Breast Lift Surgical Techniques

Mastopexy is surgery to lift and reposition the breasts to reduce sagging without removing breast tissue.  This surgical technique reshapes and repositions the breasts, resulting in fuller, rounder, and higher breasts.  Augmentation surgery with a prosthetic implant is often performed at the same time to further increase the fullness of the breasts.

There are two types of mastopexy techniques:  the Periareolar (around the areola) mastopexy technique and the Inverted T or Vertical Scar technique.  The determining criteria for the type of technique used are the degree of position of the nipple.  When the nipple is at or above the inframammary fold (the base of the breast), the Periareolar technique is commonly employed.  When the nipple is below the inframammary fold, an Inverted T or Vertical Scar technique is typically appropriate.   Although the nipple is repositioned, the nipple/areolar pedicle is not usually separated from the glandular tissue and, therefore, the nerves remain intact, preserving lactation functionality.