Mastopexy (Breast Lift Surgery) Procedure Steps

Breast lift cosmetic surgery procedure, clinically called mastopexy, is designed to provide a firmer and perkier look to breasts that have been sagging due to skin laxity. The procedural steps in various breast lift techniques will largely remain the same. Depending on the technique and the extent of surgery, a breast lift procedure may take about one to four hours.

Dr. Wright Jones is a double board certified plastic surgeon providing breast lift and various other procedures of the breast, body and face. Dr. Jones provides these procedures to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA, and surrounding locations.

Anesthesia

On the day of the surgery, once the patient is moved to the operating room, she will be administered general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. The decision on the type of anesthesia will be taken at the time of surgical planning. The patient will remain asleep during the entire plastic surgery procedure. The anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse may remain present throughout the procedure for monitoring the patient when general anesthesia is used.

Incision Placement

Following anesthesia, the breast lift surgical process will begin with the surgeon making the incisions as decided during the surgical planning. The location and size of incisions can vary according to the type of breast lift technique performed. An experienced surgeon will place the incisions in discreet locations to minimize the appearance of subsequent scars. Scarring can be concealed more easily in the natural folds of the breasts.

Lifting the Breasts

Excess skin will be trimmed away through the incisions, and the underlying breast tissue will be reshaped to create tighter, youthful looking breasts. If the areolas are oversized, the surgeon will remove excess tissue from the circumference to reshape the area. In some cases, the areolas and nipples may be repositioned at a raised level to match with the lifted breasts.

Once the reshaping and lifting of the breasts is done, the skin will be re-draped. A part of the tissue that was above the areolas may be brought down to the lower area of the breasts. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jones receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA, and nearby areas for breast lift.

Wound Closure

The surgeon will place multiple sutures extending into the deeper breast tissue to help retain the new breast shape and to keep the skin firmly in place. If traditional sutures are used, they will be removed in about 10 days. In case of dissolvable sutures, removal is not required as the sutures will be gradually absorbed by the body.

Wearing a Surgical Bra

Immediately after the breast lift procedure, the surgeon will place bandages over the incision areas. A surgical bra will be fitted to support healing and to help retain the new shape of the breasts. The extra compression with a surgical bra will prevent the incisions from opening up and discomfort will be reduced. Drain tubes may be placed below the skin in the incision areas to collect excess fluid. These will usually be removed along with the sutures.

See all plastic surgery procedures that Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Wright Jones performs of the face, nose, body, and breast in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA and surrounding areas.