BREAST LIFT SURGERY or MASTOPEXY (MAXOPLASTY)

What is a Breast Lift Surgery or Mastopexy?
Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of our breasts. Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy, which is a group of elective surgical operations, is therefore done to lessen the degree of the "droop" of the breasts (or breast ptosis). Mastopexy procedures reshape the skin 'bra', by adding volume with implants, or by altering the structure of the breast tissue.

Who can have a breast lift surgery?
You are a good candidate for a breast lift surgery if:
• You have breasts that are pendulous but of satisfactory size, breasts that lack substance or firmness, nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease. Note that sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits.
• The breasts may have developed differently so that one breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their shape.
• You are generally satisfied with the size of your breasts but you want to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour.
• You are someone who has lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.

What is the right age for a breast lift surgery?
A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast lift surgery before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lift surgery usually will not affect your ability to breastfeed; however, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

What are the different types of breast lifts?
There are two types of breast lift procedures: full breast lift and modified breast lift.
Full Breast Lift: This approach allows maximal change to the breast, with elevation of the nipple, as well as a redesign of the conical shape of the breast.
Modified Breast Lift: Modified breast lifts use fewer incisions resulting in less scarring than the full procedure. Patients with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging may be candidates for modified procedures.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
As it is an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, breast lift surgery is generally not covered by insurance. Under certain circumstances, however, insurance coverage may be available. For example, if a breast reconstruction after mastectomy is performed, the opposite breast may need to be modified for symmetry. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy.