Breast lift surgery, technically known as a mastopexy, is a procedure performed to raise and reshape the breast. A breast lift may also reduce the size of the areola and can help to restore sagging breasts by repositioning the breast tissue to an appropriate place on the chest. If your breasts are small or have lost volume, breast implants are often times inserted in conjunction with a breast lift to increase the breast's firmness and size.

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified, world-renown, plastic surgeon and has spent over 15 years specializing in cosmetic surgery. He has written numerous articles for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally on plastic surgery. He is Chairman of The Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He is an expert on contouring and reshaping the breasts. He will guide you with his experience and expertise to help you obtain the ideal breast shape that will both complement and enhance your body proportions.

If you're considering a breast lift surgery, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. For more information, click on the "Frequently Asked Questions" to read more about the surgical procedure.

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

Your visit with Dr. Rohrich will determine if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health, have no breast disease and have reasonable expectations then you will be an appropriate candidate. You will be required to have a mammogram before your surgery.

The best results are usually achieved in women with small sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. In these cases Dr. Rohrich might recommend a breast reduction instead which removes fat and breast tissue.

If you are planning to have children it is best to postpone your breast lift. Pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts and offset the results of your surgery. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rohrich.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is important. This will help Dr. Rohrich to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. He will examine your breasts and will consider such factors as the size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas. Measurements will be taken which are necessary for the planning of the surgery. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone and whether an implant is advisable. Afterwards, Dr. Rohrich's photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with his patient coordinator to discuss the surgery fees and available surgery dates.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications that you currently take. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about results of any mammograms. It is important for you to provide complete information.

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How is the surgery performed?

Techniques for breast lifts vary but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The skin surrounding the areola is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position on the chest. Sutures are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward and along the lower crease of the breast. Dr. Rohrich will limit the length of your breast incision as much as possible without compromising the breast shape.

If you have small breasts and minimal sagging, you may be a candidate for a modified surgery that requires a less extensive incision. The "concentric" mastopexy is one of the modified techniques in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a circular shaped area of skin is removed.

If you are having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper under the muscle of the chest wall if you lack the appropriate amount of breast tissue.

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What happens the day of surgery?

Your breast lift surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is typically used for patients undergoing breast lift surgery. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique used. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you to assist you the first couple of days while at home. The "Patient Care" section on this site provides instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

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What is the recovery like?

You will have some discomfort and/or pain following surgery. You will feel tired and sore for 3 to 5 days following your surgery. Depending on the extent of your surgery, your breasts will feel bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a day or two but the pain shouldn't be severe. While you are in the hospital your pain is controlled intravenously. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics as well.

The surgical bra will be removed after 2 days and you will be permitted to shower after removal of your drains. Your sutures will come out in 7 to 10 days. Steri-strips should be worn to decrease the appearance of scars. You may have drains that will require you to measure and record the fluid that your body expresses. You will be given instructions on how and when to report it during your recovery. Plan on having limited physical activity for at least six weeks. No lifting over ten pounds for 3 to 4 weeks and no workouts or activities that increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute or stretching exercises for at least 3 weeks.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Payment is due in full at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.

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