Breast Lift (Mastopex)

Women are candidates for breast lifts if their breast gland is too low on the chest, if the gland folds over and rests on the chest, or if the nipples are too low. Adult women of all ages and body types may require breast lifts.

Child bearing with or without breast feeding is the most common cause for these changes in breast shape, however weight loss, genetic "soft collagen" and advancing age can all cause or contribute to breast sagging. More and more we see women in their 20's consulting for breast lifts.

Several procedures for the correction of breast and/or nipple sagging exist and can be tailored to your specific needs.

Dr. Gordon will discuss the variety of surgical procedures, depending upon what changes are desired. Prior to surgery, pre-medication to relax the patient is administered and breasts are carefully marked to indicate where the incisions are to be made.

When a woman has breasts which are shaped like sweet potatoes (tubers) this condition is termed tuberous breasts and is treated by a type of lift, which circles the areola and is termed a circumareola lift. A circumareola lift is also good for the treatment of mild forms of nipple asymmetry or large areolas.

In cases in which there is good nipple position on the breast mound, but poor gland position, then a lift of the gland without disturbing the nipple position can be done using a vertical incision, which passes between the bottom edge of the areola and the inframammory fold. We call this lift an abbreviated vertical scar mastopexy. (AVSM)

In the typical advanced cases of nipple and gland malposition we need to lift both the nipple and the gland. The incision circles the areola, (often reducing the areola to a more appropriate size) and continues down to the inframammary fold. We call this lift a vertical scar mastopexy or VSM lift. This is the most common lift we do and in our hands provides the best results for the common varieties of breast and nipple sagging as well as a method for reducing large breasts.

Dr. Gordon has been developing his own technique for lifting the saggy breasts since 1998 (10 years). His technique utilizes geometry to reduce scarring, produce specified cup sizes, and provide very consistent results.

BEFORE SURGERY
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. Dr. Gordon will do a thorough examination of the entire patient as well as the breast to determine the most effective surgical approach. He will describe the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected, and the possible risks and complications.
Mammograms or x-rays may be taken as well as digital photography.

FOLLOWING SURGERY
After surgery, the patient may temporarily have a suction drain and will need to wear an absorbent pad over the stitches for a day or two. A bra should be worn to aid in breast shaping, and support.

Pain connected with the procedure is well controlled with oral medication. Daily showers and antibiotics will be continued to prevent infection. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest and limited activities. Dr. Gordon will determine when normal activities can be resumed; however, weight training and aerobic exercise must be avoided for several weeks.

Sutures, if necessary (most cases use dissolvable sutures), are removed in about 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Gordon recommends massage to keep the breast supple. Numbness around the treated area may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a few days, and scars from incisions, although permanent, fade significantly with time.