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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
A breast lift — also known as mastopexy — is a surgical procedure to change the shape of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to restore firmness and raise the breasts to a higher position.
You might choose to have a breast lift if your breasts sag or your nipples point downward. A breast lift might also boost your self-image and self-confidence.
A breast lift won't significantly change the size of your breasts. However, a breast lift can be done in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.
References
- Thorne CH, et al. Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:1.
- Disa JJ. 100 Questions & Answers About Breast Surgery. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2005:167.
- Efrain A. Understanding Cosmetic Procedures: Surgical and Nonsurgical. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Thomas Delmar Learning; 2006:159.
- Breast lift surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift.html. Accessed May 21, 2012.
- Rinker B, et al. The effect of breastfeeding on breast aesthetics. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2008;28:534.
- Riordan J, et al. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 4th ed. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 2010:309.
- Jacobson SR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 29, 2012.
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