Dr. Eberbach performs over 300 breast surgeries each year. In fact, he is actually in the top 1% in Florida for breast augmentations Many women who are considering enlarging their breasts believe that a breast augmentation will lift their breasts as well. This is a common misconception. A breast augmentation will add volume, but will not lift the breast. A mastopexy (breast lift) will. It is a very common procedure for women who have lost weight, had children, or are more mature and gravity has taken its toll. One easy way to determine if a lift is needed is simply by looking in the mirror. If your nipple falls below the crease of your breast, you probably need a lift. Nipple position tells the story.

So what exactly is a breast lift and what does it do?

A breast lift raises the nipple by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.  Many women may not want to admit they need a lift because they fear scarring. To most women, a small faint scar is usually worth it to have perkier, younger looking breasts. According to a recent study done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the frequency of breast lifts has grown 70 percent since 2000, outpacing breast implants 2 to 1.  In 2013, ASPS members performed more than 90,000 breast lift procedures. According to the study statistics, 70 percent of the women who had a breast lift were between the ages of 30-54. Although the majority of patients fall in that age range, Dr. Eberbach has performed breast lifts on patients as young as 20 who have not had children, but were still in need of a lift.

During surgery, extra tissue and skin are removed from the breast. The nipples and areola are not removed, but repositioned higher on the breast where they remain attached to the underlying breast tissue to preserve nipple sensation. Many times if the areola are large, Dr. Eberbach will reduce them in size as well. Breast lifts are an outpatient procedure and patients are able to go home an hour or so after surgery. Dr. Eberbach usually performs a full breast lift in under 90 minutes and is done under general anesthesia. Lesser breast lifts, such as the crescent lift, can be done under local anesthesia.

There are four types of breasts lifts that Dr. Eberbach performs: crescent, donut, lollypop, and the wise pattern lift. Upon examining the patient, Dr. Eberbach will determine which type of lift would be best for the individual. For example, Dr. E has had twin sisters come in both wanting breast augmentations. The first twin (twin A) was a 32-year-old mother of two. After breast-feeding her children, she lost all of her upper breast fullness and had excess skin below her nipple, but her nipple was still above her crease. Twin A was able to get her pre-pregnancy breasts back with an implant and no lift because the nipple was still above the crease. Twin B gained a lot of weight during her pregnancy. After breast-feeding, her breasts had not only lost their shape but had sagged as well. Twin B’s nipples were below her crease and were pointing downward. After Dr. Eberbach examined and measured the patient, Twin B needed a lift (lollypop lift), with silicone implants placed under the muscle. Both sisters were very satisfied with their final results.

It is quite common for patients to also get implants along with the breast lift to add more volume and shape. For women who have dense firm breasts or very large areolas, it may not be safe for the doctor to perform a breast lift and augmentation at the same time. For these women, it may be a two-step process where the lift is performed first and implants are put in at a later date.

A breast lift can help women regain their confidence and allow them to be themselves again and is perfect for women who want more youthful looking, perky breasts. It is important to communicate with your plastic surgeon by telling them the type of look you are seeking. No two patients are the same and everyone has their own definition of what “pretty” means!

For your complimentary consultation call Dr. Eberbach (727) 868-4490.