Indianapolis Institute for Plastic Surgery

When should I consider a mastopexy, or "breast lift"?

Stretching of the breasts due to past pregnancies, weight loss, breast feeding, genetics, or aging leads to loose skin, or breast drooping, and loss of upper breast fullness and contour.
Enlarged nipple-areola complexes (the pigmented region around the nipples)

Anticipated Results:

An elevated, more youthful breast contour. In most cases, there is also increased fullness in the upper portion of the breast.
Re-establishes a more "perky" appearance by tightening the skin envelope and re-positioning the nipple on the breast mound.
Ability to feel more comfortable wearing a strapless dress without a bra.

The mastopexy incision is placed around the nipple-areolar complex (pigmented portion around the nipple) to decrease the size of the areola and to re-position the nipple location. The nipple is not removed and sensation is preserved. A vertical incision is also made to remove the excess skin and tighten the skin envelope. This standard mastopexy incision is referred to as a "lollipop" incision.

If the ptosis or sagging of your breasts is less pronounced, a limited incision may be placed only around the nipple-areolar complex called a periareolar mastopexy. If the nipple is centrally located on the breast mound but sagging is limited to the lower breast area, then a mini-mastopexy may be recommended by making an incision in the inframammary breast crease.

There are many options for breast lifts depending on the amount of excess skin and degree of sagging. Dr. Short can use several limited techniques to decrease scarring and create a prettier, firmer breast shape for you.

Standard Mastopexy Alone

Some patients have adequate volume and really only need a lift. Patient 1 did not change her breast cup size, but improved her breast shape, nipple position, and increased fullness in the upper portion of the breast. The patient pictured below had a standard mastopexy (lollipop incision). The patient is 6 weeks post-op.

Patient 1


Before		After

Patient 2 is also 6 weeks post-op from a standard mastopexy procedure. Note the significant improvement in the breast shape. The purpose of the mastopexy procedure is to reshape the breast.

Patient 2


Before	After

Patient 3 was a good candidate to have mastopexy to re-position the nipple position and tighten the vertical skin envelope. The incision is well concealed. Patient 3 is pictured before and after at 2 months after surgery.

Patient 3


Before	After

Mastopexy with Augmentation

If you have lost volume, have loose stretchy skin, and desire a better breast shape with increased volume you may need both tightening of the skin as well as an implant for the best result. This patient (Patient 4) proceeded with both procedures, a breast lift and breast augmentation, but staged the procedures.

Patient 4


Before	After

Dr. Short recommends proceeding with the procedures, breast lift and breast augmentation, as a combined procedure or as a staged procedure. For some individuals, Dr. Short may encourage staging the breast lift and breast augmentation procedures depending on the patient's pre-existing anatomy, history of tobacco use, and ultimate expectations.