A woman’s breast may sag as a result of natural effects of heredity, gravity, pregnancy, aging, breastfeeding or weight loss. A breast lift is used to improve the shape of the breast and typically reposition the nipple to its youthful position. The techniques for breast lift have evolved over the years. The most common technique used in Dr. Berlet’s practice is a vertical medial pedicle mastopexy which is a procedure based predominantly on a rotation of the breast tissue to create a round, firm, youthful breast that will stand the test of time as opposed to the more common inverted-T incision which uses the skin to maintain the shape and position of the breast.
Request an AppointmentThe problem with that technique is that the skin tends to lose its elasticity and then the breast has a continued problem falling as where as opposed to Dr. Berlet’s technique, the glandular tissue of the breast holds the breast shape. Concerns for the breast lift are scarring, effects on nipple sensation, and the change of the breast over time or time of longevity or the breast lift gap. With a vertical medial pedicle mastopexy, the scarring is reduced with essentially a lollipop incision and a small transverse incision below the breast as opposed to a large transverse incision below the breast in the crease. This prevents scarring from showing in bathing suits either under the arms or extending into the midline of the breast. Some surgeons will perform an augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift.
Dr. Berlet feels that these procedures should be staged to preclude complications that occur out of the need for implant to fall into the breast and then ultimately the breast to be lifted. These conflicting forces lead to a 25-30% complication rate, and by staging it, these are reduced to minimal complications. The procedure typically takes two hours to perform. It is typically associated with minimal discomfort due to the fact that no muscles are involved in the actual surgical procedure. There may or may not be drains placed which are usually removed in 2-3 days.