Breast Lift Pittsburgh

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Introduction to

Breast Lift / Mastopexy

Breast lift surgery (also known as a mastopexy) applies the arts of plastic surgery to remove sagging skin around the breast area and to move the breast and nipple-areola area to a higher position causing a younger, elevated, more pleasing breast shape.

Over time, the natural aging process can cause a woman’s breasts to sag and lose their shape (this is known as breast ptosis). Other common causes of breast ptosis are pregnancy, prolonged breast feeding and significant weight loss. Breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that not only lifts the breast but also reshapes and tightens the tissue. It can occasionally reduce the breast size if deemed too large or increase the size of the breast by adding an implant when necessary to achieve the desired size. After the procedure, women can expect firmer, more shapely and youthful appearing breasts.

Why Breast Lift?

Women may need breast
lift surgery due to:

01.

Pregnancies and Breastfeeding

Pregnancies and breastfeeding can alter the appearance of a woman’s breasts, making her breasts appear droopy, elongated or ridden with stretch-marks.

02.

Natural Nipple Displacement

Some women may naturally have nipples that point downward or are placed lower on the breast than they would prefer.

03.

Breast Augmentation or Implant Removal

Some women may require a breast lift when receiving or removing a breast implant to achieve a symmetrical, cosmetically pleasing appearance. Learn more about Combination Breast Augmentation and Mastopexy.

04.

Gravity

Over time, gravity takes a toll pulling breasts to a lower position.

The Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery

Youthful Breast Contour

With breast lift surgery, women can return their breasts to a more youthful appearance rather than face breasts that were negatively affected by pregnancies, breastfeeding and gravity.

Self-Confidence

Women with natural nipple displacement no longer suffer psychological discomfort or embarrassment regarding their breast appearance and can become more confident and increase their self-esteem.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Prior to breast lift surgery

Dr. Pautler draws a pattern on the breast with the patient in the upright position. Breast skin is removed and nipple placement will be done according to this pattern ensuring proportional and shapely results. Learn more about before breast lift surgery directions.

During the breast lift surgery

Breast skin is removed according to the pattern, and the nipple and areola area is repositioned higher on the breast mound. The surgery takes approximately 2 or 3 hours (1.5 hours per breast) and is done with general anesthesia or deep sedation. Prior to completion of the breast lift surgery, Dr. Pautler sits each patient up allowing the breasts to drop to verify the breasts are as symmetrical as possible. In some cases, she then inserts a small drain into each breast, the incisions are closed and a light compressive bra is placed on the patient all before the patient is awakened from the anesthesia. Learn more about the risks associated with breast lift surgery.

After the breast lift surgery

If drains are needed, they are removed the day after surgery. Recovery is approximately 4-6 weeks. The light compressive bra is worn during the entire time of recovery. Learn more about after breast lift surgery directions.

It is the goal of plastic surgery to minimize scarring or make scarring as discrete as possible. In the case of breast lift surgery, Dr. Pautler will use one of the following breast lift methods to reduce scarring:

Donut Mastopexy

The plastic surgery incision is limited to the area around the areola. Donut mastopexies are limited to breasts that need adjustment of nipple height rather than tightening of the breast mound. A donut mastopexy is also used for cosmetic surgery when a wide areola requires narrowing.

Vertical Mastopexy

Also known as a lollipop mastopexy, the plastic surgery incision is around the areola and with an up and down climb to the crease underneath the breast.

Standard Mastopexy

For additional tightening and lifting the plastic surgery scar is around the areola, up-and-down from the areola, and underneath in the crease beneath the breast.

Standard Mastopexy

For additional tightening and lifting the plastic surgery scar is around the areola, up-and-down from the areola, and underneath in the crease beneath the breast.

BRAZILIAN MASTOPEXY

This type of breast lift CANNOT be combined with an implant and involves not only skin tightening but also rearranging of the breast gland. It is a specialized technique that can only be done on patients who have not had any previous breast procedures.

The best way to learn how a breast lift can help fulfill your personal goals is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pautler.

» Read more about mastopexy surgery

Breast Lift Examples

See the results for yourself

Featured Testimonials

Here’s what our clients have to say

"Dr. Pautler is fantastic. I had a breast augmentation and lift in December 2017 after one of my implants ruptured from a previous augmentation done about 15 years ago (with a different doctor). The results are exactly what I was hoping for! Dr Pautler also has a great bedside manner, is very patient and answers all your questions, works with you to figure out what you're looking for, and is extremely talented. I don't have enough amazing things to say about her and my experience. I also had a pretty quick recovery. Was up and moving around a day or two after surgery with minimal pain. The office staff is also so helpful!  I'm adding this review because I did a ton of research when looking for a plastic surgeon and I'm posting this for the next person who isn't sure which doctor to choose. Choose Dr. Pautler. She's amazing."

"In all aspects of the surgical experience over a five month period of time from initial consultation to most recent followup appointment, each and every aspect of my experience with this entire professional office stands as a model for what all patients deserve who place their trust and well being in the hands of medical professionals. Please continue to offer this exemplary standard of care, respect, support, and medical expertise that made for such a personal positive experience and result."

"Dr. Pautler is the best! I had a tummy tuck and liposuction of my sides. My results are better than I could have ever dreamed of!! I finally have my body back! Dr. Pautler spent a lot of time with me before the surgery explaining all the ins and outs. I saw her and her nurse a lot after the surgery and they were always available to answer any questions. I highly recommend her!"

 

"She is amazing. A truly careful, competent and artistic plastic surgeon who is also a good and decent person. I met with all the top plastic surgeons in the area and went with Dr. Pautler. She will take good care of you and you will love the results. I know people who have come in from far away for procedures after seeing her results. Seriously the best decision I made was choosing her for this procedure."

 

FAQs for for Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Have a specific question? Contact us!

During the initial consultation, Dr. Pautler will discuss all your options with you. Nipple placement, droopiness and the amount of breast tissue you already have can affect your decision to have a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination breast augmentation and mastopexy.

Many factors can affect the duration of a breast lift. These factors include pregnancies, breastfeeding and losing or gaining weight. If you lose a significant amount of weight, the breasts may become flabbier. If you gain a significant amount of weight, the breasts will become larger and gravity will have more of a negative effect. You can have as many breast lifts as time, health and other factors may dictate.

A light compressive bra should be worn for all physical activities to limit negative effects on breast size, shape and elevation. In some cases, especially if you have a large cup size, you should even wear a light compressive bra while you sleep.

Every individual is unique. Some women heal quickly and some heal slowly. In general, skin type determines the quality of the scar. Despite the most meticulous technique, some individuals heal poorly, while others heal beautifully. Age can also play a factor in healing time after breast lift surgery. The older you are the less red and tender your breast lift scars may appear while younger women may have pink or reddish scars that will be tender for several months and may take up to a year to fade. A patient should massage the scars a few times a day with a product such as vitamin E oil or cocoa butter applying pressure while massaging the scars. The pressure during the massage is more important than the type of cream product used.

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