A breast lift in Mountlake Terrace is a surgical procedure that helps rejuvenate breasts that have ptosis, or “sag.” There are many reasons why your breasts may do this over time, including breastfeeding, pregnancy, genetics, weight changes, and loss of support with age. A mastopexy, or breast lift, helps raise the nipple and breast tissue to a more youthful position on the chest wall.
If you would like to explore breast procedures, whether it is a lift, augmentation, or reduction, please call PHASE Plastic Surgery for a consultation with one of our skilled plastic surgeons.
What Does a Breast Lift Do?
A breast lift procedure reshapes and lifts sagging breasts to create a more youthful, firmer, and feminine silhouette. Unlike a breast augmentation, which increases the size of the breasts, a breast lift focuses on repositioning the existing tissue to improve breast shape.
During a breast lift procedure in Mountlake Terrace, your surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue. Typically, your nipple will also be repositioned to a higher and more natural position. The type of incision used will depend on the degree of sagging. For example, a lollipop lift is used for moderate sagging, and an anchor lift is used for significant sagging.
Patients may choose a breast lift alone or in combination with breast implants for added volume.
Types of Breast Lifts
During your consultation with one of our skilled surgeons, we will evaluate your anatomy and discuss your goals. Our technique will depend on your desired results, anatomy, and the degree of sagging.
Crescent Lift
A crescent lift uses a small incision along the upper edge of the areola. It repositions the nipple in a very subtle fashion, and is reserved in cases where the ptosis, or “sag,” is not significant. This procedure can be combined with a breast augmentation.
Periareolar Lift (Donut Lift, Benelli lift)
A periareolar lift is also called a donut lift or Benelli lift, after the French plastic surgeon Luis Benelli who first popularized it. A circular incision is made around the areola to allow for minor lifting and nipple repositioning, with the scar well hidden at the junction between the areola and surrounding skin. It can also be used to reduce the diameter of the areola or combined with augmentation with implants to adjust the size, as well as the shape and position.
Vertical Lift (Lollipop Lift)
A vertical lift, also called a lollipop lift, involves an incision around the areola and then a vertical cut from the areola to the crease below the breast. It allows the surgeon to significantly reshape the breast tissue while maintaining a relatively discreet scar.
Anchor Lift (Inverted-T Lift)
An anchor lift, also called an inverted-T lift, is recommended for severe ptosis, or sag. Incisions are made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the crease. This procedure provides the most dramatic lift and reshaping but results in more visible scarring.
Internal Bra
Because all breast lifts tend to lose fullness in the upper part of the breast over time, your plastic surgeon may recommend an internal bra using a biocompatible material such as Galaflex mesh. This helps to maintain the shape of the lifted breast for a long-lasting result.
Your surgeon in Mountlake Terrace will work with you to determine the most effective breast lift technique to achieve optimal results.
What To Expect During Recovery
Although everyone’s recovery is slightly different, you can expect to go through several stages. As you might expect, you will experience some minor swelling and bruising during the first weeks. However, your discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses.
You will also wear a surgical bra or compression garment to help support your breast tissue, minimize swelling, and help the tissue heal in the correct position. During the first several weeks, your movement will be limited, and you must avoid strenuous activities and lifting for the first eight weeks.
Most women in Mountlake Terrace can return to non-physical work within the first 10 days after a breast lift. Your incisions may look pink in the weeks after surgery, but over the next several months, they will begin to fade. Proper scar care and avoiding exposure to nicotine can help these wounds heal optimally.
Follow-up visits with our office will ensure you are healing properly and allow us to address any concerns, such as delayed wound healing or potential infections.
Achieve Lifted Breasts With a Mastopexy in Mountlake Terrace
Breast rejuvenation often helps our clients find clothing that fits. A breast lift can reshape your breast tissue and restore a more natural position on your chest wall.
If you are considering a breast lift in Mountlake Terrace or have questions about how this surgery can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, reach out to PHASE Plastic Surgery. Our skilled plastic surgeons have years of experience and can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
