The youthful female breast has a full upper pole that gently slopes to a rounded lower pole. The nipple areola complex is situated at the maximal projection of the breast mound.
Breast feeding, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, genetics and ageing can stretch the internal retaining ligament leading to descent of the breast tissue along with stretching of the skin. The nipple may descend off the breast apex and even point downwards.
Dr. Tavin believes that most breast lift procedures can be performed utilizing the short scar “lollipop technique”. He is not a fan of the donut breast lift (circumareolar) unless it is used in conjunction with a breast implant as it tends to flatten the breast.
For women with “A”-“B” cup breasts, tightening the skin and repositioning the nipple is successful. For women with larger, heavier breasts these skin tightening only procedures tend not to provide long lasting results. For these women Dr. Tavin recommends “glandular mastopexy” where the breast tissue is reshaped internally.
In certain women the addition of a breast implant can add the desired upper pole fullness that might not be achievable with lifting the breast tissue alone. The plus-minus technique adds an implant while removing sagging lower pole tissue so as not to significantly increase the breast size.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
39-year-old woman. 5'2" 130 lbs. 32-DD. One child. Vertical glandular mastopexy. Intermediate photo taken 2 days postoperative. Final photos taken 3 years postoperative.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
50 years old. 5'2" 138 lbs. Has 5 children, and recently lost 25 lbs. Previously wore C-cup bra. 350cc moderate plus profile gel implants were placed above the muscle, and a vertical-glandular mastopexy was performed. Currently wears D-cup bra.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
73 years old. 5'2" 154 lbs. Has 1 child. Previously wore a B-cup bra. Textured 450cc moderate plus profile implants were placed above the muscle, and a vertical glandular mastopexy was performed. Currently wears D-cup bra. Photos taken 2 months postoperative.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
47 year old woman. 5'4", 180 lbs. DD-cup bra. Performed a vertical glandular mastopexy, and removed 46 grams of breast tissue from her right breast for symmetry. Photos taken 2 years postoperative.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
Before
After
36-year-old woman. 5'5, 175 lbs. 1 child. Underwent bilateral glandular mastopexies. Photos taken 8 months postoperative.