As women age they begin to lose elasticity in their skin and gravity takes over causing their breasts to begin to sag. Other factors such as weight-loss, pregnancy, and breast feeding also play a significant role in the firmness and shape of their breasts.
Changes to Breasts Can Result from:
- Aging
- Breast feeding
- Gravity
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Weight Fluctuations
Fortunately for woman who are suffering from sagging breasts but otherwise happy with their breast size, a breast lift procedure is available.
Dr. Jacono's board certified plastic surgery associates perform breast lift procedures to restore patient's breasts to a more youthful and perkier breast with a more aesthetically pleasing shape. This procedure helps restore a woman's figure and restore her feminine proportions. This is done by removing the excess and stretched out skin and reshaping the sagging breasts. The areola and nipple is then moved to a more raised and forward position to create the new breast contour.
Breast Lift Surgery
There are a number of incision techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift. Our surgeons will choose a technique based upon each patient's body shape, existing breast tissue, how much excess skin will be removed, and surgical goals.
Breast Lift Surgery Techniques Include:
- Crescent Lift - corrects minimal sagging
- Peri-Areolar Lift / Donut Lift - corrects mild sagging
- Vertical Lift / Lollipop Lift - corrects moderate sagging and breast reshaping
- Inverted T Lift / Anchor Lift - correct extensive sagging and allows for more dramatic breast reshaping
Crescent Breast Lift
A crescent breast lift is a good surgical option for women who have very little sagging to be corrected. We will create a small crescent shaped incision around the top half of the areola and creates a minimal scar. Typically we only use this type of lift when a breast augmentation is being performed in conjunction.
Peri-Areolar Breast Lift / Donut Lift
The peri-areolar breast lift is a good option for women who have mild sagging. We will use this type of lift usually in conjunction with a breast augmentation. The incision is placed around outside edge of the areola. This is also a great procedure for women who wish to reduce the size of their areola. The scar will be trace the outside edge of the areola and will gradually fade to be less visible.
Vertical Breast Lift / Lollipop Lift
The vertical breast lift is the most commonly used breast lift technique by our surgical center. It involves two incisions the resemble the shape of a lollipop. The first incision is placed around the outer edge of the areola and the second incision is placed vertically below the bottom of the areola and extends down into the breast crease. This breast lift allows us to reshape the entire breast while removing all of the excess skin. The vertical scar is easily hidden with a bra or bikini top and usually fades over time.
Inverted T Breast Lift / Anchor Breast Lift
The inverted-T breast lift is best suited for women who have a considerable amount of sagging. They have become pendulous in shape where the nipple and lower breast mass are hanging down below the breast crease line on the chest. For this breast lift procedure, our surgeon uses three incisions. The first two incisions mirror that of the lollipop lift and the third incision is placed within the breast crease itself. The incisions form the shape of an "anchor" and that is how it got its name. This technique may be used in combination with a breast reduction and allows us to do more extensive breast reshaping. There is some visible scarring from this type of procedure but they should fade over time and with proper care and easily hidden with clothing.
Breast Lift Surgery Recovery
Recovery from a breast lift usually involves surgical dressings or bandages being applied to the incision sites. In some cases, we may temporarily place a small drainage tube under the skin to help excess blood and fluids drain from the surgical site. A surgical compression bra must be worn and will help to eliminate swelling while supporting the breasts while they heal.
Some bruising and mild swelling may be present and some patients may experience minimal discomfort. Pain medication will be prescribed as necessary to keep patients comfortable during the recovery period. It is recommended that you sleep on your back or side at night and not on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach will put pressure on your breasts and can have negative effect on the outcome.
Most patients are able to return back to work within a week. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least the first 5 weeks to ensure proper healing.
Breast Lift Candidates
Generally women who are bothered by large sagging breasts that have lost their shape and may be causing mental or physical pain make a good candidate for a breast lift surgery. Candidates should also be in good physical health and maintain a stable weight. They should also have realistic expectations about their goals and surgical outcome. The next step to see if you are a good candidate for a breast lift procedure would be to schedule a consultation with our surgical center. During your consultation, we will discuss your issues and determine which technique will be best for you.
Call our New York City location at 212-570-2500 or our Long Island office at 516-773-4646 to schedule your consultation today. You may also schedule your consultation by completing our online contact form.