Breast Lift Fort Myers, FL

Breast Lift
Many women are bothered by what they perceive as sagging in their breasts. This may be the result of how their breasts naturally developed, or, this may be the result of changes that have occurred to the breast over time. Regardless of the cause, breast sagging can be addressed with the breast lift procedure. The first step in understanding the procedure is in first understanding how Dr. Schneider evaluates in the breast and then the decision making process used to correct it.

Ptosis \| tõsis \| Sagging of the breast
Ptosis by definition means sagging. Sagging is a relative term because it implies that something is sagging relative to something else. For the breast, the Plastic Surgeon uses the inframammary fold (the fold under the breast) as the reference point. There may be ptosis of the nipple and and the breast tissue, or there may be ptosis of the breast tissue alone. How we approach the issue depends upon the extent and the degree of ptosis and the anatomical architecture associated with the breast.
This patient has a mild degree of ptosis. There is ptosis of the bottom portion of the breast in relation to the inframammary fold. However, the nipple is actually either at or slightly above the fold. How we would treat this patient would depend upon her desires. If the patient wished to have the nipple and breast tissue higher on the chest wall, a breast lift procedure would be chosen. However, in cases like this, an augmentation alone is an option.
Asymmetry, or one side not having the same size, position or shape as the other can also occur. This patient has asymmetric ptosis. Both the nipple and the breast tissue are ptotic. In addition, her breasts are narrow on the medial aspect (meaning the region from the nipple to her sternum). Again this is worse on her right. This is called a constriction and is a mild variant of the "tubular deformity" of the breast.
The third patient has what would be classified as severe ptosis. The vast majority of her breast tissue sits below the level of the inframmary fold. In addition, both of her nipples point downwards and are also below the fold. Ideally, a breast lift procedure should reposition her breast tissue as high as possible on the chest wall and the nipple should be repositioned higher and so that it points forward.
Our Approach
The patients anatomy and the look she desires, determines the approach we use to reshape the breast. Unlike the augmentation procedure that Dr. Schneider performs through a hidden incision in the armpit, the breast lift procedure will leave scars on the breast. However, over time these fade and mature. When you and Dr. Schneider decide on lifting procedure for the breast, one of three lifting options can be chosen: the vertical mastopexy, the vertical mastopexy with an implant, or a periareolar mastopexy with an implant. The option chosen depends upon the look that the patient would like to see as a final result. The procedure is performed in our AAAHC certified on site surgical facility. Typically an intravenous anesthetic is used that allows the patient to gently drift off to sleep and recover quickly from the procedure. Most breast lift procedures take about two hours to perform. Following the procedure, the patient is in the recovery room for about an hour and is then able to be driven home. Two types of final incisions can be designed: the vertical mastopexy incision, or the periareolar incision. The vertical mastopexy incision is typically used for either just a breast lift, or for a breast lift with augmentation. The periareolar incision is typically only used with a lift and an augmentation. Dr. Schneider will discuss with you at your consultation the advantages and benefits of each procedure.

The patient is asked to wear a supportive bra for several weeks. This may vary based on the type of procedure that is performed. Most patients are able to return to work within several days. Patients are asked not to do any lifting or physical activity that would put a strain on the internal healing sutures of the breasts for 6 weeks. For most patients, final results can be achieved in 6-8 weeks though the incisions will take several months to fade.
Vertical Mastopexy
The vertical mastopexy procedure is designed to elevate the tissue of the breast, reshape it, and raise the position of the nipple. Dr. Schneider has significantly modified the procedure since it was first introduced in the 1990"s in order to provide a fuller, more youthful breast. The key to the procedure is in the reshaping and repositioning of the breast tissue. This must be done in three dimensional layered manner in order to create a shape that is not only beautiful, but one that lasts over time. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Schneider marks the breasts while the patient is standing upright. The intended position for the nipple is marked as well as the new position for the breast tissue. The patient is then brought to the operating room and prepared for surgery. Surgery is started by first making an incision around the areola and then along the markings in the skin that were first drawn. The nipple-areola is left attached to the breast tissue and it is positioned higher. The breast tissue below the level of the areola is then cut, positioned higher, and then brought together to reshape the breast. The skin is then closed with internal sutures. Typically the procedure is performed without placement of a drain.

Vertical Mastopexy with Implant
Some patients desire more fullness in the upper area of the breast when undergoing a breast lift. Dr. Schneider calls this upper pole fill. Though a standard breast lift does elevate the breast, it may not produce as much upper pole fill as the patient desires. If this is the case, then Dr. Schneider may recommend a breast lift while at the same time, placing a breast implant to produce the fullness the patient desires. The procedure is performed in the exact same manner as a standard breast lift up until the stage where the breast tissue is brought together. At this stage, the muscle on the chest wall (pectoralis major) is lifted and space is created for a breast implant. An implant sizer is first placed and then the breast tissue temporarily brought together to judge shape and size. Based on the patients desires, this sizing allows Dr. Schneider to pick the appropriate sized implant. The permanent implant is then chosen, inserted, and then the breast tissue is brought together. The breast tissue then acts like an internal brassiere over the implant. The recovery and incisions for this procedure are very similar to the vertical mastopexy.
Periareolar Mastopexy
The periareolar mastopexy differs from the vertical procedure in that it does not create a vertical incision that runs from the areola - down the front of the breast. Instead, a larger circular incision is created around the areolar incision and the intervening skin is excised. Next, the breast tissue is treated in a similar manner internally as the vertical mastopexy. The procedure works well for women who only need a small amount of lifting. If a larger lift is required, then the vertical mastopexy is preferred. Also, because the procedure by itself produces and unacceptable "flattening" to the front of the breast when performed without an implant, Dr. Schneider prefers to only use this procedure when the patient elects to have an implant inserted as well. The recovery and return to work is very similar to the vertical mastopexy procedures.

To view photographs of breast lifts, please click here.