Which women are ideal candidates for a breast lift?
A breast lift is suitable for women who:
• Have breasts that have lost their shape and volume, appearing sagging, empty, or aged.
• Have nipples positioned below the inframammary fold or pointing downward.
• Experience skin laxity and loss of firmness, usually due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, gravity, aging, or genetics.
• Have breast asymmetry, with one breast positioned lower than the other.
The procedure is recommended once breast development is complete, typically after the age of 18.
What are the degrees of breast sagging and when is a breast lift indicated?
Breast ptosis is determined by the position of the nipple in relation to the inframammary fold and is classified into degrees:
• Pseudoptosis: The nipple is above the fold, but most of the breast volume lies below it. Often corrected with breast augmentation using small implants.
• Mild ptosis (Grade 1): The nipple is approximately at the level of the inframammary fold.
• Moderate ptosis (Grade 2): The nipple is below the fold but still above the main breast volume.
• Severe ptosis (Grade 3): The nipple is clearly positioned below the inframammary fold.
Dr. Floros, after a detailed examination, selects the appropriate technique (breast lift alone or combined with augmentation/reduction).
What are the main advantages of a breast lift?
A breast lift offers significant benefits:
• Dramatic lifting of sagging breasts and a more youthful shape.
• Restoration of volume in the upper pole of the breast.
• Firmer skin and reduction of stretch marks associated with sagging.
• Correction of breast asymmetry.
• Improvement of overall appearance and boost in self-confidence.
• Preservation of breastfeeding ability (does not affect the mammary glands).
What techniques are used in a breast lift?
The choice of technique depends on the degree of sagging, breast size, and the surgeon’s assessment and preference. Depending on the procedure, incisions may include:
• Around the nipple (periareolar lift).
• Around the nipple and vertically down to the inframammary fold (vertical mastopexy).
• Around the nipple with vertical and horizontal incision at the inframammary fold (inverted T).
Each of the above incisions represents a different type of procedure and is selected based on safety, size, shape, and the appearance of post-operative scars. Dr. Floros always aims for the best possible shape with the least visible scarring.
