Breast Lift Surgery with Dr. Frank J. Piro
Offering Surgical Breast Lift in the Bay Area
Experienced breast surgeon Frank J. Piro, MD offers patients breast lift surgery to improve the look of sagging breasts, flattened breasts and/or southward-pointing nipples.
Why Breast Lift Surgery Is Needed
As time passes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, major weight loss or the natural aging process can wreak havoc on women's breasts. Over time, skin cells produce less collagen and elastin, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and breasts to start to sag. Factor in the effects of nursing, massive weight loss or gravity, and breasts can develop extreme ptosis (droopiness). Nipples can start to point toward the ground instead of straight ahead.
Fortunately, Dr. Piro can improve the look of drooping breasts and downward-pointing nipples with mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, giving patients a more youthful breast contour.
I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Piro. He did my breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, He listened to my concerns and answered all of my question. Made me feel comfortable and confident. He has a great bedside manner and is a nice person. you won't be disappointed.
—D.C.
More About Breast Lift Surgery
As a top breast lift surgeon Dr. Piro typically performs breast lift surgery as an outpatient procedure. General anesthesia will be administered prior to the start of surgery. It usually takes the plastic surgeon about three hours to complete the procedure, depending on the complexity of the patient's surgical needs and aesthetic goals as well as if she is undergoing a complementary surgical procedure such as breast augmentation at the same time.
Dr. Piro's chosen incision approach varies, again, based on the patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic desires. Nonetheless, one common incision method requires that Dr. Piro create an incision around the border of the areola, or the darkly pigmented skin surrounding the nipple, and under the breast's natural fold. Dr. Piro repositions the nipple-areolar complex (area) higher up on the chest and removes any excess skin. He reshapes the breast tissue into a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing contour. At this point, Dr. Piro inserts breast implants if agreed to during consultation. He closes the needed incisions with sutures, and dresses the treated area with bandages and possibly a surgical bra for added support.
Certain patients, in particular women with petite breasts and minimal ptosis, may be suitable candidates for a modified incision approach that requires less extensive or fewer incisions. For example, some patients may benefit from concentric mastopexy, or "doughnut" breast lift surgery. During this modified breast lift method, Dr. Piro creates circular incisions around the perimeter of the areola, removing a doughnut-shaped area of skin.
Postoperative breast lift patients should expect to take about one week off from work or their normal schedule. Getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activity during this time is crucial for optimal healing. Breast lift patients may experience swelling, bruising, soreness or discomfort in the first few days after the procedure. Dr. Piro will recommend oral pain medication that the patient can take to alleviate any postsurgical discomfort. The surgeon will also let patients know when they can gradually resume their usual activities, including their fitness regimen.
Candidacy for Breast Lift Surgery
Only a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Piro can properly establish if someone is a suitable breast lift surgery candidate. Typically, however, suitable breast lift candidates include those who:
- Have an overall positive body image but want to correct drooping breasts or southward-pointing nipples
- Are seeking aesthetic improvement, not necessarily perfection
- Are in sound physical and emotional health overall
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Do not smoke or are ready to quit smoking for several months prior to and after surgery
Overall, appropriate candidates for breast lift surgery comprehend the risks and advantages of surgery, have realistic expectations for the surgical outcome and are considering the procedure of their own accord.
Attain a Physical and Emotional Lift With Surgical Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery with Dr. Piro is an effective way to lift your sagging breasts — and your spirits! Attaining the physical and emotional boost you desire starts with scheduling an initial visit to see Dr. Piro.
You can also see before and after breast lift photos of patients treated by Dr. Piro.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Piro to learn more about breast lift surgery, please contact his practice by calling (650) 652-8230 today.
Breast Lift FAQs
Is liposuction part of a breast lift?
Liposuction is not a direct part of a breast lift procedure. Liposuction is sometimes performed on the outer side of the breast under the arm to improve the contour and shape of the underarm-breast transition area. Liposuction is sometimes performed in other areas of the trunk during a breast lift procedure.
Will I need additional surgery after a mastopexy?
Mastopexy is designed to lift and shape the ptotic, or fallen, breast. The longevity of the shape varies depending upon the skin quality. The skin itself actually supports and keeps the shape. It is possible that, after many years, revision mastopexy, or breast lift, may be required due to stretching and loss of the tighter postoperative shape.
Where are the incisions placed?
The incisions in a breast lift procedure vary greatly. A simple breast lift with elevation of the nipple complex may only have an incision around the areola. If the breasts demonstrate a great deal of fallen shape, they may require the full anchor incision, which involves an incision under the breast and a vertical limb that runs from the middle of the fold up to the nipple. This is completely dependent upon the preoperative shape of the breast.
To learn more about our Plastic Surgery Services, please contact us at (650) 652-8230 today to schedule an appointment.