Considering a breast lift by a board certified plastic surgeon? How we perceive ourselves is essential to our overall well-being. A positive self-image is an indispensable element of good psychological health. Breast shape and size are an inherent component of a woman's feeling of femininity, vitality and personal beauty. Breast shape can change dramatically during the various phases of a woman's life leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness. Fortunately, there is a wonderful procedure that can correct this problem called a Breast Lift or Mastopexy. Breast Lifts are performed by highly qualified, Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. They could restore the youthful vitality to your breasts.

Breast shape can change due to pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight loss, hormonal changes and the aging process. Breasts are composed of several different types of tissue, including glands, ducts, fat, and suspensory ligaments. It is when these various tissues begin to lose their tone that breasts begin to sag. Gravity plays an important role in causing the downward migration of breast tissue, creating the loose, drooping appearance.

Breast sagging, known in medical terms as Ptosis, is classified on a scale of one to three. The determination of the grade of Ptosis is made based on the position of the nipple in relation to the fold under the breast, called the Inframammary Fold. Grade I is when the nipple is at the fold, grade II is when the nipple is up to one inch below the fold and grade III is when the nipple is over one inch below the fold and the nipple is pointing downward. It is very important for your local Plastic Surgeon to determine your grade of Ptosis as this will help determine your treatment plan.

A Breast Lift is a Plastic Surgical procedure whereby excess skin is removed, breasts are firmed and lifted to a more youthful position. The skin is usually removed from the lower portion of the breast, which then allows the skin and breast tissue from the upper half of the breast to be wrapped under the breast. This acts as a bra to support the breast and the nipple in a new, higher, more youthful location. If the areola is too large, it can be reduced at the same time. The nipple remains attached to the underlying breast tissue and its penetrating nerves and blood vessels, which allows for preservation of nipple sensitivity.

Many women not only want their breasts to be lifted, but they want them enlarged as well. Your plastic surgeon can perform Breast Augmentation at the same time as your Mastopexy.

A Breast Lift is most commonly performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Most women can return home that day, but should plan to avoid exercise and heavy lifting for at least two weeks following the procedure. Breast Lifts are generally safe procedures, but like all medical treatment, there are risks. The risks include bleeding, infection, skin or nipple injury and the risk of anesthesia. Under the care of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, every effort will be made to prevent and minimize risk, to make your outcome a successful one. It is very important that smokers quit smoking and using nicotine products for at least one month before and for at least one month after surgery.

The results of a Breast Lift can be immensely satisfying to a woman. It can help to restore the perky breasts of her youth while simultaneously improving her sense of femininity and self-image.

To best understand all of your options, a full consultation with your local plastic surgeon is recommended.