What is breast lift surgery?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.
New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show breast lifts have grown 70% since 2000, outpacing breast implants 2-to-1.
Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.

A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. A woman's breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:
•    Pregnancy
•    Breastfeeding
•    Weight fluctuations
•    Aging
•    Gravity
•    Heredity

What breast lift surgery can't do
Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and breast augmentation surgery.
If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and breast reduction surgery.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:
•    You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight
•    You do not smoke
•    You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts sag or have lost shape and volume
•    Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous
•    When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease
•    Your nipples and areolas point downward
•    You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas
•    One breast is lower than the other

What should I expect during a consultation for breast lift surgery?
During your breast lift consultation be prepared to discuss:
•    Your surgical goals
•    Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
•    Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
•    Previous surgeries
•    If you have a family history of breast cancer
•    The results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Your surgeon may also:
•    Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
•    Examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas
•    Take photographs
•    Discuss your options
•    Recommend a course of treatment
•    Discuss likely outcomes of breast lift surgery and any risks or potential complications
•    Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast lift

Be sure to ask questions. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your breast lift surgeon that you can take with you to your consultation.
It's very important to understand all aspects of your breast lift procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What should I expect during my breast lift recovery?
During your breast lift recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is completed.
You'll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.You will be given specific instructions that may include:
•    How to care for your breasts following surgery
•    Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
•    Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
•    When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual breast lift recovery period.
•    Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
•    What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
•    Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
•    Are stitches removed? When?
•    When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
•    When do I return for follow-up care?