For many women, pregnancy, breast feeding, weight fluctuation or the aging process has changed the appearance of their breasts. Often as women age, breast volume decreases and the skin losses its capability to retract with the lost volume of breast tissue. The breast may lose firmness and shape and begin to sag or droop.

Mastopexy describes a group of surgical techniques used to reposition or lift the breast tissue. Breast lift procedures redefine the breast shape returning the breasts to a more youthful appearance by raising and reshaping the breasts.

A breast lift procedure removes excess skin surrounding the areola and from the bottom of the breasts. This tightens the skin of the breasts. The nipple and areola are then moved to a natural position on the reshaped breast. The areola can also be reduced during a mastopexy if the patient so desires. Breast lift procedures are performed utilizing a variety of surgical techniques. The technique chosen by Dr. Sumpter for each individual patient's surgery is based upon that individual's anatomy. (One of the deciding factors in which technique is utilized is the amount of lift desired and recommended based on the sought after result. The surgery is designed to carefully hide any scarring or evidence of the procedure.)

During the procedure, the nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the breast and excess skin beneath the breast may be removed. In the periareolar technique, the least invasive, this is all that is done. In these circumstances, the patient is happy with the general shape of the breasts, but the effects of time have caused limited sagging and/or loss of some volume that give the appearance of the nipples and areolas being out of ideal location on the breasts. This requires the least amount of lift to produce the desired result.

A more involved technique is the periareolar approach with a vertical incision. This technique can be performed with or without a breast reduction. The additional vertical incision is made so that some of the glandular tissue in the breasts can be surgically repositioned.

For women who have experienced a greater degree of sagging a third technique sometimes referred to as a traditional inverted T may be recommended. In this method, an incision is made on the lower part of the breast from the areola to the breast crease, where an additional incision is made, creating a shape similar to an inverted T.

In cases where the breasts are small or have lost volume, implants may be used with the breast lift procedure in order to increase the breast size, shape and firmness.

A breast lift procedure may take between two to five hours and can be performed with or without a simultaneous augmentation (implant) and with or without a breast reduction.

Patients can expect mild to moderate discomfort and approximately one to two weeks of recovery time. Mastopexy patients may have some minor scars from the procedure that take up to one year to heal completely, but in almost all cases they are extremely happy with their results. The scars are permanent, but can be strategically placed by the surgeon to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure or treatment, you should thoroughly discuss your expectations and the result you are looking for with the doctor. During a consultation, Dr. Sumpter will discuss every detail of the process with you including downtime and recovery, as well as mention optional treatments, so that you may decide what is the best course of action for yourself.

If you are interested in learning more about a breast lift procedure and finding out if it is for you, or if you have interest in any other cosmetic surgery procedures or treatments in the Houston metro area, please call us at 281-894-9990 or email us at info@drsumpter.com with your name, phone number and area of interest, so that we may contact you and schedule a free, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Sumpter. A consultation is the best way to have all of your questions and concerns answered and get all the information you need to make your decision.

At Winds of Change, you will receive special, individualized care that you deserve. Dr. Sumpter strives to exceed expectations beyond patient satisfaction. Please let us know how we may help you achieve your goals.

Winds of Change Cosmetic Surgery Specialists
12850 Jones Road, Suite 105
Houston, Texas 77070
Email: info@drsumpter.com
Phone: 281-894-9990
Fax: 281-894-9993