If you have ever stood in front of a mirror and wished that your breasts were firmer, higher and more youthful looking, breast lift surgery may be a good option for you. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by restoring the lift and shape that is often lost as gravity takes its toll.

In breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, the breasts are raised, the nipples are repositioned and the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may be reduced in size. If you have lost breast volume over the years and you want to add more fullness, implants may be inserted during breast lift surgery to increase breast size. (See Figure C.)

Figure A. Incisions following the breast's natural contour define the area of excision and the new location for the nipple and areola. Skin in the shaded area is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position.		Figure B. Skin formerly located above the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.		Figure C. After surgery, the breasts are higher and firmer, with temporary stitches usually located around the areola, below it and in the crease under the breast.

Is a breast lift the right thing for you?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• Breasts are pendulous, but are a size that is satisfactory to you.
• Breasts lack substance or firmness
• Nipples and areolas point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease.

There are many variations in breast lift technique. (See Figures A and B.) The techniques used are based on the size of your areolas and the extent of the sagging. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the horizontal incision that runs beneath the breast. For other women, a technique may be used that avoids both the horizontal incision and the vertical incision that runs from the edge of the areola to the breast crease.