Dr. Tracy Hankins, MD, PC
Looking for Breast Augmentation?
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
As women go through different stages in life – pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, etc. – the size, shape, position of the nipples and firmness of the breast change over time. Dr. Hankins suggests a breast lift or mastopexy for these patients and can tailor the appropriate surgery based on their needs. When meeting with Dr. Hankins during your consultation, he will discuss with you breast shape, skin elasticity and volume to determine what type of breast lift is appropriate. The following are types of breast lifts performed in our office:
The most common type of breast lift performed by our plastic surgeons is a vertical lift also called a lollipop mastopexy. This gives the patient a strong lifting effect and reshapes the breast nicely with much more firmness. This procedure gets it name from the shape of the scar that goes around the areola and up and down on the breast; the scars will fade over time.
The next type of breast lift involves a scar right around the areola, used for just a modest lift. This is known as a donut mastopexy, and it can be used to decrease the diameter of the areola for a more pleasing appearance.
When breasts tend to be larger in size, Dr. Hankins uses a rare procedure, the wise technique or inferior pedicle. This technique leaves the patient with an anchor style scar – one around the areola, vertically and a scar hidden along the breast fold.
Some women are not happy with their smaller sized breasts, and an implant gives additional volume. This volume is noticeable in the upper part of the breast which is sometimes lost after completion of nursing. Implants will also give the patient’s breasts a fuller shape with more projection. Dr. Hankins often places the implants below the muscle for good muscle coverage over the implant, to help keep it in position.
During your breast lift consultation with Dr. Hankins, he will review your personal goals and the possible ways of achieving them. Surgery for this procedure takes approximately two hours with a recovery time of two weeks.
