Breast lift
A breast lift — also
known as mastopexy — is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to
change the shape of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed
and breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breasts.
You might choose to
have a breast lift if your breasts sag or your nipples point downward. A breast
lift might also boost your self-image and self-confidence.
A breast lift won't
significantly change the size of your breasts. However, a breast lift can be done
in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.
Why it's done
As you get older, your
breasts change — losing elasticity and firmness. There are many causes for
these kinds of breast changes, including:
·
Pregnancy. During
pregnancy, the ligaments that support your breasts might stretch as your
breasts get fuller and heavier. This stretching might contribute to sagging
breasts after pregnancy — whether or not you breast-feed your baby.
·
Weight fluctuations. Changes in your weight can cause your breast skin to
stretch and lose elasticity.
·
Gravity. Over
time, gravity causes ligaments in the breasts to stretch and sag.
A breast lift can
reduce sagging and raise the position of the nipples and the darker area
surrounding the nipples (areolae). The size of the areolae can also be reduced
during the procedure to keep them in proportion to the newly shaped breasts.