Mastopexy or breast lift is a surgical procedure that elevates and reshapes a sagging breast.

Ptosis (sagging of the breast) is most commonly seen after pregnancy and breast feeding or weight loss. It may also be hereditary and usually progresses with age. Breast ptosis is usually associated with enlargement of the areola. A breast lift procedure will also reduce the size of the areola.

Breast lift surgery does not produce upper fullness. This can be achieved by placing a breast implant at the same time that the breast lift procedure is performed.

How is breast lift surgery performed?

Breast lift surgery can be performed using a variety of incisions. The techniques will be based on:

• Degree of sagging
• Size and shape of the breast

What type of anesthesia is used for breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery is usually performed under local anesthetic with sedation.

 

What types of incisions are used for breast lift surgery?

Three types of incisions are commonly used:

• Around the areola
• Around the areola and vertical
• Anchor incision

Dr. Becker most commonly uses the sub-areolar incision (around the areaola) when performing breast lift surgery. This breast lift technique was pioneered by Dr. Becker.

Breast lift surgery does not normally affect breast function. There are risks and complications related to breast lift surgery.

The most common breast problem seen after a woman has had one or more children is sagging of the breasts, combined with a loss of volume.  This condition is best treated by combining a breast lift procedure with a breast implant.  However, by combing the two procedures, the risk of complications are increased since the breast lift procedure results in tightening of the breast skin, while the implant enlarges the breast, resulting in increased tension on the scar.  It is for this reason that the sub-areola technique and the adjustable implant is beneficial when combining mastopexy with augmentation.

Dr. Hilton Becker uses the adjustable implant, known as the Mentor-Becker implant, which he developed and pioneered in 1984.  Use of this implant, either saline or a combination of gel-saline, reduces the risk of scarring and complications associated with the mastopexy augmentation procedure.

If the adjustable saline implant is used it is placed under the muscle, the adjustable silicone gel implant can be placed above the muscle.

A minimal amount of saline is placed in the implant at the time of the surgery.   Saline is added slowly over a period of 5-10 days to allow for healing of the incision.   When swelling has subsided and the implants are filled to the desired volume, the fill tubes and domes are then removed.  The implant seals itself with a self-sealing valve.

If a vertical scar is warranted, due to excessive ptosis (sagging), use of the adjustable implants greatly improves the shape and symmetry of the breast, while reducing the amount of scarring.

The new Silicone Cohesive Gel (MemoryGel –Gummy Bear) implants have been used with excellent results in combination with a sub areola mastopexy procedure.

Dr. Becker has lectured and performed live surgery at several national and international plastic surgery meetings on these techniques.  He has written two chapters in plastic surgery text books and has published three articles on this topic, including:

1. The Adjustable Breast Implant – Plastic Surgery Journal 1992
2. Augmentation Mastopexy using Adjustable Implants with External Injection Domes Aesthetic Surgery Journal – November 2006

International Lectures and Teaching seminars

CLICK HERE for Mastopexy before and after photos