Mastopexy or breast lift is used to correct pendulous or ptotic breasts, lack of
firmness, and nipples that point downward (i.e, nipples below the breast crease.)

For women who need a lift but also desire a change in size to a lager fuller
breast, implants may be inserted during surgery. A mastopexy on its own
does not give the same result as implant surgery. Patients should be aware of
this and consider the expectations they have very carefully.

Mastopexy surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, and can take
approximately one and a half to three and a half hours. The nipple in a youthful
breast sits in line, or above the crease of the breast, with some fullness under
the nipple. There are 3 different techniques that can be performed depending on
the severity of the breast laxity. After measurements are taken Dr. Khanna will
discuss the variables that can affect which technique will be performed. Some of
these variables are the size and shape of the breast, the condition of the skin,
age, and if an implant is being inserted during surgery.

The first technique involves an incision made around the areola (nipple) only, this
is known as a benelli incision. The excess tissue is removed, and in some
cases the nipple can also be reduced. The skin is then drawn together and
re-stitched. The idea is similar to a draw string.

The second technique is known as a lollipop incision. The incision is made
around the areola and down the front of the breast, in one vertical line, to the
inframammary crease. Again, the excess tissue is removed, and the nipple can
also be reduced at this time if need be. The incision is the re-stitched around the
areola and along the vertical line to the crease of the breast. This scarring will be
in the form of a lollipop outline. Approximately 90% of patients will require this
technique.

The third is technique involves an incision similar to the lollipop, but an additional
incision is made along the bottom of the breast, from right to left very slightly
above the crease of the breast. This incision looks similar to an anchor. This
technique is usually used on a patient who has very ptotic or sagging breasts.
There tends to be more tissue to remove in this case.

For patients who are having an implant inserted, a pocket will be made under the
breast tissue, or deeper under the chest wall muscle, to accommodate the
implant. This can be done in combination with any of the techniques listed above
if needed.

The recovery for mastopexy is between 4-6 weeks. Following surgery patients
will have gauze dressings, and must wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra.
The breasts will be swollen, and bruised. Any discomfort can be controlled with
pain medications prescribed by the surgeon. Patients are able to shower 2 days
after the surgery. During this time patients should not be doing heavy lifting or
strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks. The breasts may seem slightly misshapen for
the first few weeks after surgery. The breasts will eventually relax into a normal
rounded position. Follow up visits will be scheduled within the following week to
check on the healing process.

Patients should be aware that mastopexy will give you a lift and added firmness
for quite a few years, however this will not last forever. The effects of time will
again, take their toll. Pregnancy, aging, and fluctuations in weight can also
cause the skin to become lax again. Patients who have had breast implants
along with the mastopexy may have a longer lasting result.



| face procedures | breast procedures | body procedures | The Skin Spa |