Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Poor skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy, and breast-feeding can lead to a loss of breast firmness and shape.

A mastopexy, or breast lift, corrects these changes, giving the breast a more youthful appearance and texture.

This procedure can be performed alone or in combination with an augmentation or reduction to improve contour and volume.

The surgery is best for those whose breasts have been affected by factors such as weight loss, aging, pregnancy/breast-feeding, genetics and/or gravity to restore firmness to the breasts and reposition nipples that point downward or to the side.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical record. He will consider such factors as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples).

During the consultation, you should be prepared to discuss your comprehensive medical history. Relevant information includes current and previous medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, pregnancy, history, and current medications.

Your Plastic Surgical Arts surgeon’s recommendation is based largely on the complete and accurate information you provide during this initial visit. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer, and about results of any mammograms and breast biopsies.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. He may recommend that you stabilize your weight prior to undergoing surgery. If you are smoking, your surgeon will not perform this surgery. Smoking cessation is necessary for 3 weeks prior to surgery.

Your breast lift surgery will be performed at one of the many ambulatory or outpatient facilities in Lincoln. Check-in is typically 1 1/2 to 2 hours prior to your surgery time.

Prior to the procedure, the surgeon will speak with you briefly to discuss the procedure and make any necessary markings. Then a general anesthetic is administered; this type of anesthetic ensures you are asleep throughout the procedure.

Once the surgery is completed, you will be required to remain in the recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored.  

You will be sent home with a surgical bra and in some instances, small drain tubes will be placed in your breasts to avoid the accumulation of fluids.

You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.

Following the procedure, your breasts may feel firm or tight as a result of swelling. This is common and may take several weeks to fully resolve. Many women use over-the-counter pain medication to relieve any discomfort associated with the swelling, but it is strongly recommended that you not apply ice to reduce the swelling. You should continue to wear a soft and supportive bra; one is generally distributed after surgery.

It is common to have minor complications associated with your incisions. Usually this is due to tension on the skin or the internal sutures working up to the top of the skin. They are easily treated with washing with soap and water daily, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering with a clean dressing or unscented sanitary napkin.

Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications. We ask that you delay smoking for at least three weeks prior and three weeks after surgery.

Infections are uncommon, but can occur. If you are experiencing high fevers, excessive drainage from the incisions, redness, or swelling that is not symmetrical with your other breast, you should contact our office at 402-483-2572.

Depending on your job duties, you may be able to return to work within a few days to a week.

Vigorous activities, especially arm movement, may be restricted for two to three weeks.

Sexual activity should be avoided for at least the first week following surgery.

After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month.

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the results of your breast lift surgery will be long-lasting.

Gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts.

If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift to restore a more youthful contour.