Mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape, position, and firmness of the breasts. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, resulting in a more youthful and elevated breast contour.

The extent of a breast lift can vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Mastopexy may also include repositioning and reshaping the nipple-areolar complex to a more natural, youthful position. In some cases, it can be combined with breast augmentation using implants or, less commonly, fat grafting to enhance volume.

Mastopexy Procedure and Anesthesia

At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, mastopexy is performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital or accredited surgical center. Anesthesia options include conscious sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and surgical plan.

A breast lift is designed to:

Enhance breast shape and contour
Restore upper pole (superior) fullness
Improve symmetry between breasts
Reposition the nipple-areolar complex

Incisions and Scarring

All mastopexy techniques require surgical incisions on the breast, which result in some degree of scarring. However, these incisions are carefully planned to ensure that scars are as minimal and well-concealed as possible, often blending naturally along the edge of the areola or within natural breast contours.

It is a common misconception that breast implants alone can correct significant sagging. In cases where the breast has descended and the nipple sits below the midpoint of the breast, a mastopexy is typically necessary to achieve proper lift and positioning.

Sensation and Function

While preservation of nipple sensation and breastfeeding ability cannot be guaranteed, these functions are typically maintained in most patients. Surgical planning is performed with care to preserve natural breast function whenever possible.

Long-Term Results and Considerations

Mastopexy provides a long-lasting improvement in breast shape and position, but it is important to understand that natural aging, gravity, weight changes, and lifestyle factors will continue to affect the breasts over time.

Breast augmentation can be performed:

At the same time as mastopexy, or
In a separate procedure at a later date

Combining mastopexy with implants can enhance fullness but may introduce a slightly higher risk of minor imperfections or the need for revision surgery, even when initial results appear ideal. However, the majority of patients undergoing mastopexy do not require additional procedures.

Consultation and Personalized Treatment Planning

A thorough consultation at McKinnon Plastic Surgery includes a detailed evaluation of the patient’s anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Various surgical techniques and options are discussed to determine the most appropriate approach.

Patients are encouraged to take time to fully understand their options and make informed decisions. The goal is to achieve natural-looking, youthful breast contours with minimal scarring and a high level of safety.

Mastopexy remains a highly effective procedure for restoring confidence and improving overall breast aesthetics when performed by an experienced surgeon with careful attention to detail.

Why Choose McKinnon Plastic Surgery For Mastopexy?

Breast lift surgery requires careful surgical planning to achieve natural breast shape while maintaining symmetry and preserving breast function. Dr. McKay McKinnon has decades of surgical experience performing procedures involving soft tissue reconstruction and anatomical reshaping.

His training includes work on the Harvard Surgical Service followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami, where he developed extensive experience in surgical technique and patient-centered planning.

During consultation, Dr. McKinnon carefully reviews the patient’s breast anatomy, discusses surgical strategies, and outlines the techniques that may best achieve the desired result.