Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

The Procedure

Before and After

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) - There are four types of breast lifts commonly performed for breast ptosis (drooping). Each of these has specific indications and are often performed in conjunction with breast enlargement (augmentation mammoplasty). Nevertheless there are certain patients that may be borderline for one or another procedure. It must be realized that, especially in these borderline cases, when the breast is being enlarged and lifted certain preoperative decisions on which techniques to use will have to be modified intraoperatively.

Naturally no woman wants scars on their breast. To that end, plastic surgeons have designed procedures to minimize these, but each patient has a different set of circumstances. And if you decide on a procedure that has fewer scars but is inappropriate for maximizing your results, you will not have achieved your goals and may even need the procedure you were trying to avoid later on.

With breast lifts it is very difficult to get perfect symmetry as most ptotic breasts have a great deal of differences between the two breasts. Rest assured though that despite this and careful placement of scars the results will be a great improvement from what you are starting with.

Types of mastopexies are usually based on the relative position of the nipple to the infra mammary crease (fold under the breast).

1)Crescent Mastopexy - A small crescent of skin is removed above the upper areola to lift either one or both Nipple Areolar Couplexes (NAC) to improve the nipple position. The original position of the NAC usually starts above the Infra Mammary Crease (IMC) which is the fold under the breast. This leaves a scar along the upper border of the NAC only.

2)Circumareolar Lift, Donut Mastopexy, Benelli Mastopexy - This is done when the nipple is at the IMC or up to 2 - 3 cm (approximately one inch) below the IMC. This leaves a scar only circumferentially around the NAC. But in order to get a lift, it is necessary to remove lighter skin around the NAC and sometimes (depending on the size) reduce the NAC as well. A drawstring type suture (permanent) is then passed around the outer edge and pulled so it cinches down the larger opening to match the new size of the NAC. This in turn lifts the nipples while causing a slight pleating of the skin around the edge of the NAC. As this heals, the pleats will flatten, but they may leave a slightly more noticeable scar. There are no scars on the under surface of the breast. This procedure is usually done in conjunction with a breast enlargement.

3)Vertical Mastopexy (Lollipop Mastopexy) - The NAC lies 3 or more centimeters below the IMC in addition to other considerations and, like the circumareolar lift, this is often done in conjunction with augmentation mammoplasty. The resultant scar is a smooth one around the NAC and a linear one at 6 o'clock to the IMC (breast fold), giving a lollipop appearance, hence the name. The vertical scar on occasion may need a later revision (under local anesthesia) at the IMC.

4)Full Mastopexy (Anchor Shaped or Inverted T) - Like the vertical mastopexy, this surgery lifts the breast tissue as well as the NAC and can be done without an augmentation if the patient deserves. This is done when there is maximum drooping and a lot of excess skin. It can also be done with augmentation mammoplasty, but many surgeons refuse to do so for fear of changing the blood supply to the NAC which could result in partial or full nipple loss.

At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Aiello has successfully performed many of these procedures with minimal complications. At many other institutions, these procedures would be performed at two operations with additional cost and downtime for the patient without significantly reducing the risks because the patient now has to undergo two anesthetics.

Your Consultation

During this visit you will first meet with our consultant, view several "before" and "after" photographs, and have all of your questions answered. You will be introduced to your surgeon, permitting you the opportunity to learn and discuss the technical aspects of the surgery you are interested in. At the time of your visit our staff will provide you with a price quote and scheduling information. We believe the quality of our service is foremost; however, we also recognize that cost is a valid concern to everyone. Upon request we can refer several finance companies to choose from. All you have to do is ask!

For a complimentary preliminary evaluation without having to leave the comforts of your home simply submit any photos of the areas of concern and attach them via e-mail for our surgeons to review. The photos would be most helpful if you can emulate the samples enclosed in our before and after sections. Please make them comparable in composition of the photos you see throughout our site. Email photos to info@oceansplasticsurgery.com and include a phone number and the best time of day for our consultant to contact you.

Have fun! We look forward to helping make your plastic surgery experience a happy and gratifying one!

Click here to contact Dr. '90210' William P. Aiello, experienced plastic surgeon with plastic surgery centers in Los Alamitos and Newport Beach, CA specializing in various plastic & cosmetic surgery procedures.

Plastic surgery in Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Los Angeles, Orange, California.

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