How is a breast lift performed?
When a breast lift is performed, a small amount of skin around the areola and on the central lower portion of the breast is removed. The nipple and areola are not detached. The tissue is folded to move the nipple up higher on the breast and the sides under the breast are brought together (thus the vertical incision).
Breast lift surgery involves removing excess skin and tissue and reshaping the appearance of the breasts. The nipples are also repositioned to a more youthful point. Some patients can combine their breast lift with implant surgery for a more enhanced contour. The specific techniques used depend on your goals, and are discussed during your initial consultation.
Your surgeon will carefully examine you and take special measurements of your breasts to determine the amount of skin to be removed and the new location of the nipple. Often, the darker skin surrounding the nipple called the areola is larger than you would like. During a breastlift this area is made smaller. Once the measurements are made with you in an upright position you are taken to the operating room and the operation is performed. Once the extra skin is removed from the lower parts of the breast special stitches are placed to uplift and reshape the breast to a more youthful appearance. A breast lift normally takes 1 to 2 hours. It will take longer if a breast implant is placed at the same time.
