Mastopexy - "Breast Lift" Overview - Frequently Asked Questions - Photos (Before & After) Time, gravity and pregnancy can have damaging effects on breast size and shape. Many women choose to have a breast lift, or mastopexy to help reverse some of these changes. Procedure Overview Back to Top Mastopexy is a procedure designed to reshape and rejuvenate the breasts. Excess skin is excised, and the breast is reshaped. Oftentimes, breast augmentation is performed with mastopexy to enhance breast volume and upper breast fullness. One of three basic incision patterns is chosen. Circumareolar (incision around the areola of the nipple), Vertical (lollipop shaped incision around the areola and on the breast beneath the nipple), or inverted "T" incision (lollipop incision with a horizontal component beneath the breast). The technique used is tailored to the individual patient depending upon the degree of breast droop and skin excess. Successful, aesthetically pleasing results depend largely upon the artistry and skill of the surgeon. As an artist himself, Dr. Yates prides himself on obtaining excellent results. Frequently Asked Questions Back to Top What should I expect from my consultation? The initial consultation can be anxiety producing to many patients. Knowing what to expect can hopefully alleviate many of those feelings. First you will meet with Dr. Yates for a personal consultation at which time you will express your goals and expectations. During the exam, Dr Yates will assess the size and shape of your breasts as well as note and discuss any asymmetries that may be present. The technique to be used including incision sites and eventual locations of scars will be discussed. You should expect to leave the consultation with a thorough understanding of the procedure, risks involved with the procedure and expectations regarding recovery from the procedure. Where is the procedure performed? The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating suite or local anesthesia with deep sedation in Dr. Yates clinic operating room. Generally patients choose the latter for financial reasons. A board certified anesthesiologist is present to administer the anesthesia for the entire procedure at either location. Dr. Yates strongly believes that this is important both for patient safety and comfort. How much pain should I expect? Pain and possibly nausea can be significant for the first few days after the procedure. To minimize this pain, a local anesthetic block of the nerves that supply the breast is often administered during the procedure. This helps alleviate much of the pain for the first evening following the procedure, which is generally when the discomfort is most significant. You will be given medications for pain and nausea for the next several days. When can I return to work or the gym? Generally you can return to desk work within 3-6 days, may resume moderate lifting within three weeks and gym activities at approximately six weeks. What risks are associated with the procedure? As with any cosmetic surgery, there are possible risks and complications. As a perfectionist, Dr Yates takes every precaution to prevent these. On the rare occurrence that a complication does occur, Dr Yates will correct it at no additional surgeons' fee. Happy patients are a Plastic Surgeons best ally. Dr Yates will thoroughly discuss these rare but potential risks at the time of your consultation.