A breast lift, or mastopexy, offers the opportunity to raise and firm your breasts. A breast lift returns a youthful shape and lift to your breasts that may have sagged as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, a skin’s natural elasticity fading or simply the effects of gravity. The procedure can also reduce areolar size (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).
For some patients, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume and firmness of your breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted. Women planning to have children are advised to postpone surgery because pregnancy and nursing may counteract the breast lift effects by stretching the skin.
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He specializes in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics. Dr. Steinbrech’s practice is located in Manhattan at 60 E 56th Street, Suite 301, New York, NY 10022. To schedule your appointment call: (212) 750-0070.
Consultation with Dr. Steinbrech for Breast Lift
Patients with small breasts and minimal sagging may be recommended for smaller-incision mastopexy. One such modified procedure is concentric mastopexy also called the ‘doughnut’ mastopexy, in which two concentric circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped swathe of skin is removed.
A number of pre-operative steps are typically taken such as a mammogram, measurement of the bustline and discussion with Dr. Steinbrech about the desired size and shape of the breast that in turn impact the placement of the nipple.
At the initial consultation appointment, Dr. Steinbrech will review your medical history. He will perform a brief physical examination and explain the surgical techniques available. Computer imagery assists in your visualization of your potential results. Before and after photos of past patients will help you make your personal aesthetic decision. A unique surgical plan for your goals will be created. During the consultation appointment, Dr. Steinbrech will explain all the surgical choices available. He works to provide patients with a comfortable atmosphere so patients will feel safe and confident about their medical care.
Breast Lift Procedure
Mastopexy may be performed in a hospital but more typically is performed in an outpatient surgery center or a surgeon’s office-based facility. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and lasts from 1-½ to 3-½ hours.
During the procedure, an anchor-shaped incision is made from the location of the new nipple down to and around the crease beneath the breast. Dr. Steinbrech will remove excess skin, relocate the nipple and areola and reshape the breast using skin from around the areola before closing the incisions with stitches.
After surgery the breasts are wrapped with gauze dressings, over which an elastic bandage or a surgical bra is placed. After a few days a soft support bra can be used by the patient worn 24 hours a day for approximately one month.
Breast Lift Procedure Recovery
Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a few days but this will pass. Pain is typically minimal and well tolerated. There may be minor bruising and swelling but this is normal.
Numbness in the breasts and nipples should lessen as swelling subsides, although occasionally it lasts for months or in rare cases permanently. Avoid straining, bending and lifting for approximately two weeks after the surgery. You may need to sleep on your back for several weeks. Stitches are removed after one to two weeks at which time many patients choose to return to work then.
Frequently Asked Questions
The breast lift procedure entails leaving scars on the breasts which usually heal well. The mastopexy scar is exchanged for your improved breast contour. The amount of scarring around the breasts is a function of how much breast lift is required for your aesthetic goal which is in turn determined by the patient’s individual breast anatomy. Depending on the size of your breasts, the scars will vary. Given Dr. Steinbrech’s expertise and vast training, he will intended to minimize scarring.
Complications are uncommon but may include asymmetry which is an uneven positioning of the breasts or nipples, raised or widening scars, bleeding, infection, numbness, and widening of scars. Scars may be covered even beneath bathing suits and low-cut tops. When patients choose to work with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Steinbrech, they reduce the potential for complication.
Of course! A breast lift offers to reshape sagging and uneven breasts, but a lift alone does not increase the volume of your breast, so if it is your aesthetic goal to lift and enhance your breasts, then breast implant addition would be for you. A breast lift alone can dramatically improve your breasts’ appearance, but not the size. In most cases, a breast lift with implants can be done at the same time.
Dr. Steinbrech
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (AMBS). He specializes in minimally invasive aesthetics and incorporates this philosophy into all of his surgical and non-surgical techniques. He has been selected as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. The ABPS is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Through ABMS, the boards work together to establish common standards for physicians to achieve and maintain board certification. The boards were founded by their respective specialties to protect the public by assessing and certifying doctors who meet specific educational, training and professional requirements.
Surgical Training
Dr. Steinbrech underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. He was trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious NYU Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This included training at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital by recognized plastic surgery mentors including McCarthy, Aston, Baker, Tabbal, and Pittman.
Reviews from Patients
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