Breast Lift – Mastopexy

Many women experience a drooping or sagging of the breasts over time, or possibly following pregnancy, breast feeding or weight loss. Breast lift surgery or mastopexy involves a lifting of the breasts, and possible repositioning of the nipples, to a more youthful and lifted position. This surgery will rejuvenate the overall shape of the breast, while restoring a firmer tone and appearance, without changing the actual size of the breasts. Mastopexy or breast lift is also used to correct pendulous or ptotic breasts, and/or nipples that point downward. For women who require a lift, but also desire a change in size to a larger, fuller breast; breast augmentation (breast implants) may be recommended by Dr. Khanna.

Mastopexy – breast lift surgery is performed under a general anesthetic, and can take approximately one and a half to three and a half hours to perform. Since patients vary significantly in their degree of skin laxity, Dr. Khanna uses scientific measurements to determine which technique would best suit your individual needs and proportions. For example, the first technique involves an incision made around the areola, which is known as a “benelli” incision. The excess tissue is removed, and in some cases the nipple can also be reduced (Nipple – Areola Reduction Surgery). The skin is then repositioned and the breast is lifted to a more youthful position.

The second technique is known as a “lollipop” incision and is normally best suited for patients that have more significant drooping of the breasts. The incision is made around the areola and down the front of the breast, in one vertical line, to the inframammary crease (beneath the breast). Again, the excess tissue is removed, and the nipple can also be reduced at this time if need be. The skin is then repositioned and the breast is lifted to a more youthful position.

The third is technique involves an incision similar to the lollipop, but an additional incision is made along the bottom of the breast just slightly above the inframammary crease. This technique is sometimes called the “anchor” incision. This technique is usually used on a patient who has very severe ptotic or sagging breasts as there tends to be more tissue to be removed in this case.

For patients who are having this surgery in conjunction with breast augmentation, a pocket will be made under the breast tissue, or deeper under the chest wall muscle, to accommodate the implant. This can be done in combination with any of the techniques listed above.

To find out if breast lift – mastopexy is right for you, please contact our knowledgeable staff at our Oakville office, between Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario. If you are ready to schedule for consultation, Dr. Julie Khanna is able to provide her patients with all of the information that they will need to make the most informed decision.