Image Directed Outpatient Plastic Surgery - John F. Flory, M.D. - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure which is performed to reposition and reshape the breast. It may be combined with an increase in size (augmentation), a decrease in size (reduction), or a maintenance of size (lift only). The goal is to remove the excess sag (ptosis) which frequently develops as a result of pregnancy and breast-feeding, excessive breast size, and/or loss of tissue elasticity and support. Minor amounts of ptosis when coupled with loss of volume, such as after pregnancy and breast-feeding, may sometimes be corrected with breast augmentation alone. More significant ptosis will usually require modification of the skin envelope with removal of skin and noticeable scars. The exact location of the scars varies with the desired results and the technique used.

The most frequently performed breast lift is the reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction). It is performed to treat the symptoms caused by excessively large breasts and in some cases may be covered by insurance when medically indicated under the criteria set by the insurance company. If not covered by insurance it is simply a mastopexy with tissue reduction which is performed at the patient's expense. Breast reduction and mastopexy with tissue reduction is covered in greater detail under the heading of Reduction Mammaplasty.

Mastopexy with augmentation (Augmentation Mastopexy) combines a breast lift and the volume enhancement of an implant. It may be performed on a breast that already has an implant but has become excessively ptotic (saggy) or it may be performed on a breast that is too ptotic (saggy) to respond to augmentation alone. Some plastic surgeons prefer to add an implant to all mastopexies in order to add fullness to the upper portion of the breast. Fullness in the upper portion of the breast can sometimes be more difficult to achieve with a mastopexy by itself. Mastopexy with implants carries a much higher risk than either procedure by itself and should be performed by an experienced surgeon. Before and after photos should be reviewed with strong consideration given to the appearance of the resultant scars.

Mastopexy only (lift only, straight lift) involves the removal of excess skin without significant change in volume of the breast. It does provide elevation and some reshaping of the breast mound at the expense of placing scars in and around the breast. The exact placement of the scars depends on the technique used. In many cases they may be very similar to the scars involved with a breast reduction, only less extensive. As with all of the breast lifts, the individual must weigh the benefits in shape and appearance against their possible aversion towards the resultant scars. In general, younger individuals will experience worse scars than older individuals. Pictorial review of the various possible scar results is recommended and is performed during a consultation with Dr. Flory.