A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from a number of factors such as pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight lost, aging, and effects of gravity. Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Additionally, the areola can be reduced at the time of a breast lift if it has become enlarged.

A breast lift can enhance your appearance and self-confidence. Breast lift surgery will not significantly change the size of your breasts, nor will it fill out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller or smaller, you might want to consider either breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. You may be a candidate for a breast lift if you have breasts that sag or have lost volume, your nipple and areola point downward, or one breast is lower than the other. Before you make a decision to have a breast lift, carefully consider your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Porterfield.

During your initial consultation, it is important to discuss your expectations with Dr. Porterfield. He will examine your breasts and take measurements. He will also discuss the variables that may affect your procedure such as your age, the condition of your skin, and the size and shape of your breasts. He will go over the risks and complications of a breast lift and discuss the different types of techniques available. Scarring and recovery are other issues to discuss at the time of your consultation.

In your initial consultation, Dr. Porterfield will extensively discuss your goals with surgery, evaluate your health, and carefully examine you to determine the most appropriate procedure. He will then discuss the various procedures available and what can be achieved with each, including their specific risks. He will also review before and after pictures with you as necessary to further display what can be achieved. All facets of the surgical workup are covered during the initial consultation and afterwards patients are prepared for the scheduling process. Some will require further medical workup such as labs, imaging, medical clearance, etc. as needed.

During the consultation, Dr. Porterfield will also explain the type of anesthesia that will be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Porterfield. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

Dr. Porterfield will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and whether to take or avoid certain vitamins and medications. Be sure to tell Dr. Porterfield if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.