The Procedure:

The most common surgery to provide breast lift is the mastopexy, which involves removing excess skin and a variable amount of breast tissue followed by repositioning the nipple higher on the chest. This surgery involves making incisions around the nipple and moving it higher on the chest wall. Often a breast implant is included to enhance the breast's shape.

It is usually done on an outpatient basis, but in some cases the patient is hospitalized.

Length: 2 to 4 hours

Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia

In/outpatient: Usually outpatient. Sometimes inpatient depending on type and length of procedure and patient's age.

Common Side Effects:

There may be Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. The incisions are typically red and noticeable for up to a year, and sometimes longer.

Complications:

Complications are relatively uncommon. The main three are bleeding, infection, and scarring. Occasionally there may be some incision irregularities, in which case touch-up procedures or scar revisions may have to be done. There may be slight differences between the two breasts. If so, the plastic surgeon will perform a small touch-up procedure to reposition the nipple. Loss of nipple or breast skin sensation is rare.

Recovery:

Following the procedure, it is very important to limit activity. Within two to three weeks, all sutures are removed. Recovery is generally complete four or six weeks after surgery. The size and shape of the breast continues to get better as time proceeds.