Breast lift surgery is considered same-day surgery which means the patient is able to leave the same day as the procedure is performed. The procedure can last anywhere between 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Because of the fairly long duration of the procedure...

and the numerous incisions that are required, most mastopexy surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. If local anesthesia is chosen, pain relieving medications will be infused into the chest area and sedatives will be administered intravenously.

 

There are several ways to place perform a breast lift. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique and your physician can help you decide which choice is right for you. Your particular anatomy may dictate which method is used. A surgeon’s personal preference and expertise will also be a factor.

 

The most common approach for a breast lift is to make a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision under the areola itself. Then a horizontal incision is made along the contour of the breast. Excess skin and, occasionally, excess breast tissue and fat are removed. The areola is relocated to a place higher on the breast and the underlying skin is brought together and sutured underneath. To retain sensitivity in the breast, the nipple and areola are kept as one functional unit preserving the nerve connections and blood supply.

 

In some cases there may be ways to avoid the horizontal and/or vertical incisions which would reduce visible scars. This is sometimes referred to as a modified mastopexy. You should discuss this possibility of modified mastopexy with plastic surgeons as you interview them.