Several factors can contribute to loss of shape or youthful appearance of the breasts. These include: pregnancy, breast feeding, natural aging process and even heredity.

If you feel you have lost the youthful, supple appearance of your breasts, a procedure called mastopexy, or breast lift, can be performed to raise and re-shape your breasts to your desire.

Dr. Karlin will recommend the best incision for you based on the severity of ptosis and what your expectations are for raising the breast tissue. Listed are two of the commonly used techniques to achieve the best results.

Full mastopexy, also known as anchor scar or T-incision, is performed to surgically correct breast ptosis (commonly called drooping of the breast or nipple).  This technique is the most definitive in raising the breast tissue and restoring its youthful appearance. This incision is performed around the areola, a vertical scar between the areola and the base of the breast and extending underneath the breast, resembling an anchor or inverted T.

Crescent mastopexy, also known as half moon incision, is commonly used in conjunction with a breast augmentation to give the minor lift needed for patients with only slight ptosis of the breast. This incision is used for inserting a breast implant by removing a crescent shaped piece of tissue above the areola and re-suturing the tissue in a higher position.

Any of these techniques can be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation, or breast reduction surgery.

At your complimentary consultation you will be introduced to our Plastic Surgery Nurse or Patient Coordinator and she will explain the different options for you in detail. She will also take a complete medical history in order to evaluate your general health. Cosmetic surgery is an elective surgery and your surgeon wants to ensure that you are in the best health to undergo anesthesia and the recovery process of such surgery. Dr. Karlin requires a complete history and physical performed by your family physician that includes some lab tests to ensure that you are medically cleared to undergo anesthesia and the surgery.

Pre-operatively Dr. Karlin will have some recommendations for your diet and general health prior to having surgery and this will include the elimination of certain drugs, and or anti-inflammatory medications to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding or bruising. You will be started on a four-week regimen of vitamins, amino acids and homeopathic medications that begin two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery.

He may also require that you have a baseline or screening mammogram pre-operatively. These recommendations will be discussed with you in your examination and a that time Dr. Karlin will recommend which technique is best for you depending on your breast shape, fullness, and the desired result.

On the day of surgery, Dr. Karlin will perform the surgery in an outpatient surgery center usually under general anesthesia. The procedure generally lasts two to four hours depending on the severity and you will go home the same day. You will require a responsible adult to drive you to and from the surgery center and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Post operatively you will be seen in our office the next day for a post-op examination. You will be provided with two surgical bras that are required to be worn for the first month after surgery. You may experience some bruising or swelling. Pain is minimal to moderate and is controlled by prescription medications, cold compress, and rest. You can resume physical activities within the week, but must restrict heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks. Sutures are removed after 10-14 days and the patient is seen frequently by Dr. Karlin and his staff to ensure proper healing and recuperation.