When You Need a Lift

Breast ptosis is the medical term for sagging of the breasts and refers to when the loss of elasticity in the breast tissue causes the breasts to sag significantly enough to alter the areola and nipple locations relative to the breast crease. A breast lift, also known as mastoplexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue resulting in changing and modifying the size, contour, and elevation of the breasts.

Breast Lift Candidates

Over time a woman’s breasts undergo change, losing their youthful shape and fullness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity have a variety of causes. If you have experienced any of the events listed you may be a good candidate for the breast lift procedure:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Weight fluctuations
• Aging
• Gravity
• Heredity

About the Procedure

There are several techniques that Dr. Nahai can utilize during breast lift surgery depending on your personal evaluation.

• Crescent lift or nipple lift: This approach is performed for patients suffering from mild ptosis. The procedure entails removal of a crescent-shaped piece of tissue around the areola, followed by the repositioning of the areola to a more aesthetically pleasing location.
• Benelli breast lift or donut mastopexy: Patients with mild to moderate breast ptosis will benefit greatly from this approach. A donut-shaped piece of tissue from around the areola is excised followed by re-attachment of the remaining tissue to the areola.
• Vertical breast lift or lollipop breast lift: Women that suffer from moderate ptosis, may require a technique similar to the benelli lift, but with an additional incision. The additional incision will run vertically from beneath the areola down to the breast crease.
• Full breast lift or anchor lift or inverted-T lift: Ladies with severe breast ptosis will require an anchor-shaped incision that runs from the base of the areola to the bottom of the breast. A crescent-shaped piece of skin from where the breast meets the rib cage will be removed, and re-positioning to the nipple for a more aesthetically appropriate position.

Dr. Nahai stresses to each patient that the surgery does not significantly change the size of the patient’s breasts or round out the upper part of the breast. For fuller breasts, consider combining a breast lift with breast augmentation. To decrease the size of your breasts consider combining a breast lift with breast reduction surgery.

Aftercare & Recovery

After the procedure, Dr. Nahai will wrap your breasts with bandages and insert a small drain to eliminate any excess fluid or blood buildup. A support bra will be provided to minimize post-surgical swelling, and any scarring will gradually fade from red to an inconspicuous white line. Patients can usually resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery; however, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise must be avoided for the first few months after surgery.

As with any surgical procedure, you will most likely experience some pain and swelling. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken for discomfort.

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

Request your consultation with one of our Plastic Surgeons in Sandy Springs or Hiram to learn more.

Procedures & Treatments