Many patients, in addition to desiring a fuller larger breast, want a perkier breast as well. They come complaining that they have had problems with sagging or deflation after one or two pregnancies. This is extremely common as most every woman who has had a baby will notice a change in their body and specifically their breasts.

When we see a patient such as this we recommend a breast lift or what we call a mastopexy. This usually involves tightening the breast and tightening the skin that surrounds the breast and therefore requires the presence of scars. We can break down into several different categories the different types of breast lifts or mastopexies.

If all we need to do is position the nipple itself upward then we may use a mini breast lift, crescent lift or a doughnut mastopexy as they are sometimes called. These are smaller operations that use an incision on the upper edge of the areola or around the areola itself to lift and tighten the breast.

However, many times the breast gland itself is sagging below the nipple and below the fold under the breast called the inframammary fold. To lift and shape this type of breast will involve a more extensive scar. The most common scar that we use is a lollipop scar sometimes referred to as a vertical mastopexy. This uses the scar around the areola but also straight down to the bottom of the breast. This is very effective when combined with a breast implant at restoring fullness, shaping the breast and lifting it.

Some patients will require a keyhole or anchor shaped scar which is an incision around the areola straight down and in the crease under the breast. This is the way to achieve maximum tightening and lifting. Sometimes I have patients who are reluctant to accept such a scar on their breast. What I have discovered over the years is that if we use the right size implant and the right lifting procedure we'll achieve the best size and shape for that patient. That's far more important than the scar. Most patients heal with a very good scar especially if we are patient and allow one to two years to fully heal.

Breast Augmentation, Lift, Reconstruction and Reduction Consultation

If you are interested in Plastic Surgery procedures such as a Breast Augmentation, Breast lift, Breast Reduction or Breast Reconstruction, or just have questions about Breast Implants, contact the Center for Surgical Excellence for a personal and confidential cosmetic surgery consultation with our convenient on-line form or call 1-727-341-0337.

Breast Lift

Mastopexy is a procedure which lifts breasts that are sagging due to the effects of aging and gravity. Pregnancy and breast feeding can be causes of sagging breasts as well. The standard mastopexy procedures can leave long scars on the top of the breast, which as you may imagine, is undesirable for most women.

At the Center for Surgical Excellence, Dr. Rehnke performs Minimal Scar Mastopexy which makes use of incisions limited to the border of the areola. Often it is combined with the placement of an implant to correct the deflated appearance that is often seen with patients needing a breast lift.