Variations of breast lift surgery, Phoenix plastic surgeons note, are often referred to by the type of incision plastic surgeons use for surgery. The most common types of breast lift surgery include: full mastopexy (anchor lift), concentric or Benelli mastopexy (donut lift), and vertical or short scar mastopexy (lollipop lift).

The full mastopexy procedure involves multiple incisions that form an inverted T-shape: in the crease underneath the breast, around the areola, and between the areola and bottom of the breast. The plastic surgeon removes excess skin, elevates the breast, and often, reduces the size of the areola.

Concentric Breast Lift technique: Plastic surgeons use egg-shaped circular incisions around the areola and nipple. The skin outside the areola is removed, and the nipple is replaced higher up on the breast.
A vertical mastopexy combines incisions around the areola with a vertical incision running from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast. Surgeons sometimes use a variation of vertical mastopexy called the crescent lift, and remove a moon-shaped piece of skin from the bottom of the breast.

Research suggests that vertical mastopexy procedures often produce the best long-term results. Surgeons can use a specific technique (superior medial pedicle procedure) to preserve fullness in the upper portion of your breast when shaping the contours. After the superior medial pedicle procedure, the breast tends to retain the new shape longer, and there is less lower breast drooping across time.

Generally speaking breast lift surgery is designed to lift and shape the breasts, rather than substantially enlarge them. After discussing with their plastic surgeons their goals for mastopexy, some women choose to combine what is often referred to as “breast lift augmentation” to increase their cup size.

You are a good candidate for mastopexy if you are over the age of 18, have drooping breasts, are physically and mentally healthy, and want to address your dissatisfaction with your breast ptosis or sagging. You must also be comfortable with the notion that surgery may result with some degree of visible scarring. Prospective patients must also understand that mastopexy procedures are not permanent, as gravity and natural aging likely will cause future drooping and sagging to occur.

One is generally not a good candidate for mastopexy if they plan to get pregnant or lose an excessive amount of weight in the future, as both tend to cause a loosening of the skin and ligaments that support the breasts.
Mastopexy procedures are typically done in an outpatient setting and under general anesthesia, thus patients are completely asleep. Surgery typically will last 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours or more as determined by your surgeon. After the procedure and throughout the initial recovery phase, you will likely be directed by your doctor to wear special foundation garments over surgical tape or sutures and gauze dressings.

Following your surgery, one can expect to experience some degree of bruising, swelling, and tenderness especially around the incision site. In most cases post surgical discomfort can be addressed through the use of prescription pain medication. Generally, after 7-10 days, your doctor will remove the sutures, and clear you to return to normal daily activities. Doctors often require that patients wear a bra at all times for 2-3 weeks after surgery, and avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercises for 3 to 4 weeks. Swelling should subside after approximately 6-8 weeks with scars usually fading significantly during the months to follow.