Breast Lift Surgery in Birmingham, AL

A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that Dr. Petro performs for women who have sagging breasts, a condition known as breast ptosis. Also called mastopexy, the breast lift is the only way to elevate the breast and nipple to a more youthful position.

When to Consider a Breast Lift

After pregnancy or weight loss, it is common for the breasts to lose their youthful appearance. The aging process can also contribute to breast ptosis, which can be more or less severe. Cosmetic surgeons measure breast ptosis by evaluating the position of the nipple in relation to the breast crease, a scale known as the Regnault classification. Each item on the scale may indicate the need for a different (more or less extensive) surgical technique. The following is a very basic outline of this measurement scale.

• Mild breast droop: the nipple is level with the breast crease (the fold where the breast meets the chest wall)
• Moderate breast droop: the nipple is below the breast crease
• Severe breast droop: the nipple points downward at the lowest point of the breast

The right candidates for a breast lift have noticeable breast ptosis as outlined above. Furthermore, good candidates have relatively small or mid-sized breasts, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations.

Your Procedure: What to Expect in Breast Lift Surgery

There are several established techniques that cosmetic surgeons use during breast lift surgery, which vary depending on the severity of breast sagging. In cases of mild breast droop, a donut-shaped incision around the areola can be used to remove skin and elevate the breasts. In severe cases, an anchor shaped incision is used, allowing removal of skin and glandular tissue for optimal reshaping and elevation.

Your breast lift will be performed at the Vestavia Surgical Center, just outside Birmingham, Alabama. The procedure requires 1 – 3 hours, typically under general anesthesia. For small incisions on select patients, a procedure under local anesthesia may be appropriate.

What Happens After Breast Lift Surgery?

After surgery, the breasts and sutures are covered in gauze and tape, which is removed in one week. The expected recovery time is about two weeks, during which you will wear a specially designed bra as instructed by Dr. Petro. The doctor will prescribe a medication to help control discomfort. Expect some bruising, swelling and changes in nipple sensation as you recover from the surgery.

Breast Lift Birmingham

What questions do you have about breast surgery? Feel free to email us or schedule a consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Melanie Petro to discuss the surgery in depth. Call 205-824-6334 to learn more.