Elevate Your Shape with a Breast Lift 

Overcoming the Aging Process

Breasts naturally lose elasticity and respond to the pull of gravity, causing fat tissue and skin to sag. Some patients also complain of unsightly, wrinkled skin texture caused by stretching and loss of fat along the cleavage area. Dr. Gregory T. Mesna performs a breast lift to reshape the tissue of the breast, tighten skin, and reposition the nipples for a perkier, youthful look.

Surgery Techniques

We offer three different types of breast lift surgery at our practice. The right one for you is a matter of personal choice and Dr. Mesna’s recommendation to best meet your individual needs and goals. All of our breast lift surgeries are outpatient, same-day surgeries performed under the comfort of general anesthesia.

Crescent or Doughnut Mastopexy  

This technique is utilized for minor repositioning of the nipple, and results in less visible scarring. However, it may not be well-suited to women with very large breasts. During a doughnut mastopexy procedure, two incisions are made along the areola. These incisions are made in concentric circles along the outside of the nipple. Once the incisions have been made, the circular strip of skin is removed, and the surrounding skin is pulled taut and reattached to the nipple, in effect, tightening the breast. The name of the procedure reflects the shape of the skin that is removed, which has the basic appearance of a doughnut.

Mini or Lollipop Mastopexy

Like a doughnut mastopexy, a lollipop breast lift is for minor repositioning of breast tissue. It cannot correct excessive sagging or significant excess skin and tissue. To perform a lollipop or mini breast lift procedure, a circular incision is made along the outside edge of the areola. Another incision is then made down the front of the breast to the crease along the ribcage, and above to where the nipple will be moved. When the nipple is migrated, the vertical incisions are pulled taut and connected beneath the new location of the nipple. The resulting scar, with a faint vertical line running down from the center of the nipple, gives the appearance of a “lollipop.”

Full Breast Lift or Anchor-keyhole Incision

The anchor-keyhole technique is the most common type of breast lift surgery performed at our practice. With this procedure, a greater volume of tissue can be moved, allowing for more substantial breast repositioning. We employ this technique for many of our patients, particularly those wanting to correct excessive sagging, as it is highly effective and places more tension (lift) under the breast rather than around the nipple. This approach provides an enhanced outcome, better tolerated by patients over time.

For this procedure, three incisions are made: a circular incision along the areola, a vertical incision extending downward from the nipple, and a curved horizontal incision in the breast crease. The nipple is repositioned higher on the breast, excess skin and breast tissue is removed, and the incisions are sutured shut. This procedure is named because the resulting scar has the appearance of an anchor.

Considerations Before Surgery

Regardless of which technique is employed in your treatment, Dr. Mesna's always strives to avoid removing the nipple entirely during surgery. This focus means your breast lift should not interfere or prevent you from nursing in the future. However, it is important to note, for optimal long-term results, the best time to pursue a breast lift is after you are finished with childbearing.

As always, Dr. Mesna strives to provide patients with an ideal outcome, minimal scarring, and zero complications. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he has been providing outstanding results for Minneapolis patients for over three decades, with demonstrated mastery in a wide variety of cosmetic surgery procedures.

Post-Surgery Information

At Mesna Plastic Surgery, we provide breast lift patients with detailed aftercare instructions, along with a pain prescription to relieve post-procedure discomfort. Dr. Mesna closely oversees your aftercare and is always available to address questions and concerns.

Because this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you will typically return home the same day as your surgery. You should plan to have a trusted companion pick accompany you home and provide assistance for the first few days of your recovery. Swelling, bruising and some tenderness is to be expected in the initial two-week recovery period. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach and plan to use sponge baths for daily hygiene. A surgical bra must be worn for a few days, replaced by a support bandage or sports bra, which should remain in place for several weeks.

Some patients return to work after one to two weeks of rest, but strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. Complete recovery takes place gradually over the six-week period. You may experience some initial numbness during this time. Your scars will initially be quite noticeable, but will fade from red to white over several months. You can also expect to see your full results several months after surgery as your breasts settle into their new position.

Dr. Mesna’s breast lift is a safe, highly effective procedure that provides natural, long-lasting results. 

Candidates for the Breast Lift

A breast lift procedure may be an excellent option for you if you would like to reverse the aging process and regain the breast shape you remember from an earlier time. Many breast lift patients prefer a natural look without additional enhancement, while others seek to augment their size as they elevate and reshape the breasts.

Should you desire to add volume and enhanced contour to your breasts, Dr. Mesna can combine your breast lift surgery with breast augmentation using breast implants. A breast lift with implants offers a number of benefits and can produce excellent results. During a consultation, you can discuss all your treatment options and goals for treatment. Dr. Mesna can discuss the best techniques for your needs, and provide a personalized treatment outline and cost estimate.

Contact Our Practice

Dr. Mesna’s breast lift is a safe, highly effective procedure that provides natural, long-lasting results. A personal consultation is the best way to determine your candidacy and get all your questions answered regarding cost and procedure. To schedule an appointment regarding breast lift surgery, please contact Mesna Plastic Surgery online or call us at (952) 927-4556 today.