LIMITED BREAST LIFT (PERI-AREOLAR MASTOPEXY)

Individual results may vary.

Case ID: 3447
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Front: Limited breast lift (peri-areolar mastopexy)

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This 26 year old patient came to see Dr. Medalie of Cleveland Plastic Surgery at his Beachwood office. She had a chief complaint of large areolae and slightly drooping breasts. Dr. Medalie proposed a peri-areolar mastopexy which could be done as an outpatient under local anesthesia. The surgery was confined to the peri-areolar skin so that the scar rested at the junction of the pigmented skin and normal color skin.The patient agreed to the surgery, and is shown 8 months after her procedure. The surgery was very successful and the patient was pleased with her smaller areolae and perkier breasts.

What are the steps of a breast lift procedure?

Your breast lift procedure can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques.

The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

  • Breast size and shape
  • The size and position of your areolas
  • The degree of breast sagging
  • Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

There are three common incision patterns:

Around the areola

Breast lift incision around areola

Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

Breast lift incision vertical

Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

Breast lift incision horizontal

Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts

After your doctor makes the incisions:

  • The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
  • The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
  • If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
  • Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Step 4 – Closing the incisions

After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.

Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

Many women desire the smallest scar possible. However, your plastic surgeon will recommend the incisions which best suit your anatomy.

Listen to your surgeon and do not diminish your result by demanding an incision that will not be appropriate for you.

Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

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