Breast lift

A breast lift also known as mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breasts.

You might choose to have a breast lift if your breasts sag or your nipples point downward. A breast lift might also boost your self-image and self-confidence

A breast lift won't significantly change the size of your breasts. However, a breast lift can be done in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.

Why is it done

As you get older, your breasts change, losing elasticity and firmness. There are many causes for these kinds of breast changes, including:

• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuations
• Gravity

You might consider a breast lift if

• Your breasts sag
• Your nipples and areolae point downward
• Your areolae have stretched out of proportion to your breasts
• One of your breasts falls lower than the other

A breast lift isn't for everyone. If you're considering pregnancy at any point in the future, you might delay getting a breast lift. During pregnancy your breasts could stretch and offset the results of the lift.

Breast-feeding is a consideration as well. Although breast-feeding is usually possible after a breast lift since the nipples aren't separated from the underlying breast tissue some women might have difficulty producing enough milk.

While a breast lift can be done on breasts of any size, women with smaller sagging breasts will likely have longer lasting results. Larger breasts are heavier, which makes them more likely to sag again.

Risks

A breast lift poses various risks, including:

• Scarring. While scars are permanent, they'll soften and fade within one to two years. Scars from a breast lift can usually be hidden by bras and bathing suits.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation.sensation typically returns within several weeks.
• Irregularities or asymmetry in the shape and size of the breasts. This could occur as a result of changes during the healing process. But every care is taken to correct the asymmetry during the surgery.
• Partial or total loss of the nipples or areolae.Rarely, the blood supply to the nipple or areola is interrupted during a breast lift. This can damage breast tissue in the area and lead to the partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.
• Difficulty breast-feeding. While breast-feeding is usually possible after a breast lift, some women might have difficulty in breastfeeding.

Like any major surgery, a breast lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure