Breast Lift

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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Women seeking a breast lift often seek the skilled hands and artistic eye of Dr. Michael Epstein. From his offices in Northbrook, he has treated many Chicago area breast lift (mastopexy) patients who desired a more firm and uplifted bust line. In the paragraphs below he describes the procedure, how breast lifts are performed and the expected recovery time.

What is Mastopexy?

A Mastopexy (commonly referred to as a breast lift) is a surgery performed to uplift and improve the shape of the breast. As women age, lose/gain weight, have children or if they have poor skin tone, their breasts tend to lose fat and the breast tissue begins to thin. When the breast tissue shrinks, unfortunately the skin does not and the areola/nipple will drop down below the inframammary crease. A breast lift will lift the nipple above the crease and restore a more youthful look.

Dr. Epstein performs many different breast lift techniques. He will discuss the various options available to you during your consultation.  If you also desire to get fullness back, you may want to consider combining the lift with an augmentation. If you want to reduce the fullness, you may decide to do a breast reduction in conjunction with the lift. Be sure to ask Dr. Epstein about the various options available to you.

How is a Mastopexy performed?

Mastopexy is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. There are many variations that can be used for a breast lift. The most common technique is a lift that utilizes three incisions: one around the areola, another vertically down from the areola to the breast crease and the last one follows the horizontal breast crease. Through these incisions, excess skin is removed from the lower portion of the breast, lifting and reshaping breast tissue to improve contour and firmness. The breast tissue and nipple are lifted into a higher position giving a more youthful appearance. During the procedure, enlarged areolas can be reduced by excising skin around the perimeter.

Other options include making an incision around the areola with/without a vertical incision, which results in less scarring…or to just circle around the areola. Both of these options can be discussed with Dr. Epstein and he can determine which technique would be best suited for you.  The procedure takes approximately 2 hours, but may vary depending on the complexity of the lift.

What to expect during the recovery period :

• Bruising and swelling are normal and to be expected. This will subside within 1- 2 weeks after surgery
• Discomfort and tenderness are normal and easily controlled with medication
• A post-surgical sports bra must be worn at all times for the first 2-3 weeks following surgery
• Return to light activity within 2 days post-surgery or as you feel ready
• Most patients return to work within the first week after surgery
• Full physical activity may resume within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery
• Incision lines will continue to heal and refine for 1-year post surgery

In private practice since 1992, Dr. Michael A. Epstein has received critical acclaim for his exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques.  An active member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he has been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. A trusted resource who is highly respected by both the media and his peers, Dr. Epstein’s training, education and surgical skills have made him one of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. His offices are in Northbrook, Illinois.