Are your breasts non-symmetrical, sagging or not as firm as they used to be?

For so many women, much more important than breast size is a beautiful, natural, youthful breast shape. Pregnancy, weight gain and loss, heredity, or advancing age can predispose to loss of breast volume, projection and position. Dr. Chad Wu’s breast lift procedure, also known as a mastopexy, restores a more youthful, perky, attractive shape, proportion and balance to the breasts.

There are so many different forms of breast droop, deflation, and insufficient shape, and an equally wide array of individual goals for correction. Therefore, every breast lift procedure with Dr. Wu is uniquely personalized and tailored specifically to both anatomy and desire. Breast lift incision choices will vary depending upon the degree of deflation, the breast and nipple position, the elasticity of the skin, and whether or not volume will be restored concomitantly with breast implants.

GOOD CANDIDATES FOR BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE ARE WOMEN WHO HAVE:

  • Breasts that are pendulous or sagging, but of satisfactory size
  • Breasts that lack substance or firmness
  • Asymmetrical breasts
  • Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

Breast lift is a good option for healthy women with realistic expectations who wish to:

  • Restore a more youthful position to the breasts and nipples
  • Improve breast symmetry
  • Reshape the breasts to be rounder and “perkier”
  • Have firmer, tighter breasts
  • Improve the size and shape of areola

Solutions

If you’re considering Breast Lift in Toronto, Ontario, our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chad Wu has the training and experience to help you obtain your desired outcome.

One technique is not necessarily better than another, but one approach will likely be recommended as the best course of action for you. Each one offers unique benefits for the right patient. Dr. Wu will utilize the least invasive method that can optimize your results. Dr. Wu will explain the options fully at your initial meeting and help you develop the appropriate treatment plan for your cosmetic goals and anatomic needs.

Periareolar Lift

Also sometimes called a “donut” mastopexy, the periareolar lift uses an incision made around the circumference of the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple). This is the most conservative Breast Lift option, and it is often appropriate for women who require only a small amount of lift to achieve their goals. With this technique the areola can be reduced in size as well.

Vertical Lift

Often referred to as the “lollipop” Breast Lift, a vertical lift uses the same circumferential incision as the periareolar lift as well as an additional incision from the areola vertically down to the inframammary fold. The inframammary fold is where the breast tissue meets the chest. This additional incision allows Dr. Wu to more effectively address excess skin and reshape the breast to achieve a firmer, fuller, and “perkier” outcome.

Wise Pattern Lift

This procedure is also known as the “anchor” approach. The first two incisions mirror those of the vertical lift, with a third incision created along the inframammary fold. This technique is often used with breasts that have significant ptosis, as it allows for the greatest amount of excess skin removal. The nipple and areola are also moved higher to obtain the most aesthetically pleasing outcome possible. This is the most common technique used.

Before & After

The Procedure

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Do not take anti-inflammatory medications or aspirin.
  • Tell your surgeon what medications you are taking.
  • Report any allergies to your surgeon.
  • Inform your surgeon if you smoke.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Wash with disinfectant soap.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Do not put on make-up.
  • Do not wear jewelry.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, sometimes under mild or local anesthesia. The surgeon corrects the sagging by sculpting the breast: reducing excess skin, raising the level of the nipple and, if necessary, reducing the diameter of the areola. This takes about two hours.

You can return home on the day of the operation. Make sure you are escorted back home by someone reliable. The bruises and swelling will disappear after a few weeks. You can also take the painkillers prescribed by your surgeon if you are in too much pain.

You can resume work four or five days after surgery. During convalescence at home, avoid moving your arms too much. Sleep on your back or on your side and avoid driving. You can resume your daily activities after a few weeks. You will have to wait between two and three weeks to do sports again. Complete healing can take up to a year. A vitamin E cream can speed up the process.

  • No alcohol
  • No tobacco
  • No intense physical activity

THE MAIN COMPLICATIONS

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Loss of skin or nipple (necrosis)
  • Scars
  • Asymmetry
  • Milk rising
  • Possible increase in breast volume after surgery
  • Nipple discharge
  • Retraction of nipples
  • Cysts

FAQ

HOW IS BREAST LIFT SURGERY PERFORMED?

There are several approaches to breast lift surgery and our surgical team will select what is most appropriate for your needs after a consultation and physical examination. Incisions are typically made around the areola and sometimes extending vertically down the breast and even under the breast crease. Through the incisions, the surgeon repositions the breast mound higher on the chest and removes excess stretched skin that has caused the breasts to sag. Usually, the nipple is also repositioned higher up on the breast; it may remain connected to the underlying tissue and nerves or removed and repositioned.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY BREAST LIFT?

Dr. Wu will provide a detailed list of preoperative instructions that outline how you can prepare for your breast lift. Generally, if you smoke, you need to quit for two weeks prior to the procedure. Stop taking aspirin or diet pills at least two weeks prior to your surgery. You will need to give our team a list of all medications, allergies, and previous surgeries, and undergo a physical examination and blood tests. If you are 40 years or older, an electrocardiogram is required. If you are 35 years or older, we may request that you have a mammogram.

The most prepared patients make arrangements for the day of surgery. Coordinate someone to drive you home from surgery and get you settled at home. Stock up on prescription medications, products to care for your incisions and other things you’d like to have around the house while you recover. You may also want to explore scar-minimizing products to improve the appearance of your breast lift scars. Talk to our surgeons for recommendations of a particular brand.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

Breast lift surgery usually takes an average of about two hours.

HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY?

As you recover from surgery, you will need to refrain from any bending, straining and lifting (this includes lifting children) until our doctors clear you for these activities. You should be able to return to work and normal activities within a week. We recommend that you refrain from raising your arms or lifting anything over your head for at least two weeks. Heavy lifting is prohibited for at least four weeks.

WHAT FORM OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?

General anesthesia is used during breast lift surgery. It is administered by a professional anesthesiologist.

CAN I RETURN HOME THE SAME DAY?

Barring any unforeseen complications, you may go home the day of your surgery. You will need to be escorted home by a caretaker who is available to help you out at home for the first 24 hours or so.