BREAST LIFT

Sagging of the breast occurs when the breast skin stretches out due to the effects of aging, weight gain and loss, or the changes of pregnancy and nursing. This looser skin covering can no longer effectively shape and support the breast gland. There are two general approaches to the treatment of the breast ptosis (sagging). If the degree of ptosis is minimal and primarily due to loss of breast volume following pregnancy with resultant skin looseness, then placement of a breast implant may adequately refill the skin covering, creating a firmer, uplifted breast. Most of the time, however, it is necessary to actually perform a breast lift (mastopexy) via removal of excess skin and tailoring of the remaining skin to reshape and lift the breast. Although the traditional mastopexy leaves an anchor-shaped scar on the breast, newer techniques can reduce the scarring by shortening or avoiding the curved inframammary fold scar and, in some cases, even avoiding the vertical scar, just leaving the circular scar around the areola. There are certain advantages, disadvantages, and indications for each technique. Many women choose to receive breast implants with a breast lift in order to create enhanced fullness in the cleavage area. Dr. Schwartz will be glad to discuss his recommendations in your particular case.