Mastopexy (known as a breast lift) is a body contouring procedure that lifts and tightens the breasts by trimming away loose skin and surgically tightening the healthy tissue to result in a more youthful and healthier look. This cosmetic breast surgery is performed for women who have lost breast firmness, size, and shape and who are experiencing breast drooping due to aging and gravity, as well as weight loss or pregnancy. By using the latest methods, Dr. Efraim can choose the appropriate technique based upon the degree of sag present, keeping in mind the desired result.

Ideal Candidates

You may come to Dr van der Walt wanting implants only, but after a formal assessment, you may discover that breast lift surgery is better. The reason is due to the amount of sagging that is shown. Breasts that have lost elasticity typically need skin removal and tightening surgery to reduce skin looseness and bring the breasts to a perkier position. If you have nipples that droop downward and your breasts sag significantly below the creaseline, a mastopexy (breast lift) can dramatically improve their appearance. If you are contemplating a breast lift, you need to be in good health and at a good weight.

Surgical Technique

A breast lift usually takes 1-2 hours or more and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The duration of this treatment is dependent on the nature of breast size and sagging. The surgical technique used for a breast lift typically falls into two categories — the technique is defined by the size, location, and nature of the incision. Dr Efraim uses two methods:

• LOLLIPOP
  This option often gives great contouring. Sometimes this incision will have a small extension resulting in a “j” or “l”-shaped scar.
• ANCHOR
  Also known as the inverted-T, this incision starts as a lollipop but extends along the breast crease. This option gives the most space to allow major changes to the breast. Despite the scar, the surgery achieves good results.

The incision is first completed, and any loose, unhealthy skin is excised along with fat and tissue that is not wanted. The skin is then tightened and the breasts are positioned higher and lifted so they appear healthy and younger. In most situations, the size of the areola is reconstructed and reduced to be symmetric with the new placement and shape of the breast. At this point, an implant or a fat transfer can be placed in the breast if this was discussed with Dr. Efraim ahead of surgery. If the lift is the only procedure being performed and if size and shape are a worry, augmentation surgery with implants can be implemented at a different date.

What To Expect

Recovery for any type of breast lift is more extensive than surgery with implants only. After the procedure, you will wear a medical compression bra to diminish swelling. A thin tube is also inserted near the location of the incision to help with excess fluid leakage that can often occur after mastopexy treatment.
The drains are usually removed on the first post-operative day. You may shower, as the dressings are waterproof. You will come to Dr Efraim’s rooms after one week to remove the dressings.After surgery, the swelling usually goes away within about a week.
Aesthetic results after a breast lift surgery are noticeable after a few weeks as the breasts take their higher placement on your bustline. Your breasts will feel and appear natural, and you will feel perkier and healthy overall.