A mastopexy, or breast lift, tightens and restores breasts’ youthful look and firmness. Sometimes the need for a breast lift results from pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, heredity or fluctuations in weight. Let the surgeons at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona take your breasts from “saggy,” to “perky.”

Why would I want a Mastopexy? Am I a Candidate?

During your consultation, our surgeons will ask you about your goals for the procedure, may discuss options like customizing the procedure with either a breast augmentation or reduction, and you’ll be asked if there is a history of breast cancer in your family. Here are some things to consider in determining if you’re a candidate:

• You maintain a healthy, stable weight.
• You don’t smoke.
• You don’t like the look of your breasts.
• Your areolas either point downward or are enlarged.
• You have one breast that is lower than the other.

Risks and Safety           

As with all surgeries, there are numerous risks involved when getting mastopexy. You’ll have to consider if this procedure is something you really want to have done and if you’ll accept the end results, no matter the risks and potential complications of the procedure. The following risks and safety precautions will be discussed with one of our surgeons during the consultation and prior to filling out the consent form. Some of the risks include:

• Infection
• Poor healing from incisions
• Temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Irregularities in breast contour and shape

This is only a small list, but it is important to note that these factors vary from patient to patient.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons did a study that breast lift procedures have increased by 70% over the last 20 years, which surpasses breast implants at a 2-to-1 ratio. You can go in with confidence and be encouraged that you’ll be in good hands with our surgeons, knowing that breast lifts are frequently performed. As always, our facility and staff will be with you every step of the way.

Cost

The total cost of a mastopexy procedure will be the combination of the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee for the surgery center, and the anesthesia fee. A mastopexy is a cosmetic procedure, so health insurance companies will not cover the cost. This means the patient is responsible for the entire amount.

Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona participates with Care Credit, a financing company that can provide loans to help cover the cost of the procedure. Loans that are interest-free for up to twelve months are available through Care Credit for qualifying applicants.

Preparation, Procedure, and Recovery

When preparing for a mastopexy procedure, you may be asked to take certain steps prior to surgery.

• You might have to adjust your prescriptions.
• If you smoke, you will definitely have to quit smoking.
• You might have to schedule a baseline mammogram to see if there are any complications before and after the procedure.
• You might also have to refrain from taking medications such as herbal supplements, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs, as these can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

Mastopexies are done on an outpatient basis at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, which is our fully licensed and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center that is located in the lower level of the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff.

The procedure will be done based on your specific characteristics including the size and shape of your breast, the size and position of areolas, degree of breast sagging, and the quantity and quality of your skin. Once our surgeons determine the best surgical route, we’ll either use intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to help make you more comfortable during the procedure.

The surgeons at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona will give you specific instructions on how to properly take care of yourself while recovering. You’ll be given an elastic bandage or support bra to help decrease swelling and give breast support while you heal. Post-operation recovery times vary between patients with most returning to work and daily activities in seven to fourteen days, while others may fully recover within a month.

Summary

If you are considering a mastopexy, you can learn more about the procedure and whether you are a good candidate by scheduling a mastopexy consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss your particular specifications and you will be provided a clear idea of what to expect going through the procedure, and what kind of result might be achieved. On average, the procedure takes 1-2 hours, with visible results immediately after surgery. It is required that you have a caregiver to drive you from our facility, as you will be able to go home following your procedure.

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your skin again and regain that youthful glow. To learn more about mastopexy procedures done at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a complimentary mastopexy consultation at any of our five Northern Arizona locations.