Over time, a woman’s breast position and perkiness can deteriorate as the tissue and skin loses its elasticity. Pregnancy, nursing, fluctuations in weight, and genetics can accelerate the sagging and leave the breasts looking flat, shapeless and/or droopy. Breast lift is designed to give the breasts a youthful position for an overall more attractive profile.
What Does Breast Lift Achieve?
Breast lift elevates the breasts on the chest wall by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue. Breast lift elevates nipples that fall below the breast crease, relocating them higher on the breast mound. The procedure can also correct downward-pointing nipples and reduce oversized areolas.
Although breast lift improves the position of breasts, it will not change their size. If you desire perkier, larger breasts, Dr. Ellis may recommend adding implants to your surgery to add shape and fullness. If you desire perkier, smaller breasts, Dr. Ellis may recommend removing excess breast tissue and skin.
Procedure Details
Breast lift is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local or general anesthesia. You can return home after your procedure to recover comfortably.
There are several different approaches to breast lift surgery. The approach that is right for you will depend on the degree of sagging and how much of a lift is required.
The periareolar incision is created around the circumference of the areola, or the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. The “lollipop” incision pattern encircles the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease. The “anchor” incision pattern encircles the areola and extends down to the breast crease and horizontally along the crease. Although scarring along the incision lines is unlikely to completely fade, most women are happy to trade some scars for an improved breast contour.
Through the incision, excess skin and tissue are removed and the remaining tissue and skin are tightened to produce a higher and firmer breast contour. The nipple and areola are elevated on the breast and the areola can be reduced in size if needed. Sutures are layered within the breast tissue to support the breasts’ new shape.
After breast lift, it is common for the breasts to be swollen, bruised and sore. A compression garment will be wrapped around your chest to put gentle pressure on the healing tissues. You can take pain medication to alleviate any discomfort during your recovery. Dr. Ellis will see you regularly during the post-operative period to check your healing process and clear you to resume work, exercise and your normal activities.
Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation
For more information about the breast lift procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellis. You can reach our office by calling (312) 695-6022 or sending us an email today.