Breast Lift in Chicago
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a procedure designed to lift and reshape a woman’s breasts. Weight loss, aging, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all contribute to breasts drooping or loss of fullness, and breast lifts are designed to counter these effects. With the help of a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Makhlouf, your breasts can return to their youthful shape and height. Dr. Makhlouf tailors each and every procedure to the unique anatomy and desired size of the patient.
There are a number of variations in breast lift incision style depending on the amount of excess skin, whether an implant is going to be used, and how significant the stretching of the skin envelope is. To simplify the discussion of breast lift procedure we must first review the footprint of the breast defined by the area of the chest where the breast is to reside, the mound or gland itself, and the nipple-areola complex. The wisdom for an experienced plastic surgeon is that the ‘footprint’ of the breast is set in, very few things can alter it. The goal is to have a firm and shapely mound. To that end, the loose and soft tissues are imbricated (sown into each other) making them more shapely and firm. The goal for the nipple-areola complex is to be of an appropriate size (if it was stretched over time) and to be resting on the most projecting point of the mound.
Breast Lift Procedure
Assessment of the patient involves:
- Evaluation of the inframammary fold.
- The distance between the nipple and the inframammary fold.
- The distance between the clavicle and the nipple.
- The amount of overall stretching, skin quality, and whether the patient wishes augmentation or not.
- How soft and loose the breast tissue is and amenable to correction is it
Based on all of these factors, a recommended level and a plan of treatment are formulated.
Dr. Makhlouf’s Breast Lift Incision Techniques:
Breast lift incisions will vary from patient to patient. There are a number of variations in breast lift incision style depending on the amount of volume loss, whether an implant is going to be used and how significantly the skin is stretched.
Circumareolar Technique
This is a good option for a patient with a minor amount of sagging and volume loss. This technique is done by making a small incision around the areola. The circum-areolar technique oftentimes results in minor scarring, hidden between the border of the areola and breast.
Vertical Technique
Also referred to as the “lollipop” technique, this approach requires one incision around the entire areola and one incision from the base of the breast to the bottom of the areola. This second incision provides Dr. Makhlouf with more flexibility with the patient’s tissue.
Anchor Technique
This technique is designed for women with severe dropping and skin stretch. In addition to the two incisions of the lollipop technique, a third incision is made along the breast fold, creating an anchor shape. This third incision allows for ample reshaping and lifting.
Combination Breast lift and implants
Many times the patient desires an increase in the volume of their breasts along with tightening of the tissues. In that scenario a combination of breast implants and lift is performed. Sometimes an implant is used for the purpose of filling the envelope and reducing the amount of scar.
Vertical Technique
Also referred to as the “lollipop” technique, this approach requires one incision around the entire areola and one incision from the base of the breast to the bottom of the areola. This second incision provides Dr. Makhlouf with more flexibility with the patient’s tissue.
Anchor Technique
This technique is designed for women with severe dropping and skin stretch. In addition to the two incisions of the lollipop technique, a third incision is made along the breast fold, creating an anchor shape. This third incision allows for ample reshaping and lifting.
Combination Breast lift and implants
Many times the patient desires an increase in the volume of their breasts along with tightening of the tissues. In that scenario a combination of breast implants and lift is performed. Sometimes an implant is used for the purpose of filling the envelope and reducing the amount of scar.
Care and Recovery
Following breast lift surgery, frequently, a drain is placed to decrease the amount of bruising and swelling. Drains are removed 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Additional post-operative instruction will be provided following recovery and it is important to follow these instructions diligently to ensure the best result. Some bruising and swelling after surgery are normal and will subside over time. You can expect the breasts to reach their final result in about two months.
What Our Patients Are Saying
"I am very happy with my procedure and i recommend Dr. Makhlouf 100%. I like that the office is near me."
- Elizabeth L.
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