Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Consultation: Your consultation will involve much the same discussion on history and a clinical examination as with the breast reduction operation mentioned above. In fact, the procedures are quite similar except that in breast lift, breast tissue is not removed.

Attention is paid to existing breast volume to see if augmentation is desirable or desired by the client. In many cases, augmentation may be considered alongside mastopexy, depending on the patient’s breast volume and goals. This will be discussed, but the decision is left to the patient. Simultaneous augmentation mastopexy can be technically challenging to perform together. More often, the augmentation is done separately later.

Surgery: In pure mastopexy, excess skin is removed and the existing gland is reshaped. This is tailored to the quantity of breast tissue and, in doing so, lifts the breast. Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy uses short scar techniques for mastopexy as well [see under breast reduction].

Post-surgery recovery: It is identical to breast reduction; see under that section.

The results: Results of breast lift vary, but one must understand the extent of the permanent scars. Scarring is a consideration when deciding to undergo the procedure. In persons of skin type 1 to 3, scars may be less of a concern, but in skin types 4–6, it is an important consideration [see Fitzpatrick skin types]. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or get pregnant, your new breast shape may remain fairly constant. The operation can be repeated after a number of years if you should become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts and would like to address changes in their shape. A breast augmentation can also be done if it is felt after surgery that more volume would be useful [many women are unable to make that decision prior to mastopexy].

Refinements: Auto-augmentation by shifting the gland from the lower to upper pole, addition of fat grafting to the upper pole and cleavage are further refinements that may be considered. In cases of body lift after significant weight loss, Dr. Mohan may be able to use some of the excess tissue for breast volume augmentation.

Note: Appropriate Before and After pictures can be viewed during consultation.