BREAST LIFT

A woman’s breasts help define her femininity, and with the vast differences in shape, size, and appearance, breasts further help to define her unique body image. Therefore, changes to the breasts over time can be dissatisfying and prompt women to feel as if they are losing some of their femininity and youthful vitality. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Zoran Potparic performs mastopexy, often called breast lift surgery, in Fort Lauderdale to help his patients have firmer, shapelier breasts.

BEFORE & AFTER

View more real patients in our photo gallery.

REASONS FOR BREAST LIFT SURGERY

Over time, breasts that were once firm and shapely often may begin to sag and droop, giving them a loose or heavy appearance. The breasts undergo these changes in response to various factors, including:

• Genetics
• The aging process
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Weight gain and loss
• Hormonal fluctuations

BREAST LIFTS AND BREAST IMPLANTS

Breast lift surgery is used to correct sagging breasts. A breast lift may be performed by itself or in conjunction with breast augmentation with breast implants. Dr. Potparic will determine whether you need a lift alone or in combination with augmentation during your consultation.

Plastic surgeons generally identify the following three different conditions that most people would label as “sagging breasts:”

• Ptosis is when the breast hangs lower on the chest and the nipple orients downward.
• Pseudoptosis is when the upper half of the breast diminishes, but the lower half is still full and the nipple is still in a good position, creating a deflated look.
• Empty Sac Syndrome is when there is loss of breast volume, but the breast skin is unchanged. In addition, the nipple and inframammary fold (breast crease) are in the proper positions.

Ptosis is usually the only condition that warrants a breast lift; the insertion of breast implants alone can restore youthful fullness to the breast in most cases of Empty Sac Syndrome and pseudoptosis.

THREE TYPES OF BREAST LIFT SURGERIES

Donut mastopexy, also called a circumareolar breast lift, corrects mild sagging (ptosis). Dr. Potparic will remove a donut-shaped piece of tissue and skin from around the areola and tighten the remaining tissue with the areola in a higher position.

Vertical mastopexy, also called a lollipop breast lift, provides more lift than its counterpart. A donut-shaped piece of tissue around the areola is removed, as is an ellipse of skin below the areola. The incisions are closed with a lollipop-shape pattern.

Anchor-shaped incision is effective for correcting large, saggy breasts. Dr. Potparic will make an anchor-shaped incision that starts around the areola and travels to the bottom of the breast, where it meets the ribcage. He then removes a crescent-shaped piece of skin right above where the breast meets the rib cage, and then repositions the nipple so that it sits higher on the breast in a more youthful position.

• Price estimate for breast lift: $4,000 – $6,500+
• Type of anesthesia: twilight or general
• Duration of surgery: 3 to 4 hours
• Surgical facility: AAAA-certified Ambulatory Surgery Center, outpatient surgery center
• Recovery time: 1 to 2 weeks
• Discomfort: mild
• Removal of sutures: re-absorbable sutures are usually used

Fat tissue transfer has become a predictable means of enlarging breast volume, with fat grafts placed in the muscle and fat layer, but avoiding the breast gland itself. This creates a fuller and perkier breast with an upper slope and cleavage. The necessary fat is harvested via liposuction from the abdomen, thighs, or any other area with excessive deposits. Fat and stem cells are separated from blood and fluids and injected into designated areas using small cannulas, resulting in no visible scars on the breasts or donor sites.

Building and shaping a breast mound is a very time-consuming process, but meticulous technique and “artistic” shaping are the keys to success in this breast lift procedure. An additional fat grafting procedure is usually needed in five to six months later.

DISCUSS YOUR BREAST LIFT OPTIONS

Dr. Zoran Potparic offers free consultations and welcomes patients interested in a quality breast lift in Fort Lauderdale to ask him about the procedure and what might be right for them. Before and after pictures are available for visual reference during the consultation. For more information, or to set up a free consultation, please call (954) 779-2777 or contact us online.