A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts and to lift the nipples back into a normal position.  As a woman ages, skin loses its elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness.  With more and more sagging, the nipples gradually move downward from their normal position to near the bottom of the breast.  The breast lift procedure is designed to reverse this process to elevate the breasts and nipples and give them a more youthful appearance.  A breast lift may also be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation or enlargement surgery.

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:

• Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
• Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
• Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
• Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.

General Procedure

The breast lift procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours and involves making several skin incisions to remove excess sagging skin and tighten the remaining breast.  After the extra skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position.  Dr. Gupta leaves the nipple attached to the underlying breast tissue at all times so you won't have numbness after surgery.  He does not detach the nipple from the breast as some surgeons do.  After the nipple is lifted back into position, the remaining breast skin is brought together to reshape the breast and give better projection.  This procedure results in an anchor shaped scar on the breast.  Please see the Photo Gallery for examples.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions.  One such procedure is the "doughnut (or periareolar) mastopexy" in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.  Dr. Gupta continually stays abreast of the most recent innovations in breast lift techniques to give you the results you expect with minimal incision techniques and improved nipple sensation.

If the patient is having a breast augmentation at the same time as the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle before the breast lift incisions are closed.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and minimize postoperative discomfort.  Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts, which minimizes swelling and bruising. Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks until the breasts are completely healed.  It is normal to experience some pain for a few days following breast surgery.  Dr. Gupta will give you a prescription for pain killers to treat this pain.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following Dr. Gupta's postoperative directions and instructions.