Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

There are many reasons that breasts may begin to lose their shape and firmness. Age, gravity, dramatic weight loss, or pregnancy and breast-feeding are some reasons. The breasts may require a breast lift procedure in order to re-create their former appearance. Some patients also notice a decrease in size, or they were never quite happy with their breast size to begin with. Therefore, a breast augmentation with a lift may be the best solution for achieving the desired look.

The ideal candidate for the breast lift procedure may have breasts that are the size they desire, but have begun to sag or droop downwards. The breasts may have lost their firmness and/or the nipples and areolas have begun to point downwards. This candidate should be in good health with no illnesses that would negatively affect the body’s healing process after the procedure. Finally, most importantly, potential patients should have realistic expectations for the possible results the procedure will produce.

The most important thing you should do once you have begun to seriously consider a breast lift procedure for yourself is to set up a consultation with San Antonio based Dr. Eric Schaffer. Dr. Schaffer is a board certified plastic surgeon, who is one of the foremost authorities in the Southwest on innovative body contouring cosmetic procedures. You can trust in Dr. Schaffer’s keen aesthetic eyes to give you the results you desire.

Before your consultation, be prepared with a list of questions, as well as your medical history and lifestyle. This way, Dr. Schaffer can provide you with all of the relevant information to the breast lift as well as your expected results. During this consultation Dr. Schaffer and you will begin to discuss the best plan of action for getting the results you are wishing for. As no two women are exactly alike, keep an open mind in order to consider your plastic surgeon’s advice.

A breast lift is an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1 to 3 hours. Depending on the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the degree of sagging and amount of excess skin, Dr. Schaffer uses one of the following types of incisions:

• Two rings, one larger than the other, around the areola
• A keyhole shape, around the areola and down to the breast crease
• An anchor shape, beginning in the breast crease, and extending up to and around the areola

The first type of incision is used for small breasts and leaves the least amount of scarring. The third type is used for breasts with significant sagging. After the incisions are made, Dr. Schaffer removes the breast tissue and reshapes it to achieve the desired breast contour. The nipple and areola are usually moved higher on the breast or resized. Dr. Schaffer trims the excess skin is to create a tighter appearance. Incisions are then closed with stitches.

After breast lift surgery, patients are likely to have bruising, soreness and swelling. Dr. Schaffer will wrap the breasts in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra, which patients wear for about a week. A support bra is then worn continuously for a month. After 1 to 2 weeks Dr. Schaffer will remove stitches. Most patients return to work within a week. Patients should avoid exercise and other strenuous activity for about a month.

As the breast lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, most are usually not covered by most insurance plans. Dr. Schaffer, however, can help you work with financing companies to help get the results you are looking for while being able to pay off the cost in manageable increments. Be sure to inquire about financing options with Dr. Schaffer during your consultation to best help you pay for this wonderful procedure.