Lift

BREAST LIFT (Mastopexy)    

BREAST LIFT: Breast lift surgery is a very common surgical procedure performed by Dr. Ward for women who have sagging breasts. The goal of the operation is remove excess skin, elevate or move the nipple to a younger position and reduce the size of the areola (darker skin around the nipple). Dr. Ward makes an anchor shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. Anchor-Shaped Mastopexy is the most common, and also the most invasive, breast lift procedure in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Dr. Ward will make an incision above your nipple, in the shape of an anchor, with a circle at the top. The nipple is placed in the circle at the top of the “anchor,” forming the shape of the new breast. The lines at the bottom form the lower contour of your breast. Dr. Ward then sutures the skin around the areola, vertically down to the chest, and side to side along the newly created bottom fold.

Breast Lift – (Mastopexy) is a very technically challenging procedure that should be performed only by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon such as Dr. Ward, who is highly experienced in performing them. He is a master at taking away the extra breast tissue and moving the nipple to the correct location. Regaining circulation of the nipple is a very important part of the operation.  He has performed thousands with no complaints regarding nipples. 

BREAST LIFT W/ IMPLANTS: Sometimes, a Breast Lift is combined with a Breast Augmentation (with a breast implant) procedure to restore breasts to a fuller and enhanced appearance. At other times, Breast Lift is combined with Breast Reduction surgery, with the aim of lifting the breasts while reducing their size to a more proportionate one.  Dr, Ward will spend share with you his opinion on the best solution for your breast after he knows more about you and your lifestyle and you share your goals for surgery.

                                          

Common Causes for Breast Sagging: (Ptosis)

• Pregnancy and Nursing: Enlargement of the breasts during pregnancy, followed by their deflation after the end of breast feeding, stretches the Cooper’s Ligaments which holds up breast tissue against the chest wall. This, along with loss of breast volume leads to breast Ptosis.

• Aging: As women age, there is a gradual reduction in skin elasticity, as well as the stretching and elongation of the Cooper’s Ligaments. Breast tissue itself also changes with age – from mostly firm, fibrous milk glands to fatty tissue, which is soft and saggy. This change accelerates with menopause, and the gradual reduction of estrogen levels.

• Large Breasts: Breast tissue and skin of inherently large breasts that are to heavy resulting in sagging.

• Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss or dramatic fluctuations in body weight also cause the skin’s elasticity and breast tissue to decrease. This has become more prevalent with the advent of Bariatric surgery- Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Surgery.
  
  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if I'm a candidate for Breast-Lift surgery or Breast reduction?

During your consultation Dr. Ward will determine which surgery is best for you depending on the amount of Breast tissue is to be removed.

How long before I can wear a bra?

Usually one to two months after surgery so the bra does not rub and irritate the incisions.

Do I need a mammogram before Breast surgery?

If you are over the age of 35, Dr. Ward requires you to have a routine mammogram screening for all Breast surgeries, or you sign a waiver declining a mammogram.

BREAST LIFT RECOVERY

Within a day or two after surgery you are up and around. The discomfort you feel is usually muscle pain and can be controlled by using Ibuprofen and some pain medication. Within one week you may return to non-strenuous work.  Our breast –lift surgery clients do not complain of any more pain than our breast augmentations.  The scars for this surgery get better with time and fade within 6 to 12 months.