Breast Lift
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel
How to Lift, Enhance & Enlarge Saggy Breasts
Breast lift or dermal mastopexy is a breast plastic surgery procedure done to lift and restore breast shape and create a full firm breast after nursing breastfeeding and pregnancy. Breast lift may be done alone or combined with breast enlargement with implants. A breast lift and implants are often combined with a tummy tuck for a procedure called a Mommy Makeover.
The simplest way to decide if you need a breast lift is called the Pencil Test. Lift your breast and place a pencil into the fold under your breast. Drop your breast over the pencil and if the pencil stays in the fold then you have mammary ptosis and may need a breast lift.
The diagnosis of mammary ptosis depends on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold or the fold under the breast also called the inframammary crease. If your nipple or a significant amount of breast tissue is hanging below the inframammary crease then you have mammary ptosis and will need a lift in addition to implants. Breast shape as relates to ptosis or sagging is categorized as follows:
The breast shape and position is considered normal if the nipple and breast gland is above the inframammary fold, the fold under your breast.
The breast gland is below the inframammary fold but the nipple is still above the fold.
The nipple is at the fold under the breast but still above the breast gland.
The nipple lies below the fold under the breast but still lies above the lowest point of the breast gland.
The nipple lies below the fold under the breast and below the breast gland.
Pregnancy causes swelling and increase in breast size. Just as tummy skin expands with pregnancy so does the breast skin. After breastfeeding is stopped, the gland shrinks. The skin does not shrink as well and the smaller breast is contained in a larger sack of the skin. The result is the saggy breast.
Yes, you can have a beautiful, young looking breast and nipple shape after breast lift. Only someone who sees you in the nude will be able to see the breast lift scar which usually becomes natural skin color and does not detract from breast beauty.
Dr. Brooke Seckel is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing breast surgery for women throughout the Boston area. Dr. Seckel has been voted to the Top Plastic Surgeon’s in America by America’s Top Surgeons and is consistently awarded the RealSelf Top Doctor distinction for his renowned breast surgery work.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am with how my breast turned out. It will be one most post op since Dr. Seckel performed his magic on me and I cannot even express how much he has changed my life and my confidence overall. Every experience I have had with him has been extremely pleasant. His bed side manner is incredible!! He makes you feel comfortable before, during and after surgery. I couldn’t have made a better choice honestly.” – RealSelf Patient, May 2018
To view more breast lift reviews from Dr. Seckel’s previous patients, or to schedule a consultation for breast implants in Boston, contact our office today.
If your breast size is large and you only have sagging skin then a breast lift alone may be all you need. If your breasts are small and do not feel firm when you tighten breast skin with your hand then you may need an implant. This combination is a SAM lift or simultaneous augmentation mammoplasty with lift. Your plastic breast surgeon will help you decide.
All patients considering breast lift worry about scars. Regaining a well-shaped firm full breast and nipple position far outweighs the effect of a well healed breast lift scar. The following are the types of breast lift scars:
This scar runs around the areola with a straight line below the areola and a horizontal line hidden in the fold. Wide Pattern and Anchor Breast Lifts use this scar.
This scar runs around the areola with a straight line from the areola to the fold with no horizontal T. The scar has the shape of a lollipop.
This only runs around the areola. Also known as the Benelli, Donut, or Circumareolar breast lift.
Yes if done by a board-certified plastic surgeon and you are healthy, a non-smoker and have no illness that interferes with blood supply to the breast.
Breast lift or dermal mastopexy alone is typically not a painful procedure. In my experience, most patients take pain medications for only a day or two after surgery. If you also have breast implants then there is greater discomfort lasting a week to 10 days.
Plan a 2 week recovery. Plan help with small childcare for 2 or 3 days. If you have a sedentary job you may return to work after a week.
All of my patients are concerned about breast lift scars when they come for consultation. I try to reassure them that the beautiful full firm breast that they can achieve with breast lift and the final healed appearance of the scars will make the scars insignificant. Breast lift patients are some of the happiest patients we have.
Patients who undergo breast lift surgery at our Boston practice are among our most satisfied patients. This advanced procedure can significantly enhance your overall appearance. To learn more about whether breast lift is for you, contact us to schedule a consultation today.
