Nashville Plastic Surgery Specialists

Breast lift (mastopexy)
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts--at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume--for example, after pregnancy--breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

The nipple has moved below the breast crease. Breast lifts reposition the nipples higher, to a normal position. Sometimes it is helpful to use a breast implant at the same time.
	The skin around the nipple is removed and the nipple is moved to its normal position. The amount of skin removed varies from minimal around the nipple to more extensive depending on the severity.
The skin is brought back together giving the breast a more youthful appearance and fullness.
	The scars will always be visible. It takes about one year for the scars to mature and obtain a color similar to the surrounding skin.
The length of the scars could vary. If minimal skin is removed the scar remains around the nipple. With more skin removal the scar could continue as a straight line below the nipple. If a lot of skin is removed the scar also involves the breast crease. You will be able to get an idea of how extensive the incisions are going to be during the consultation.

Procedure	Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts.
Duration	2-3 hours
Anesthesia	Usually general
Hospital stay	Outpatient
Recovery	Usually 1 week before returning to work.