Understanding Breast Lift Procedures

Many women are dissatisfied and unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. Older women are especially disappointed when gravity starts taking its toll and breasts start drooping. Breast lift technology, also known as mastopexy, helps to raise and firm the breast by firming tissues surrounding the breast as well as removing excess skin that will help to improve the shape and contour of natural breasts.

Common Breast Lift Technique
The most common type of breast lift technique used in the United States and around the world is called mastopexy, which involves different options when it comes to the number of incisions needed, as well as techniques. The number of incisions and the technique that is employed is individualized and will be determined by the amount of sagging, breast shape and size, the quality of the skin as well as the size and location of the areola.

Concentric "doughnut" mastopexy is preferable for women with small or less drastically drooping breasts. This procedure often requires fewer incisions. In this type of procedure, circles that look somewhat like a doughnut are cut around the areola, from which excess skin and tissue is removed.

Anchor shaped mastopexy is performed on women with larger breasts, or those whose breasts noticeably droop or sag. An anchor-shaped drawing will be made just above the nipple and areola area on the breast. The upper part of the "anchor", or 'key-hole' will be the location where excess breast tissue is removed. The lower part of the 'anchor' will be moved upward toward the top of the anchor drawing and sutured there.

Incisions are commonly made in three areas:

• Around the areola
• Around the areola and vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease
• Around the areola and vertically downward from breast crease and then horizontally along the breast crease

Excess skin will be removed and the remaining skin pulled together. This technique helps to enhance appearance and lessen the drooping or sagging appearance of the breast.  Patients should keep in mind that some incisions will be hidden in the breast crease, while others will not. Patients are advised to discuss this issue with her chosen cosmetic surgeon.

Who Benefits from Breast Lift Procedures?
Any woman who has lost firmness or shape due to a multitude of issues may benefit from breast lift procedures. Causes of sagging or drooping breasts include weight fluctuations, gravity, aging, heredity, pregnancy as well as breast-feeding. However, women should be aware that breast lift surgery does not change the size of the breast, nor will it increase or round out the upper portion of the breast area.

How Much Do Breast Lift Procedures Cost?
Breast lift surgery in the United States cost roughly $3,500 to $6,000. The same surgical procedure in Thailand will cost half that. In Costa Rica, breast lift procedures are performed for around $1,500.

Choosing a Surgeon
Any cosmetic procedures involving the breast should be performed by a surgeon who has specialized for at least five years of surgical training in cosmetic or plastic surgery. He or she should be experienced in a multitude of plastic surgery techniques involving breast reconstruction, reduction or breast lift procedures. The American Board of Plastic Surgery or a society of plastic surgeons in specific countries of origin should offer certification and proof of training and expertise in this area of cosmetic surgery.