Periareolar Breast Lift

A periareolar breast lift is a modified version of a mastopexy procedure used for very specific mild breast ptosis conditions. The periareolar approach uses small circular or semi-circular incisions placed around the outer border of the areola. These less invasive mastopexy procedures are far less traumatic to endure than a full breast lift and can still produce a fantastic aesthetic for appropriately treated patients.

Varieties of Periareolar Breast Lift

The periareolar lift can be performed in 2 primary forms and countless subtle variations:

* The crescent lift is the least invasive of all mastopexy procedures. It will produce a slight lifting and firming effect, raising the nipple 1 to 2 cm. In this operation a small crescent shaped wedge of skin is excised from the upper areolar border. The crescent mastopexy is only used for women with smaller breasts and minimal degrees of ptosis. This surgical technique is often employed in combination with a periareolar breast augmentation procedure.

* The donut mastopexy is also commonly known as the Benelli breast lift or concentric mastopexy. This lift is accomplished by making 2 concentric circular incisions which fully surround the outer border of the areola. The skin in between these 2 incisions is excised and the remaining tissue pulled together after raising the nipple placement. This technique can raise the nipple by 2 to 4 cm, making a significant difference in the appearance of the breast. This technique is used for small to medium breasts with mild to moderate degrees of ptosis and is also commonly employed with periareolar breast implant placement.

Periareolar Breast Lift Advantages

Many women who undergo a periareolar mastopexy do so when simultaneously having breast implants placed via the periareolar approach. This way, 2 surgical procedures get done at one time, using the same incisions and creating a larger, firmer and more youthful breast. This is truly a great use of synergy in the operating room, accomplishing multiple patient body image goals with one simple procedure. This is also a good way to save some money when comparing the cost of the 2 separate procedures individually.

Recommendation on Periareolar Breast Lift

I recommend this technique especially for women who want implants plus a nice firming lift of their organic breast tissue. Women who are not undergoing breast augmentation can and do have these modified lift procedures to enhance their own natural tissue, but the results are not as drastic as when combined with the enlargement surgery. Scarring for these operations should be minimal if you have hired an experienced and talented cosmetic surgeon. Make sure to take good care of your incisions after surgery to prevent them from pulling apart and increasing potential scarring around the nipple. Talk to your doctor to learn the full range of benefits and limitations of a periareolar mastopexy.

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4/28/08