Breast Lift

Breast Lift Richmond, VA - Breast Implants Richmond & Charlottesville VA
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Matthew G. Stanwix, MD

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, provides a youthful appearance to breasts that tend to droop or sag over time. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix individualizes each breast lift, and uses innovative techniques to minimize scarring. Breast lifts only remove skin, but can be used in conjunction with a small removal of breast tissue (minimal breast reduction) to make the breasts the same size. Commonly, Dr. Stanwix performs a breast augmentation at the same time as a breast lift. Look at yourself in the mirror with a bra. If you like the cleavage and size of your breasts, then a breast lift is the right procedure for you. If you feel that your size is not adequate and you wish to increase the volume of your breasts, then a combined breast augmentation with a breast lift may be right for you. Dr. Stanwix will discuss your needs and provide you with an individualized treatment plan based on your  consultation. Remember that Dr. Stanwix is an expert in breast surgery, and performs all avenues of breast surgery as a Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:

· Raise the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.

· Firm the breasts if they have lost shape during pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.

· Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.

· Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.

General Procedure

Dr. Stanwix performs breast lift surgery as a two hour outpatient procedure. There are typically three different types of breast lifts that Dr. Stanwix performs depending on the size and shape of your breasts, the location and size of your nipple/areola, and your desired outcomes. Regardless of which surgery Dr. Stanwix performs, he uses meticulous techniques, all dissolvable stitches, and no drains.

The first type of breast lift, or mastopexy, can be considered a minimally invasive and scar hiding technique. A “periareolar” breast lift, or “doughnut” lift, is performed by taking the skin around the areola to tighten the breast and give a lift. By doing so, the areola may be decreased to a smaller size such that it fits the natural shape and size of your breasts. The scar is thus hidden around the areola and is barely, if at all, ever noticeable.

The second breast lift procedure is like the one above, but also includes an incision up and down on the breast. This lift, also known as a “lollipop” breast lift, takes additional skin from below the nipple to raise the breast up. The incision underneath the areola down to the breast fold fades very well over time and really holds the shape well. Lastly, the third and final type of “mastopexy” (breast lift) involves an incision in the breast fold. Although this “anchor” incision pattern involves a horizontal scar under the breast fold, it is often hidden very well by the natural shape and fall of the breast. Regardless of which of these three patterns are chosen, it is important to note that breasts are “sisters” and not “twins.” No two breasts are identical prior and you should be ready to after surgery that there may be some subtle asymmetries as well. Despite this fact, Dr. Stanwix strives for excellence in all his surgeries and performs certain techniques to assure as much symmetry as possible.

If you desire some additional volume to your breasts, Dr. Stanwix will place your implant underneath the muscle through the same incision he uses for the breast lift!

Recovery Process

Breast lift surgery has minimal downtime and pain because it only removes the outer skin layer. Nonetheless, expect to rest and take it easy for the first week after surgery with no strenuous activity. Dr. Stanwix will place you in a supportive surgical bra that you will wear at all times the first 10-14 days. Importantly, because Dr. Stanwix uses skin glue and all dissolvable stitches, you can shower the day after surgery. By 2 weeks after surgery you can return to most aerobic and cardio activities. Because Dr. Stanwix performs such individualized surgery, he will provide you with detailed instructions on how to return to activity and work after your breast lift surgery.