Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)

What Causes Breast Sagging?

There are several factors that can lead to sagging breasts, including significant weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and heredity. The changes the skin goes through as we grow older, natural shape and size of breasts, and certain lifestyle choices can significantly contribute to sagging breasts.

When your breasts droop, several things can happen. First, your nipple generally falls to a lower position. Your areola might get larger, typically as a result of pregnancy-related changes.

The biggest culprit when it comes to the drooping of your breasts is the stretching of supportive structures within your breasts, known as Cooper’s Ligaments. When these lengthen and weaken, the internal framework of the breast is compromised and the breast itself elongates, droops, and converts to an oval shape. In addition, many women notice the increasing asymmetry of their breasts which becomes more noticeable as they droop.

 

Types of Breast Lift Procedures

To lift your breasts, four basic type of procedures can be performed:

Crescent Lift

The crescent lift technique corrects minimal sagging and leaves minimal scarring. A good solution for women who have a very minor amount of sagging to correct, the crescent lift involves a small incision running halfway around the edge of the upper half of the areola, in the shape of a crescent. This technique is typically used when a patient is also having a breast augmentation.

 

Peri-Areolar Lift

Also known as the "Benneli Lift," this lift effectively reduces areolar diameter and lifts the breast using two circular incisions, which are then brought together.

The advantage to this approach is that you are left with only an incision around your areola, but the disadvantage is that if too aggressive of a skin reduction is attempted, the areola can be stretched to a greater size over time, creating a suboptimal appearance.

 

Vertical Lift

Also known as the "lollipop lift," the vertical lift is a popular option because it gives surgeons plenty of room to remove excess skin and reshape the entire breast, and leaves easily hidden scars. A proven technique for correcting moderate sagging, the vertical lift involves one incision around the end of the areola and one running vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold (creating the "lollipop" shape).

 

Anchor Lift

For women who require dramatic reshaping for extensive breast sagging, the anchor lift, also known as the inverted T lift, is often the best option.

With three incisions made around the edge of the areola, vertically from the bottom of the areola, and along the inframammary fold, the anchor lift allows your surgeon to remove a large amount of excess skin and tissue to create a youthful contour and pleasing shape. This technique is also frequently used if you are having a breast reduction in conjunction with your breast lift.

After your procedure, you may experience a moderate amount of discomfort that can be successfully managed with pain medication. Expect downtime to last for a few days following surgery, with normal activity resuming in around one to two weeks.

Dr. Buford can help restore a perky yet natural size and shape to your breasts, which will compliment your figure and give you a result that you will be pleased with for years to come.

 

Looking to Get a Breast Lift in Denver?

Lone Tree plastic surgeon Dr. Buford can answer your questions about breast lift surgery and other options available at our Denver, Colorado practice. Please contact us online or call our Lone Tree plastic surgery practice to schedule your consultation.