Advanced breast lift techniques achieve lasting results

"Normal aging, weight loss, and breastfeeding can cause your breasts to droop. My philosophy is to lift the breast into a higher position internally, and I never rely on skin excision to hold up a breast. As a result, my results last longer, my scars are smaller, and my patients are happier.”

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Shapely, youthful breasts are one of the quintessential signs of feminine beauty. But as women age, many find that their breast volume decreases and their breasts begin to sag. Unfortunately, having children can accelerate these effects of aging on the breasts.

If you have drooping, sagging, or flattened-out breasts, a breast lift (mastopexy) can give your breasts a more youthful appearance. The procedure can be performed with or without the use of implants, depending on your individual needs and desired results.

A breast lift may be right for you if:

- Your breasts are smaller and deflated in appearance
- Your large breasts are now droopy and low
- Your breasts have a hollowed appearance on the top
- Your nipples are too low
- You have to wear a bra during the day

Dr. Cassileth’s approach achieves truly excellent results

Dr. Cassileth believes that the skin should never be used to raise the breast. The breast should instead be lifted internally, creating a tighter, neater breast. Most mastopexies use the skin to lift the breasts, creating wide scars. The breasts then begin to droop again in a matter of weeks. Using an innovative “auto-augmentation” technique, Dr. Cassileth uses the patient’s own breast tissue to recreate full breasts in their restored position. An implant can be placed if a larger breast is desired. However, an extremely large implant should not be used just to try to “fill up” a loose breast, as this ultimately results in a hanging, large, droopy breast.

Many women have come to Dr. Cassileth after undergoing breast lifts that broke these rules, giving them worse results than they had to start with. Only carefully performed breast lifts using internal lifting techniques and appropriate implants can give women the lasting results they desire.

Preparing for your breast lift surgery

To help you prepare for and understand what to expect from breast lift surgery, Dr. Cassileth will explain the process in detail during your personal consultation and pre-surgery appointments. A summary of the process and brief explanation of various incision techniques is also described here.

Essentially, Dr. Cassileth performs breast lift surgery through a small incision in the lower breast, usually at the bottom edge of the areola. The skin of the lower breast is first separated from the breast tissue, which allows the breast to be lifted without cutting the skin. Depending on the degree of the lift, a central mound of tissue is taken from the lower half of the breast and tucked under the central breast to create an “auto-augmentation” of the breast. This fills up the depleted upper half of the breast. Then the lower half of the breast is brought together, creating a neat breast that is pulled up above the level of the natural crease under the breast.

At this point in the surgery, the breast tissue itself is lifted and critical decisions are made to ensure appropriate nipple position and skin tightness. In some patients, one incision is adequate. In others, the nipple is too low, and the incision may need to be extended all the way around the areola in order to remove some of the extra skin above the nipple and areola. This is called a “circumareolar” or “pursestring” mastopexy. Not all pursestring mastopexies are created equal, however, as many surgeons just cut some skin out to lift up the breast without performing the critical internal maneuvers, which creates an unattractive scar and a stretched-out areola. Dr. Cassileth uses precision internal techniques to ensure optimum results.

If the lower part of the breast skin is very loose or stretched out, then a vertical incision may be made in addition to the incision around the areola. This is called a “lollipop” mastopexy. In rare cases, usually with extremely large lifts or breasts that need reduction, a horizontal incision under the breast is also necessary.

Dr. Cassileth will thoroughly evaluate your specific needs, make specific recommendations, and work closely with you prior to surgery to ensure that you understand both what to expect and what the end result of your procedure will be.

What to expect after your breast lift surgery

Plan on relaxing at home the first two days after your surgery. You will be in a comfortable surgical bra that has adjustable straps. You may take pain medication during this period of time, but most patients experience minimal soreness. After the first few days, most people are up and around, off all prescription pain medication, and usually have resumed basic activities. However, it is important to avoid all exercise, heavy lifting, and other more strenuous activities for the first three weeks. If you go to work, expect to be more tired during the first week and sore by the end of the day. If your work involves a lot of moving of your upper body, take the whole first week off.

Dr. Cassileth insists that all patients undergo a six-month scar treatment regimen after surgery to minimize all scars. During the healing period, the breasts often have tight or small lumpy areas where the internal sutures are located. This is common and is most prominent 4-8 weeks after surgery. These sutures are absorbable and any lumps caused by them will resolve. Your breasts need up to 2 months to fully heal and take their final shape. Our team will discuss with you what kind of support and activity you will need during this time.

Request your consultation with Dr. Cassileth today. Click here or call 888.465.5106.