Breast Lift

Mastopexy at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth

Changes in breast shape are a normal part of aging. Natural processes like weight gain and loss, pregnancy, and changes in skin composition can have a noticeable impact on the breasts. Over time, the breasts often become flatter and more elongated in shape. These changes can affect a woman’s self-image and limit her choices in clothing.

Breast lift surgery, formally known as mastopexy, is used to correct the breast deflation that sometimes follows pregnancy, menopause, or weight loss. Mastopexy can also be used to make the breasts more symmetrical, reduce nipple protrusion, and make the areolas smaller.

About Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery improves the shape and projection of the breasts without making them larger. Patients who desire an increase in breast volume should instead opt for breast augmentation surgery.

By removing excess skin and adjusting the curvature of the breasts, Harvard-educated plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Wilson can correct even very advanced breast ptosis (sagging). Mastopexy makes the breasts look fuller, rounder, and more pert without the use of implants. Furthermore, mastopexy can be customized to meet the individual needs of each patient. Dr. Wilson performs several types of breast lift surgery, each designed to treat a different grade of breast ptosis. This way, patients can select the least invasive option capable of meeting their cosmetic needs.

  • The Crescent Lift

    The crescent lift is used to treat low-grade ptosis; this technique is generally ideal for patients with small breasts. When performing a crescent lift, Dr. Wilson makes just one incision around the upper half of each areola. This allows him to raise the nipple slightly and remove a small portion of excess skin from the upper half of the breast. Any scar tissue produced by this technique will be hidden by the natural ring of lighter tissue that surrounds the areola.

  • The Lollipop (Vertical) Lift

    The lollipop lift is the most common type of mastopexy. It’s capable of treating moderate to high grade ptosis, and involves one circular incision around each areola and one vertical incision down the underside of each breast.

  • The Inverted T (Anchor) Lift

    The anchor lift permits the removal of a significant amount of loose skin. It’s therefore most suitable for large-breasted women with high-grade ptosis. During an anchor lift, Dr. Wilson adds a third incision to the standard lollipop incision pattern: He makes a circular incision around each areola, a vertical incision down each breast, and a horizontal incision within the crease beneath each breast.

The crescent lift is used to treat low-grade ptosis; this technique is generally ideal for patients with small breasts. When performing a crescent lift, Dr. Wilson makes just one incision around the upper half of each areola. This allows him to raise the nipple slightly and remove a small portion of excess skin from the upper half of the breast. Any scar tissue produced by this technique will be hidden by the natural ring of lighter tissue that surrounds the areola.

The lollipop lift is the most common type of mastopexy. It’s capable of treating moderate to high grade ptosis, and involves one circular incision around each areola and one vertical incision down the underside of each breast.

The anchor lift permits the removal of a significant amount of loose skin. It’s therefore most suitable for large-breasted women with high-grade ptosis. During an anchor lift, Dr. Wilson adds a third incision to the standard lollipop incision pattern: He makes a circular incision around each areola, a vertical incision down each breast, and a horizontal incision within the crease beneath each breast.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery is ideal for women who want to restore the firmness of their breasts without increasing their breast size. Mastopexy patients should be prepared for a slight reduction in breast size owing to the removal of loose skin. However, despite this reduction in cup size, it’s not uncommon for the breasts to look fuller following mastopexy. By making the breasts rounder and placing them higher on the chest, breast lift surgery creates fuller, more balanced contours.

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you’ve noticed that the upper halves of your breasts appear flat, rather than round. Having nipples that sit low on the chest or point downwards is also a strong indicator that you’re suffering from breast ptosis.

Younger patients who have never been happy with the shape of their breasts can sometimes benefit from mastopexy, too. Breast lift surgery can be used to adjust breasts that are naturally more oblong in shape than round or moderately asymmetrical.

All breast lift candidates must be healthy adults and be current nonsmokers. If you smoke, you will need to quit at least three weeks before your surgery and remain smoke-free for at least three weeks after your surgery. This requirement exists because smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal and increases a patient’s risk of experiencing surgical complications. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Wilson will carefully review your medical history (including any medications or supplements you’re taking) in order to ensure that you’re ready for surgery.

Finally, be aware that it’s better to wait until you’re done having children and/or losing weight before you arrange a breast lift consultation. Both pregnancy and continued weight loss have the potential to create more loose skin, making the results of your procedure less visible. However, if you do wish to have more children after your procedure, you should feel free to discuss your choice with Dr. Wilson. If possible, he will personalize your procedure so that your ability to breastfeed is maintained.

What to Expect During Breast Lift Recovery

The initial stages of recovery last about one week for patients who have had a crescent lift. Patients who have had a lollipop or anchor lift may need to rest for 10 to 14 days before they can return to work. All breast lift patients should avoid certain activities, like vigorous exercise and heavy lifting, for about four weeks after their surgery. Dr. Wilson will provide you with detailed recovery instructions and create a plan for follow-up care when you visit him for a consultation. He will also supply you with pain medication and supportive garments before your procedure.

Dr. Wilson and his staff are amazing and I can’t thank them enough for helping me be a more confident version of myself! They are so patient and helpful, I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Anonymous

Schedule a Consultation

From Breast Augmentation to Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty and everything in-between, Board-Certified plastic surgeon Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS offers a wide range of procedures at his Portsmouth, NH office. If you are interested in booking a procedure, take the next step by scheduling a consultation today.

Arrange a Breast Lift Consultation in Portsmouth

Breast lift surgery can improve your contours and your confidence, giving you the freedom to express your individual style more fully. If you would like to learn more about how mastopexy can help you, contact our Portsmouth plastic surgery practice at (603) 294-4526. Dr. Wilson will be happy to arrange a personal consultation for you, where you’ll be invited to share your aesthetic goals and ask any questions you may have about this procedure. We look forward to becoming a valued part of your care team.

Meet Dr. Wilson

Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS has vast experience performing facial, body, and reconstructive procedures. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and completing training with a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wilson has continued to improve his technique to ensure the best results possible. Learn More about Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS and why you should choose the Board-Certified plastic surgeon for your next procedure in the Seacoast Region.