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Beverly Hills Breast Lift - Breast Enhancement and Shaping

Over time, due to changes of pregnancy, weight fluctuation and simply the affect of gravity as we age, the breasts lose their youthful position and tone. The nipple position drops and the breast acquires too much skin relative to the amount of underlying breast tissue. Mastopexy is the procedure done to attempt to gain a more youthful appearance of the breasts. The nipple is elevated and the amount of redundant skin decreased. A long term increase in upper fullness is not typically achieved without the addition of an implant, which may or may not be used, depending upon the patients goals and concerns. The best results are seen in women with small breasts. Women with larger breasts have results that are not as long lasting due to the effects of gravity on the heavier breasts.

Beverly Hills Breast Lift: The Consultation

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Orringer, will typically spend at least an hour discussing your medical history and goals. Examination will evaluate current breast size, shape, skin tone and degree of ptosis (droop). Scar options and whether or not implants may be desired or recommended will be discussed. Implant styles and placement options will be discussed as well, if appropriate. Every individual has specific goals and unique anatomical considerations. The detailed consultation will address these important issues.
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Beverly Hills Breast Lift: The Surgery

The surgery is performed at the state-of-the art Surgery Center of Santa Monica. This modern, accredited facility is located two blocks north of Saint John’s Hospital. Anesthesia is administered by Board-Certified anesthesiologists. Prior to surgery, Dr. Orringer will plan with you the new nipple position and the type of incision. While an incision is made around the nipple, it is not “removed” but rather left attached to the underlying breast and re-positioned to a higher location. Incisions and resulting scars will vary according to the degree of nipple droop. The simplest incision involves a scar around the top of the areola. Others involve a circle around the areola, a “lollipop” like scar and in the most extensive lifts, an “anchor” type scar which adds a scar in the fold to the “lollipop.” If an implant is to be placed, the lift incision is typically used. At the completion of the surgery, light tapes are placed over the incisions and a sports bra is applied. The patient usually goes home or to Serenity should she choose. Serenity is a warm, comfortable facility geared for the post-operative care of the plastic surgery patient. A customized booklet which discusses further the procedure, risks, and pre- and post-operative instructions will be provided for you at your pre-operative visit.
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Beverly Hills Breast Lift: The Recovery

At surgery, Dr. Orringer will do nerve blocks to help control early discomfort. Patients usually can shower in 2 days. Arm use and motion is not restricted although lifting associated with straining is not advised for at least 2 weeks. The post-operative pain is usually the most severe during the first three days. It is usually well-controlled with oral pain medications. By the end of the first week, much of the pain has subsided and many normal activities resumed. Generally, full exercise activity is not recommended for about 3-4 weeks post-operative. Driving should not be done until oral narcotics are no longer required for pain control. It is recommended that a support bra be worn, at all times, except when showering for the first post-operative month.
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What are some of the Particular Concerns regarding Mastopexy surgery?

While most patients are very pleased with their results, there are certain important considerations that must be taken into account. Mastopexy surgery, even in its simplest form, involves permanent visible scars. While they fade with time, they do not “disappear.” In addition, breast surgery involves a risk of loss of sensation to the nipples and to other areas of breast skin. While most patients maintain the majority of their sensation, the possible loss of some sensation must be considered as well. Following mastopexy surgery, recurrent drooping of the breasts will definitely occur. In fact, the process again immediately begins as the “new” breasts are exposed to gravity. The heavier the breasts, the quicker some recurrent deformity occurs. Further mastopexy procedures may be desired in the future. In this procedure, while the nipple position is elevated and the amount of excess skin hanging below the breast fold reduced, there is not typically a long term increase in upper breast volume, as is desired by almost every patient. This is usually only reliably accomplished by the addition of implants, which may or may not be an appropriate and an acceptable addition to the mastopexy procedure.
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Beverly Hills Breast Lift: Making the decision

Every surgical procedure has inherent benefits, risks and limitations. Dr. Orringer wants you to feel comfortable asking any and every question that you may have at your initial consultation, pre-operative visit or at any time to assist you in determining whether mastopexy surgery is right for you. He believes that taking sufficient time needed to discuss, plan, individualize and perform your procedure is necessary time that is well spent.
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Complementary Procedures for you to consider:

Before and after images:

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Jay S. Orringer, M.D., F.A.C.S.

  • Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
  • Fellow, American college of Surgeons