Breast Lift and Reduction

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is done to lift and reshape drooping breasts. The procedure involves removal of excess skin and reshaping of breast tissue to raise the breasts. There are three techniques for doing breast lifts and the one used is based on a patient’s anatomy. The threes different techniques are:

  • Circumareolar Lift: this is also known as a donut lift. A circular incision is made in the dark pigmentation of the areola and excess skin removed to tighten the breast. This approach is only appropriate for women with minimal breast sagging.
  • Lollipop Lift: this technique involves making a circular incision around the areola and then vertically down to the natural breast crease to remove excess skin and reshape the breast. This is the most frequently used technique.
  • Anchor Lift: this technique is for the patient with pendulous (very saggy) breasts. A circular incision is made around the areola, then vertically down the breast to the breast crease and then horizontally along the inframammary fold to remove excess skin and reshape the breast.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure done to remove fat, glandular tissue and skin to improve the size and shape of overly large breasts. Liposuction is often done with a breast reduction to remove the fat. Women that want a breast reduction usually suffer from one of more of the following issues: Back and neck pain, Bra strap indentations on the shoulders, Difficulty participating in physical activities, Skin irritation around or in between the breasts, Cannot find tops that fit properly, Self-image issues. Breast reductions and breast lifts are done at the out-patient surgery center under general anesthesia. After surgery a tube is sometimes placed under the arm to drain excess fluid or blood. The drain is removed in 2 to 5 days. A surgical bra is worn for 2 weeks. Depending on the surgery, most patients may return to work in 1 to 2 weeks. No exercise other than walking for 6 weeks.