Breast Lift

If you are satisfied with the size of your breasts but wish to restore a more youthful contour, you may be a candidate for a breast lift procedure, also referred to as a mastopexy. If however, you have lost a considerable amount of breast tissue volume (which is more commonly the case) it will most likely be recommended that you consider having breast implants placed at the same time of breast lift surgery.

This type of procedure is most commonly performed on an outpatient basis
utilizing a general anesthetic. There are three particular variations to the
incisions used for breast lift surgery which are referred to as the extended, vertical or periareolar approach. The traditional or extended method involves lifting the breast using 3 incisions: one around the areola, the second vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast and the third along the natural curve of the breast crease. Having removed excess skin (the skin that is located above the nipple is pulled down and together in a vertical fashion in order to give a new shape to the breast. As a result the the nipple and areola are moved up higher. Liposuction may also be employed to contour under the arm.

While a breast lift can be performed at any age it is recommended that the procedure be undertaken only when breast development has been completed and following childbearing/ breast-feeding years. Although some women may decide to have their breasts lifted before having children, you should discuss such plans with Dr. Van Wyck prior to making definite decisions.

In assessing you as a candidate for breast lift surgery, Dr. Van Wyck will carefully check the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the positioning of your nipples and areola. If you are overweight, it might very well be suggested that you stabilize your weight before having this type of surgery.


The vertical lift requires an incision around the new nipple and areolar
complex while the periareolar approach limits the scar or incision to around the nipple
and areola region alone. (Diagrams A, B, C). The decision of which approach to take involves the combined assessment of the patients wishes, amount of breast tissue remaining and most importantly the skin quality. The decision of whether or not breast augmentation is required at the same time often dictates which surgical scar will be recommended.

In general since the nipples and areolas remain attached to the breast tissue, sensation in this area is preserved. While breast-feeding may still be possible, this cannot be guaranteed.

Although complications from this surgery are limited, expectations, some degree
of asymmetry, residual scarring, problems associated with breast implant
devises and recurrence of skin laxity as well as all other potential concerns need to
be discussed with Dr Van Wyck prior to proceeding with your surgery.

Several days after surgery you will be able to move about comfortably and you
will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Incisions will be red at first and
will stay this way for many months following surgery.

After breast lift surgery, it is often possible to return to work within
several days although obviously this will vary between patients. Quite often, normal
activities can be resumed after several weeks. You may, however, continue to experience some mild discomfort during the first 8 weeks.