pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and aging. These also tend to negatively impact self-esteem and body image.
How Aging Affects the Breasts
Growing older is only a natural part of life, but it comes with physical changes that we often aren’t ready for. On the face, it can appear as wrinkles and lines that make the years obvious. But with breasts, women can experience droopiness, as well as loss of volume and shape.
It stems from a variety of factors from gravity to genetics, but another culprit is the slowing down of collagen and elastin production in the body. Additionally, the supporting ligaments start to stretch and weaken.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Dr. Singh can utilize multiple different approaches to mastopexy, and each one serves its own purpose. By changing where the incisions are placed, he can make precise corrections. The approach determines the patient’s desired outcome, either requiring minor adjustment or significant lifting.
Approaches to Mastopexy
Each patient has their own unique needs and goals, so different techniques allow Dr. Singh to tailor and highly customize the procedure. This flexibility allows him to address varying degrees of sagging and achieve optimal results while maintaining a natural look.
Crescent Breast Lift
This one is ideal for minimal sagging. It involves a small crescent-shaped incision along the top of the areola, for minimal scarring and quick recovery. With such subtle adjustments, it’s often combined with breast augmentation. The incision is discreet, and its simplicity offers a less invasive option for enhancing the contours.
However, this approach is limited in the degree of correction it can achieve. This makes it unsuitable for correcting more significant ptosis (sagging).
Donut Breast Lift
Also known as the “peri-areolar” breast lift, it targets mild droop. A circular incision around the areola allows Dr. Singh to remove a small amount of excess skin and tighten the tissue, for a subtle lift. Its placement allows the scar to blend in and be hardly noticeable.
The main appeal of this method is its ability to refine the nipple’s size while minimizing scarring. Again, it’s often paired with an augmentation procedure, to simultaneously lift and add volume. Women requiring only moderate adjustment would benefit most from this procedure.
Lollipop Breast Lift
The vertical breast lift, more commonly called the “lollipop,” is named for the shape of the incisions. Dr. Singh places one around the areola and another extending vertically, down to the crease of the breast. With such access to the treatment area, it allows him to significantly reshape and lift, which makes it ideal for women who require more extensive correction.
Compared to the crescent and donut methods, results are more pronounced and noticeable, but so is the scar. Though, it can be well-concealed beneath a bra or bikini top.
Anchor Breast Lift
The “inverted T” lift is the most comprehensive approach for addressing significant sagging. Dr. Singh creates 3 incisions. The first 2 incisions are just like the “lollipop,” but a third one is placed along the inframammary fold. It got its name for resembling the shape of an anchor.
This allows for maximal removal of excess skin and extensive access to the treatment area for reshaping the breast tissue. It can also be combined with a breast reduction, providing substantial improvement in both the size and position of the breast. Though, the scarring is more visible compared to other techniques.
Breast Lift Surgery Recovery
Following this procedure, the time required can vary between individuals. However, patients can generally expect swelling and bruising around the treatment areas, which subside within a few weeks. Dr. Singh applies dressings and recommends wearing a support bra to minimize these side effects and support the new contours.
Within the first couple weeks, most patients comfortably return to work and daily activities. After several, they can resume heavy lifting. It may take about 2-3 months, though, to fully notice their results. At this time, Dr. Singh encourages following his at-home care instructions for optimal healing and to minimize the risk of complications.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Lifting?
Determining if mastopexy is right for your needs starts with taking note of a few things, like health and smoking. Generally, a healthy lifestyle is an indicator of being a good candidate. You should also have optimistic, yet realistic expectations regarding the outcome.
Ideally, a patient understands that a lift can only affect a breast’s position and shape. To change its size, they would require augmentation. This can be done with either a silicone implant or their donor fat. To properly determine what procedure fits your needs best, consider meeting with a specialist, like Dr. Singh.
Breast Lift Consultation in NYC
Your surgery begins with entrusting the best possible, qualified surgeon. With a background at Harvard and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Mansher Singh stands out for his ability to realize and provide desired results, along with outstanding patient care.
Making sure you fully understand the procedure, a consultation with him is a highly informational and transformative experience. You can reach Dr. Singh’s Manhattan office at (212) 470-4020 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
FAQ About Mastopexy
How is it different from breast augmentation?
Breast lift surgery primarily focuses on repositioning and reshaping the sagging of the chest area, for a more youthful and elevated appearance. Augmenting, however, makes use of silicone implants or fat to change the size of the breast. While both procedures can be combined, each addresses different concerns.
Can it correct asymmetry?
Yes, a breast lift can adjust the position of the nipple and areola, to create a more symmetric appearance. It can help with severe droopiness or minor adjustments. For more pronounced asymmetry, the surgery can be combined with augmentation or reduction, to achieve optimal balance and proportion.
How much does it cost?
While the price tag changes between surgeons, other factors can determine it. Things like geographic location, the surgeon’s expertise, and the specific approach. Anesthesia and facility costs can be an additional expense. To get the best estimate, consider directly calling Dr. Singh’s office.
What procedures can I combine with breast lift surgery?
Patients often pair This very versatile surgery with others for more dramatic or enhanced results. It can also reduce recovery time and costs, compared to separately undergoing them. The most common are:
- Augmentation: When done together, it lifts while increasing shape and size.
- Reduction Mammoplasty: It provides the same effect but alleviates discomfort from overly large breasts.
- Liposuction: This usually targets the underarms or back to improve the upper body’s contours.
- Tummy Tuck: To enhance rejuvenation around the midsection, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy.
- Arm Lift or Thigh Lift: Combining these procedures can provide a more balanced and proportionate overall appearance.
