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Breast Lift

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Mastopexy, commonly referred to as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting breast ptosis. Breast ptosis occurs when the breasts sag below the inframammary fold, often resulting from factors such as aging, childbirth, pregnancy, or the presence of large breast implants. Women who wish to lift their sagging breasts to a more aesthetically-pleasing and youthful position can experience significant benefits from this surgical breast enhancement technique. Lifting the breasts offers patients a renewed sense of confidence which can positively affect every aspect of life.

Dr. John E. Sherman, a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, has helped numerous women achieve stunning results through breast lift procedures. His extensive expertise and specialization in breast lift procedures ensure that patients receive exceptional outcomes. Furthermore, the dedicated staff supporting Dr. Sherman means patients get a first-class experience from start to finish. Manhattan patients expect the best and we deliver. To find out more about the procedure, Dr. Sherman’s approach, and whether a breast lift is right for you, call (212) 535-2300 or complete our digital form to get started.

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More About Mastopexy

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is the operation to correct breast ptosis. Breast ptosis is characterized by the descent of the breast below the inframammary fold which may be caused by aging, childbirth, and pregnancy, or the presence of large breast implants. There are various grades of mastopexy which classifies the breast and nipple in relation to the descent to the inframammary fold, and depending on this gradation the operation may change.

Benefits

Each breast may have varying levels of sagging or exhibit varying degrees of ptosis, which can contribute to differences in shape, position, and overall appearance. Women who are unhappy with sagging breasts have a convenient, long-term solution with breast lift surgery. The surgery doesn’t just lift the breasts but also reshapes them, repositions the nipple and areola, and addresses any excess skin or tissue. By doing so, breast lift surgery can provide a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance to the breasts.

With the natural progression of time, as well as factors like weight fluctuations and hormonal changes, the breasts may undergo enlargement. This enlargement can cause stretching of the skin envelope, supporting ligaments, and ducts within the breast. ^[1] The surgical technique Dr. Sherman uses primarily focuses on altering the skin envelope rather than significantly changing the contents within it. As a result, patients can expect improved aesthetics, with firmer and more youthful-looking breasts.

While non-surgical alternatives may claim to offer a breast lift without surgery, it is important to note that these procedures do not deliver the same results achievable through surgical intervention. The surgical approach remains the most effective method for achieving the desired outcomes. Advancements in cosmetic surgery techniques have allowed our center to achieve more natural-looking results with a higher success rate for our patients.

Why Do Breasts Sag?

Breast sagging can occur due to various factors, including:

Aging – As you age, natural changes in your breasts, such as reduced collagen and elastin production, can lead to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin tissues, resulting in drooping breasts.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding – During pregnancy, the breasts undergo changes and become heavier and fuller, which can cause stretching of the skin. After breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin remains stretched, leading to the presence of sagging and excess skin.
Weight changes – Significant weight gain can cause the skin to stretch. After experiencing significant weight loss, the skin may struggle to shrink back down, resulting in the presence of excess, sagging skin.
Gravity – Over time, the consistent downward pull of gravity can contribute to the sagging of breast tissues.

What are the Benefits of Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. After the procedure, you will notice that your breasts are firmer, higher, and in better proportion with your body. The majority of our patients express satisfaction with the results, often describing a more youthful and feminine appearance.

While a breast lift does not technically increase the size of your breasts, they typically appear larger due to their higher and more firm appearance. If desired, you also have the option to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation surgery (see below) to achieve both lifted and increased size.

Candidates for Breast Lift

Potential candidates for a breast lift typically include individuals who:

Have sagging or drooping breasts due to factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or genetic predisposition.
Are in overall good health and do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risks associated with surgery.
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure and understand that a breast lift will primarily address breast sagging rather than increase breast size.
Have a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the long-term results of a breast lift.
Are emotionally and mentally prepared for the surgery, including understanding the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

Cigarettes & Surgery

Due to the increased risk of complications, Dr. Sherman does not perform the breast lift operation on individuals who smoke cigarettes. This procedure relies on adequate blood supply to the nipple and surrounding tissues. Nicotine, present in cigarettes, acts as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing the blood vessels and impeding proper circulation to the nipple. ^[2]

If you are a smoker, it is essential to cease smoking for a minimum of one month before the surgery. It’s important to note that nicotine patches and gum are not considered acceptable alternatives, as they do not significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Personal Consultation

During your initial breast lift appointment at our Manhattan office, we will thoroughly discuss all aspects of the procedure to ensure you are well-informed and have a clear understanding of what to expect. Dr. Sherman will thoroughly review your complete medical history, including any current or past medical conditions and previous procedures. If you have a history of breast cancer, it is crucial to inform Dr. Sherman about it during this discussion.

With Dr. Sherman’s profound surgical expertise and extensive experience, he strives to achieve optimal results for every patient and procedure. If you would like further information about breast lifts, have any inquiries regarding the procedure, or wish to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. Our team is readily available to assist you and provide the guidance you need. Contact us today at (212) 535-2300 to take the next step.

Preparation Before Surgery

To ensure the best preparation for your surgery, Dr. Sherman will guide you through which medications to start or stop, how best to prepare your home, and how much time to take off work for recovery, among other important precautions. Patients will need to have a ride home from the hospital and should arrange for care during the initial 24-hour recovery period.

The Breast Lift Procedure

General anesthesia is administered for the mastopexy procedure due to the surgery’s duration and the invasive surgical methods; this ensures that the patient remains comfortable and unconscious throughout the operation.

The duration of the procedure typically ranges from two to two and a half hours. The specific approach for the surgery may vary based on the gradation of ptosis, ensuring an individualized treatment for each patient.

Full Mastopexy

The full mastopexy allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts. During this technique, an incision is made around the areola, extending vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease. This incision pattern resembles an anchor shape, hence the name. Dr. Sherman will remove excess skin and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. The breast tissue may also be reshaped and lifted to create a more aesthetically pleasing contour.

Periareolar Mastopexy

Periareolar mastopexy, also referred to as a “donut” or “circumareolar” mastopexy, is a type of breast lift surgery that focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts with minimal scarring. It is typically suitable for individuals with mild to moderate breast sagging or ptosis.

Where Will My Surgery Take Place?

In most cases, the breast lift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, unless there are medical conditions that necessitate hospitalization. Patients have the option of having the mastopexy carried out in Dr. Sherman’s fully accredited operating suite as an outpatient, or they can choose to have it done at a hospital. If patients prefer the hospital setting, Dr. Sherman operates at reputable institutions in New York, such as

New York Presbyterian Hospital
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Lenox Hill Hospital

Recovery After Breast Lift

After being monitored, the patient is allowed to return home. We recommend that patients who reside outside of New York City consider staying overnight in Manhattan for easier post-operative care. Check out our tips for out-of-town patients here.

Typically, on the first night after the breast lift surgery, the level of pain is generally reported as mild, rated around a two on a scale of one to ten. However, this discomfort can be effectively managed with the prescribed medication provided.

It is common to experience swelling and bruising around the breasts. To aid in your recovery, you will be provided with a surgical bra or compression garment that you should wear as instructed. Sutures are typically removed within seven days following the surgery.

Typically, it takes about a week or two to resume most normal activities, while more strenuous physical activities should be avoided for a few additional weeks.

What Complications Can Follow Breast Lift Surgery?

While complications are highly uncommon in the hands of an experienced surgeon like Dr. Sherman, he will thoroughly discuss any potential risks associated with the breast mastopexy procedure during your preoperative consultation. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the possible complications, even if they are rare, to make an informed decision about the surgery.

Scars, although they can vary in visibility, will be present.
Some individuals may experience diminished nipple sensation
There is a slight risk of nipple circulation problems during the healing process.

What are the Results of a Breast Lift in Manhattan?

After undergoing a breast lift, you will notice immediate improvements in the appearance of your breasts. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the final results will become fully visible once all swelling and bruising in the treated area have completely subsided. Your breasts will appear shapelier and more youthful, with the outcomes expected to last for many years to come.

Over the following months, your breasts will continue to evolve and settle into their new shape. To maintain enhanced breast contours for as long as possible, it is advisable to maintain a stable and healthy weight. It’s worth noting that as you age, your skin naturally loses elasticity, which can impact the long-term appearance of your breasts.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

During the mastopexy procedure, patients with smaller-sized and ptotic breasts may have the option to undergo a simultaneous breast augmentation. This combined technique is commonly known as a breast lift with augmentation or a breast lift with implants.

The approach for a breast augmentation with lift can vary depending on the type of mastopexy required. To achieve optimal results, Dr. Sherman often recommends small implants in conjunction with mastopexy. This particular procedure requires the expertise of an experienced surgeon due to the simultaneous lifting and size enhancement, requiring sound judgment. ^[3] Dr. Sherman can provide detailed information and discuss the possibility of a breast lift combined with implants during the consultation phase.

What is the Cost of a Breast Lift in Manhattan?

The price of your breast lift procedure in New York City can fluctuate depending on various factors, including the specific techniques employed and the extent of work needed to achieve your desired results. Our team will be able to provide you with an estimate of the expected cost for your breast lift and also inform you about the financing options available. To schedule your consultation, call (212) 535-2300 today.

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References

Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
Silverstein P. Smoking and wound healing. The American journal of medicine. 1992;93(1A):22S24S. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9343(92)90623-j
Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S. Augmentation Mastopexy: A Five-step Standardized Strategy Approach. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004349