Most women understand the concept of a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. It is the plastic surgery procedure that can treat droopy breasts. If your breasts are saggy and you want them to look better and perky – then think about a breast lift.
But there is far more to it than that and there are many issues to consider.
One of these issues is size.
Does a breast lift impact your overall breast size?
More specifically and importantly, does it lead to a decrease in the size of your breasts?
According to many reputable board certified plastic surgeons a breast lift will lead to a decrease in the size of your breasts. Some even state that it may cause a cup size decrease – one that is unintentional but inherent in the procedure itself.
But is that really true?
Yes.
And, possibly no.
And, both answers are actually correct but in different circumstances.
Let’s see why that is the case. To do so, we will have to look at the actual “procedure”.
A breast lift is a procedure that can take breasts which are droopy (also called ptosis) and rejuvenate them to variable extents. This typically involves lifting them but it can also entail a reshaping and re-positioning of the breasts along with the nipple-areola complexes to yield a more youthful and natural (hopefully) appearance and position on the chest. There is the removal of varying amounts of skin and possibly breast tissue as well (hint, hint!) in order to obtain a more desirable shape and longer lasting results.
It is important to realize that there is not just one breast lift procedure. There are several different ones, each which can address specific levels of magnitude of breast ptosis. This can range from the most minimal lift (crescent) that involves a small elevation of the nipple-areola complex on the breast to the inverted-T where there is that rejuvenation involving re-shaping and lifting of the breasts as well as the repositioning and reduction of the nipple-areolar complexes to a more youthful location.
For more on the individual procedures, you can check out “Where Are Breast Lift Incisions Placed?” on the Breast Lift page.
The procedures that treat a relatively minor amount of ptosis, like the crescent and circumareolar, have no discernible impact on breast size and generally involve removing just a marginal amount of skin. At the other end of the spectrum, with extensive drooping requiring the inverted-T approach, there will be significant amounts of skin removed and, likely, breast tissue and fat. This, combined with the reshaping and general compacting of the tissues, DOES usually translate into smaller, though perkier, breasts.
This unintended reduction in size along with a desire to have a youthful, firm look and a larger cup size is another reason why I find that the vast majority of women seeking to have their breasts lifted also want a breast augmentation performed at the same time.
Droopy breasts (frontal view)
After breast lift and augmentation
Droopy breasts (oblique view)
After breast lift and augmentation
Droopy breasts (side view)
After breast lift and augmentation
So if your breasts are sagging and have lost their personality, making you not very pleased, you may just want to consider taking them back to happier times. You can schedule your free consultation by contacting us at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, either by phone at (480) 451-3000 or by email.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona