BREAST LIFT (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to return youthful shape and lift to breasts that have sagged as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, loss of the skin’s natural elasticity or simply the effects of aging and gravity. The procedure can also reduce areolar size (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), and it can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume and firmness.

WHAT IS A BOOB LIFT?

A boob lift or breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to tighten the skin envelope of the breast and create a more lifted appearance. Surgeons refer to this procedure as a mastopexy. As you age the breast skin naturally loses its elasticity. This results in sagging. With breast lift surgery the extra stretched out skin is removed and the breast returns to a more youthful appearance.

WHAT DOES A BREAST LIFT COST?

The price of a breast lift will vary depending on a number of factors. The main factor is the complexity of the case and therefore what technique is needed for the lift. If a patient only needs a small lift then only a minor correction is needed and the price may be lower. If a larger lift is needed then more complicated techniques may be needed and the price may be higher. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average for surgeons fee is $4,636. Patients should anticipate fees for anesthesia and a facility fee as well.

WHAT IS THE BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE?

There are many techniques for a breast lift or mastopexy. Some simple techniques involve only raises the nipple and areola by removing a crescent-shaped piece of skin above the breast. Additional skin can be removed from around the nipple and areola in what is called a peri-areolar lift. Other techniques remove skin only in a horizontal direction. Patient like to refer to this as a lollipop lift as the resulting scar resembles a lollipop. And, the most complicated techniques remove tissue in a horizontal and vertical direction. Surgeons refer to this as a Wise-pattern or inverted-T.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?

Recovery from a breast lift or mastopexy is rapid. Incisions are well healed in 2 weeks. Most surgeons will have patients limit activity for a few weeks and wait 6 weeks before wearing underwire bras.

WILL I HAVE A SCAR?

There will be a scar. Anytime skin is removed there will be a scar. The scars from a breast lift are very easily concealed. The scars are often at the border of the areola or in the inframammary fold. These scars are very well hidden.

For more information on a breast lift in Washington, DC, Bethesda and Potomac, MD, Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria, VA areas, call our office today.

WHAT TO DO POST BREAST LIFT

This patient is 8 weeks post op from a breast lift (mastopexy), without implants, on both breasts. Watch as Dr. Mehan talks through the initial stages after this procedure, and how to control scarring and breast descent. He strategically places tape on the patient’s breasts, which you can purchase through the links below. You can see that Dr. Mehan places the tape in that specific shape to optimize any possible descent that may occur post op.

Medipore Tape

Nexcare Durapore Durable Cloth Tape

AWD Medical Soft Silicone Gel Tape

BEFORE AND AFTER