BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to restore shape and firmness to the breasts. RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center offers breast lifts and other cosmetic surgeries to patients living in the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, McAllen, and all of South Texas.
What Is A Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to restore the shape and firmness of the breasts. The breasts can lose these qualities over time, often as a result of pregnancy, nursing, loss of skin elasticity, weight loss, and the natural aging process. These factors may cause the breasts to sag and lose their shape, appearing “deflated” – especially in the upper breast. A breast lift can restore a youthful appearance and perkiness to the breasts and even reduce the size of the areola. A breast lift can also be combined with breast implants to restore volume to the breasts.
Am I A Good Candidate For A Breast Lift?
If your breasts have lost their shape and fullness due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or any other reason, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift. If you are looking for a breast procedure that will increase the volume of the breasts, you may want to consider a breast augmentation or breast implants.
How Is A Breast Lift Performed?
Our breast lift procedures are performed either in a certified outpatient surgery center or in a hospital under general anesthesia, while combined with local anesthesia and tumescent to ensure your ultimate safety and comfort. A breast lift is performed by removing excess skin to lift the breasts, and can take between two to five hours depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center specializes in a number of breast lift techniques in order to provide patients with the best results possible. These techniques include:
- Circumferential periareolar (or “donut”) mastopexy – This technique removes a small circle of skin from around the areola of the nipple. This is best suited for patients who are looking for a more subtle lift, or who simply want smaller areolas. The donut technique results in perkier breasts while preserving nipple sensation and blood supply.
- Crescent lift – Although this technique is not technically a lift, it can help enhance breast symmetry by repositioning the nipples. A small crescent-shaped section of the areola is removed to raise the nipple, correcting asymmetry and leaving a scar that is almost invisible.
- Vertical LeJour (or “lollipop”) mastopexy – For patients with significantly sagging or drooping breasts, we use the lollipop technique. This technique gets its name from the incision that encircles the areola and descends downwards to the bottom of the breasts. This incision allows for additional skin and tissue removal, creating breasts that are more lifted as a result.
- Extended LeJour mastopexy – The extended LeJour mastopexy uses the lollipop technique in addition to a curved incision on the underside of the breast. This allows for the removal of even more excess skin, adding significant body-lifting effects to the benefits of the breast lift. This is best suited for patients with severe sagging who are looking for a lift that cannot be achieved with other techniques.
In a breast lift, several layers of hidden sutures are used, and the final incisions are covered with special surgical tape, which protects the incisions for the first two weeks. We hardly ever use suction drains for our breast lifts, but they may be necessary for extensive upper body lift procedures. These drains are usually removed within two to five days.
How Is Recovery From A Breast Lift?
Patients who undergo a breast lift at RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center experience almost no pain because the surgery only involves manipulating the skin and tissue. All incisions are covered with special surgical tape, which protects the incisions after surgery. Then, patients will wear a comfortable, protective sports bra for the first six weeks after surgery. Mild bruising and swelling is normal during this time, but this should fade rather quickly. We can prescribe pain medications to make patients more comfortable, but over-the-counter medications are usually all that is necessary. Some patients may experience temporary nipple numbness or hypersensitivity, which can last three to six months. After your procedure, we will give you further detailed instructions to ensure proper healing. Patients typically return to normal activities within a few days and can work within a week or less. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately three to four weeks.
How Much Does A Breast Lift Cost?
To determine the cost of your breast lift, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
If you are considering a breast lift or any other breast surgery, contact us today to learn more about the procedure or to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Rodriguez of RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center specializes in breast surgeries and other cosmetic treatments, offering his services to the residents of McAllen, the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, and all of South Texas.