Breast Lift in Denver, CO

Breast Lift Techniques

The Center for Cosmetic Surgery offers various breast lift techniques tailored to your needs and desired outcomes. Our breast lift specialists can help you decide which options will work best for you. will guide you in choosing the best method to achieve a youthful, perky breast contour while minimizing visible scarring. These are the primary techniques we use:

Wise Pattern (Anchor) Mastopexy

The Wise pattern (anchor) mastopexy is a common technique used in breast lift surgeries that require significant skin removal to achieve the best breast shape. This method results in an “anchor” scar and involves two intersecting ellipses with an area above for areolar elevation and in-setting.

Key Features:

• Precise Skin Removal: The amount of skin removed is determined based on the specific needs of each breast.
• Elliptical Excisions: These reduce the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the breast skin, creating a tight, round lower pole – the hallmark of an attractive, perky breast.
• Tissue Tightening: The breast tissue is tightened beneath the skin to support the breast and keep tension off the skin.

Incision Placement:

• Around the Areola: The scar is hidden between the darker and lighter skin tones.
• Horizontal: This scar is concealed in the breast crease.
• Vertical: This scar runs from the lower edge of the areola to the breast crease. Over time, this scar fades and flattens, becoming barely perceptible.

The scars from the Wise pattern mastopexy are surprisingly inconspicuous, making this technique an effective option for achieving a youthful, perky breast contour with minimal visible scarring.

Vertical (Lollipop) Mastopexy

The vertical mastopexy, or lollipop lift, is similar to the Wise pattern mastopexy but omits the horizontal scar in the breast crease. This technique is particularly suitable for smaller breast sizes and can be especially effective when combined with breast implants to restore volume.

Key Features:

• Reduced Scarring: The vertical mastopexy eliminates the horizontal ellipse of skin and resulting scar in the breast crease, resulting in the “lollipop” scar.
• Supportive Suturing: The breast tissue is supported from within by suturing it together in the lower pole beneath the skin.
• Tailor-Tacked Skin: During surgery, the skin is “tailor-tacked” with surgical clips while you are in an upright position. This helps delineate the precise amount of skin removal needed to achieve the best breast shape.

Customization:

• Our surgeons often perform a modified version of the vertical mastopexy. Most of the excision is done with the vertical ellipse, and only a small, additional horizontal elliptical excision is added if necessary.
• The small, additional horizontal scar is usually inconspicuous in the breast crease but can be crucial for completing the perfect, uncompromised breast shape.

The vertical mastopexy provides excellent results with minimal scarring, making it a preferred option for many patients seeking a youthful, perky breast contour.

Circumareolar or Benelli (Doughnut) Mastopexy

The circumareolar lift, also known as the Benelli or doughnut mastopexy, primarily focuses on lifting the areola rather than providing a full breast lift. This technique is best suited for specific cases and has distinct limitations.

Key Features:

• Areolar Lift: The circumareolar lift tightens the skin envelope around the areola but does not elevate breasts that sag below the breast crease.
• Suitable Only for Specific Cases: Ideal for patients with low areolar positioning but no significant sagging below the crease. Good candidates typically have tight lower pole breast skin with a short distance between their areolae and breast creases.
• Areolar Symmetry: Often used to even out asymmetrical areolar positions or achieve areolar reduction.

Drawbacks:

• This procedure does not replace a vertical or Wise pattern mastopexy. Using it inappropriately can result in a deformed, unattractive breast shape.
• Misuse of this operation is one of the most common errors in cosmetic breast surgery, often driven by patient demand to avoid vertical scars.
• This approach offers no appreciable lifting for a sagging breast.
• The doughnut mastopexy can slightly flatten the forward projection of the breast.
• This technique may result in scar puckering and irregularity.

While the circumareolar procedure avoids vertical scars, it is crucial to understand its limitations and ensure it is used in appropriate cases to achieve the desired results.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Breast Lift?

Recovery from a breast lift varies, but here are some general guidelines to help you understand what to expect:

• First 24 hours post-op: You will go home with your breasts wrapped in gauze and wearing a soft, supportive bra. Soreness, bruising, swelling, and tightness are all normal. You’ll be advised to walk around periodically to maintain good circulation.
• 5 to 7 days post-op: Most patients are ready to return to nonstrenuous jobs and school in 3 to 5 days. Discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medications.
• 2 to 4 weeks post-op: Bruising, swelling, and discomfort improve dramatically in the first 2 weeks. You’ll continue to wear your soft support bra, and you may resume light exercise.
• 4 to 6 weeks post-op: You should feel comfortable and be enjoying your results by this point. Most patients resume vigorous workouts after about 4 to 6 weeks. Your scars will continue to fade for up to a year.

These timelines are general and can vary from patient to patient. Always follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?

Breast lift scars are a common concern. The main goal of a breast lift is to achieve a beautiful breast contour. Limiting scarring is a close second to achieving a beautiful shape, and our surgeons strive to minimize scarring while delivering excellent results.

Achieving a beautiful breast shape may involve some scarring, but patients consider the results to be well worth it.