Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Over time, a woman’s breasts change in terms of size, position, skin elasticity and shape. These changes may result from pregnancy, nursing, weight changes, age and genetics. Improvement in breast shape, volume and appearance can be achieved with a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. A breast lift is used to move the breast tissue that has “bottomed out” back onto the top of the breast, reposition and reduce the size of the expanded areola higher on the breast, and reshape sagging breasts. Breast implants or fat grafts can be done at the same time or during a second procedure, at a later date, to increase breast volume, firmness, size and shape.

What is a Breast Lift

Dr. Barr uses 3 different surgical techniques in performing the mastopexy procedure. The optimal technique will be determined with you after your breasts have been fully assessed and your desired breast shape and volume have been discussed during your consultation. During breast mastopexy surgery, the breasts will be reshaped and supported with hidden internal support, excess skin is removed and, if necessary, the size of the areola will be reduced and elevated. The breast tissue is remolded so that the breast will maintain its new shape and appearance. The three possible techniques will be discussed in detail. In a Benelli mastopexy, the incisions are hidden around the areola. In a vertical approach, the incision is hidden around the areola with a short vertical incision (a lollipop incision). The third technique adds an additional short horizontal incision is hidden in the crease under the breast fold.

Educate Yourself on Your Procedure

If you are considering a breast lift, please explore the links provided for further information on this procedure and what you can expect. If you have any questions about breast surgery or any of our other procedures, please contact us.

Who is a Candidate for a Surgical Breast Lift?

  • You may be an ideal candidate for breast lift procedures if:
  • You are physically and emotionally healthy
  • You are maintaining a stable weight
  • You are bothered by sagging breasts
  • Your breasts have lost shape and/or volume
  • Your nipples are low / point downward
  • Your areolas are stretched

Determining if you are an ideal candidate for a breast lift procedure can only be done after a thorough examination and consultation.

Reasons to Pursue Breast Lift Surgery

  • Increased sagging in breasts due to increase in breast size
  • The heaviness of full breasts has caused the tissue to thin and stretch over time
  • Improper breast support has caused a decrease in breast tissue elasticity
  • The gravitational impact has led to “natural” breast sagging and drooping

Risks and Complications of Mastopexy Operation

The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with the breast lift process will be thoroughly explained during your consultation with Dr.Barr. The risks related to mastopexy are very few, and you will be fully informed during the consultation so you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not a breast lift is the right choice for you. A comprehensive exchange of information about your breast lift options will be provided to you at the time of this consultation.

Why Сhoose Dr. Barr

When selecting a breast lift specialist, such as Dr.Barr,  it is imperative to consider various factors to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome with your surgery.

  • Confirm that your prospective surgeon is a member of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. This ensures that your surgeon has extensive experience and proper training required to perform cosmetic / aesthetic surgery.
  • Confirm with your provincial college of physicians and surgeons that your prospective surgeon is licensed and whether disciplinary action has been taken against him/her.
  • Confirm credentials and training. While many cosmetic surgeons advertise they are “board-certified ” requirements vary greatly depending on which professional board is cited. In Canada, only the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons certifies physicians and surgeons in medical specialties.
  • Just as important as verifying credentials and reviewing their work, you must meet and feel comfortable with the surgeon you have selected. Be thorough when discussing your expectations with your prospective surgeon. Proper communication before surgery is key to achieving the best possible surgical outcome.

During your consultation, Dr. Barr will carefully assess your breast size and shape, tissue characteristics and position of your nipples and areolas. Measurements and pre-operative photographs will also be taken. He will evaluate your general health and explain which surgical approaches are best suited for you based on your breast size, body type and aesthetic goals.

Breast Lift Before and After

Preparing for Your Breast Lift Procedure

What is the first step in pursuing the breast lift procedure?

The first step when considering Breast Lift ( Mastopexy) surgery is to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barr. The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to obtain important information about the procedure, to discuss your aesthetic goals and to have your questions answered. This enables Dr. Barr to meet you and determine whether this is the best option to address your aesthetic breast concerns.

You should be prepared to discuss your past medical history, including any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and all current medications.

During your consultation Dr. Barr will carefully assess your breast size and shape, tissue characteristics and placement of nipples and areolas. Measurements and pre-operative photographs will also be taken. He will evaluate your general health and explain which surgical approaches are best suited for you based on your breast size, body type and aesthetic goals.  He will also discuss the repositioning of your nipples and areolas, taking into account any other aspects of your breasts that you would like to see improved.

The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with breast lift surgery will be thoroughly explained during this consultation. The information provided at your initial consultation will be thorough. You will be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not a breast lift is the right choice for you. A comprehensive information package will be provided to you at the time of consultation.

Am I a candidate for a breast lift procedure?

The ideal candidate for a breast lift procedure is a healthy woman who has realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. Breasts of all sizes can be lifted with significant improvement; however, women with small sagging breasts can expect the best results. Women with heavier breasts will experience marked improvement however women with very large breasts will continue to experience the effects of gravity pulling on their breasts. If you have a pregnancy and breast feed following a mastopexy, the associated weight changes and hormone changes may adversely affect the appearance of your breasts. 

 

Where will my breast lift surgery be performed?

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

The Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) and the CPSO (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when you leave after your procedure.

Can I combine another surgery with my breast lift?

It is possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your breast lift. Other common procedures requested along with a breast lift include breast implants, fat grafting of the breast, abdominoplasty and/or  liposuction. When booking your consultation, please let our office know if you would also like to discuss other procedures.

The Procedure

What will I need to do prior to my breast lift surgery?

Prior to surgery you will be scheduled for a pre-op session with a Registered Nurse to review your medical history and your post-op instructions. She will review all of the information you will need to know in order to prepare yourself for surgery and the normal post-operative course.

 

Where will my breast lift procedure be performed?

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

The Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

How is a breast lift performed?

Dr. Barr uses 3 different surgical techniques in performing the Mastopexy procedure. The optimal technique will be chosen based on your individual characteristics and expectations and will be discussed in detail during the consultation.

During the procedure, the breast will be reshaped, excess skin removed and, if necessary, the size of the areola will be reduced. The breast tissue is then remolded so that the breast will maintain its new shape and appearance. Incisions may be hidden around the areola, may involve a short vertical incision down to the breast fold (a lollipop incision) and could also involve an incision along the breast crease (which has the appearance similar to an anchor). The Breast Lift procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, or with local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation. The procedure itself usually takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the techniques used.

Who will administer the anaesthetic?

A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

 

Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

Post operative patients have 24/7 access to medical staff to answer any questions or address any issues or concerns a patient may have. Patient and surgical coordinators, as well as nursing staff, are available during normal operating hours and after normal operating hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager and cell phone.

Pricing

How much does a Breast Lift Cost?

Pricing for your procedure will depend on whether you have concurrent procedures along with your breast lift, such as augmentation, fat grafting of the breasts or liposuction, and will be provided to you during your consultation.

Patients choosing to invest in their self-confidence and happiness through cosmetic surgery have many options available to make this investment more manageable. Our Patient Coordinators are familiar with various payment options and can facilitate the process for you.

Is full payment required or do you offer a financing plan?

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

  •  Fax, online, phone application
  • Approval within 1 business day
  • Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
  • No down payment
  • Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
  • No penalties for early payments
Is my procedure covered by insurance?

Breast lifts are considered cosmetic surgery and are therefore not usually covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP. 

 

What is included in the surgical fee?

The facility fee includes the following:

  • all surgical supplies, drapes, sutures, disposable items, medications used during the procedure and surgical instruments
  • the specialized surgical team including Dr. Barr, the anaesthetist, nursing staff, recovery room staff and processing staff
  • operative garments and dressing supplies
  • follow up visits.

You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your persona medical insurance. If you do not have coverage for medications  these medications will be at an additional cost to you.

Is a deposit required? When is it due?

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5000, a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000, and a $2500 deposit for any surgery over $10,000. This deposit is payable upon scheduling a surgery date.  This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.

When is payment for the surgery due?

Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

  • Cash
  • Certified Cheques
  • Mastercard or VISA
  • E-transfers
  • Financing plan

Recovery

Will I need to stay overnight following my surgery?

Mastopexy surgery is an outpatient procedure. Following your surgery, you will need a friend or family member to pick you up and be available at your home for the next 24-48 hours. This person should be familiar with your prescriptions and post-surgery instructions. This information will be discussed with you and your friend / family member prior to leaving Barr Plastic Surgery on the day of your procedure.

 

What will I need to do following my surgery?

Following your surgery, a light dressing will be applied to your breasts, and you will need to wear a surgical bra over these dressings. This post-operative dressing must remain in place for a period of 24 hours. You should begin showering daily on the second day after surgery washing across the entire breast and the incision lines.

 

When do I need to get my stitches out?

The sutures used by Dr. Barr in breast lift surgery are dissolving but a follow up appointment is scheduled around 14 days post postop to assess your healing, trim the suture knots and discuss methods to optimize your healing. 

 

How much downtime will I have?

Your breasts will be swollen, bruised and generally uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery. Most post-operative swelling usually settles within a week. Any discomfort you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Barr. Patients are generally up and about the day after surgery. Light activity is possible for the two weeks following surgery. Many patients can return to work in a few days but those with more strenuous work may need to be off work for up to 3 weeks. Patients must avoid activities that increase their blood pressure for 2 weeks (no use of the gym) and must refrain from  chest exercises, heavy lifting or running until 6 weeks after surgery. 

 

Will there be any loss of sensation in my breasts?

Due to the swelling after surgery there will be some loss of feeling in your nipples and breasts. This altered sensation subsides as swelling decreases over the next few weeks. However, in some patients, this numbness may last upwards of a year, and in some cases may be permanent.

 

Will I have scarring?

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible and hides the incisions so that they are almost undetectable. Time improves all incisions. During the post-operative visits Dr. Barr and his staff will discuss methods to optimize your incisions. These include massage, sun avoidance and silicone gel or sheeting. If needed, the use of light based treatments and injections can further improve incisions.

Out Of Town Patients

Many clients travel from out of town to pursue cosmetic surgery at Barr Plastic Surgery. We often welcome patients from cities located in the Northern Ontario region, including North Bay, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and all the towns and cities in between, as well as patients located in Southern Ontario and across various regions of Canada. Patients requiring information or assistance in selecting appropriate accommodations can discuss travel arrangements with our patient coordinators.

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