Breast Lift Questions

How do I know if I need breast augmentation or breast lift?

Each operation may be performed alone or in combination depending on the goal of the procedure.  If size increase is desired and the breast has good position and tone, breast augmentation alone is sufficient.  Aging, significant weight loss, and pregnancy may create a loss of skin elasticity and sagging of the breast and lowering of nipple position.  If breast sagging or ptosis is more severe, a breast lift or mastopexy may be required.  This would be determined at the time of consultation. If the goal is improvement in shape only and not increased size then breast lift alone may be the best option.

What type of scars can I expect from this procedure?

The trade off from more optimal breast shape with mastopexy is a longer scar than would be created by breast augmentation alone.  The two types of mastopexy/breast lift are:  the circumareolar, or “donut” mastopexy, and the vertical mastopexy.  The donut mastopexy, which is used mostly in cases of minimal sagging, produces a scar around the areola only.  The vertical mastopexy, which is used in cases of more significant sagging, creates a lollipop shaped scar with a circular scar around the areola and vertical line extending to the breast fold.

Initially, the scars will appear red, but will gradually fade until they reach their final appearance at 10 to 12 months.

Does my nipple need to be completely removed to reposition it for the breast lift procedure?

The breast lift procedure does not require removal of the nipple to reposition it.  An incision is made around the nipple and areola, which is left attached to the underlying breast tissue, an appropriate amount of skin is removed, the nipple is raised, and the skin envelope is tightened and closed around it.

How long does a breast lift last?

It takes several months for the final appearance of a breast lift to be evident. Over time, gravity will produce some recurrent sagging.  This varies from individual to individual and is less prominent in women with smaller breasts. Pregnancy and significant weight fluctuations can also be detrimental to breast shape.

If you have any additional questions about the breast lift procedure, contact our breast surgery office or schedule an initial consultation to speak directly with Dr. Bottger.

Additional questions:
How do I know if I need breast augmentation or a breast lift?
What type of scars can I expect form a breast lift?
Does my nipple need to be removed for the breast lift?
How log does a breast lift last?