PROCEDURES

Tampa Breast Lift

A Mastopexy or Breast Lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that corrects drooping or sagging of the breasts and nipples. This drooping of the breasts is otherwise known as ptosis of the breasts. The amount of breast sagging present varies from patient to patient and is dependent on many different factors. Genetics, pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight loss can all contribute to breast ptosis. The degree of ptosis or sag is based on the location of the nipple to the breast crease. In normal patients, the nipple is located at or above the breast crease. In patients with moderate sagging, the nipple is located below the level of the crease, while in severe sagging the nipple is located at the lowest point on the breast contour, pointing to the floor.

The surgery required to correct breast ptosis therefore depends on the degree of sagging present. The greater the degree of sag, the more involved the procedure and the longer the incisions needed. In patients with mild drooping of the breasts, an incision around the nipple is often times all that is needed. When moderate ptosis is present, a vertical incision is required in addition to that around the nipple. This is commonly referred to as a lollipop type of breast lift. Finally in cases where severe sagging of the breasts is present, an incision in the breast crease is made in addition to the incisions mentioned above. This is the classic anchor incision breast lift. In certain cases when there has been a significant loss of breast volume in addition to the development of ptosis, breast implants may be placed to help restore much needed breast volume.

At New Tampa Plastic Surgery, during your consultation with Dr. Fakhre, a breast exam will help determine not only the degree of breast sagging that is present, but also which procedure will best improve the appearance of your breasts.

Reasons for Considering a Mastopexy or Breast Lift in Tampa:

• The gradual loss of youthful appearing breasts
• Significant ptosis or sagging of the breasts and nipples
• Loss of a desirable breast contour with deflation of the upper poles
  
• Marked asymmetry between the right and left nipples (often the result of nursing predominantly on one side)
  

The Breast Lift Procedure

As mentioned above, the type of mastopexy or breast lift performed, depends on the degree of ptosis or sagging present. In general all mastopexy procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with the patient returning home later that day. Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and may take anywhere from one to four hours depending on the amount of lifting required. The main types of lifts performed today are the crescent lift, the donut lift, the lollipop lift and the anchor lift.

The focus of all of these procedures is to lift the nipples and breast tissue to a more youthful position. This is performed by removing the excess skin and using special sutures to suspend the nipple and breast tissue to a more desirable position. During surgery, Dr. Fakhre will place the patient in a seated position so the locations of the nipples and the contours of the breasts may be adjusted to achieve improved symmetry.

Occasionally breast implants may also be used at the time of mastopexy to add needed volume to the breasts. These implants are often times placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle, but in select cases may be placed above the muscle. Incisions are typically closed with absorbable sutures.

Recovery following Breast Lift or Mastopexy

As with all breast procedures, the recovery from a breast lift requires lots of rest and limited activity so that the healing time following surgery can be minimized. Dr. Fakhre will wrap your breasts in a special bandage immediately after surgery. This wrap will help keep your breasts in the proper position and will minimize their swelling and movement. Once this wrap is removed, you will then be required to wear a sports bra to support your breasts for at least a month after surgery.

Patients will often have pain associated with surgery, but this is usually well controlled with oral pain medications.  Complications are rare following mastopexy, but can occur. By carefully following the instructions given to you by Dr. Fakhre, you can help minimize the risk of complications. 

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for breast lift surgery or mastopexy in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your  Tampa and Wesley Chapel Plastic  Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).

Click here to see Dr. Fakhre's Wesley Chapel and Tampa Breast Lift Before and After Photos.