Breast Lift (aka Mastopexy)

In Vancouver, WA

Over time, factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and genetics can cause the breasts to lose their youthful firmness and elasticity. A breast lift can help restore a more lifted and perky appearance to your breasts by removing excess skin, lifting the nipple, and reshaping the breast tissue. Sagging breasts can affect how clothing fits and feel, leading to challenges finding bras and clothing that provide adequate support and coverage.

Breast Lift

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a breast lift?

A breast lift is a surgery also known as a "mastopexy." Dr. Kate Impastato uses a technique called an "auto-augmentation mastopexy" where she shapes and lifts the breast using the patients' tissue. Depending on each patient's individual goals and anatomy, Dr. Impastato will make recommendations on what scars to expect. Oftentimes women have enough tissue to be happy with their breast size, its just in the wrong location.

Who is the ideal candidate for a breast lift or auto-augmentation mastopexy?

Ideal candidates are individuals who are in good overall health and are bothered by the appearance of their breasts or nipple location. Often due to genetics, aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss the breasts aren't as perky or youthful as some would like.

It is also important that you do not use any form of nicotine. If you are actively losing weight, you should try to be within 10 lbs of your goal at the time of surgery. For those considering having more children, it is wise to wait until you are finished breast feeding to ensure more predictable and longer lasting results. For patients within the age range recommended for mammograms, it is imperative to undergo a recent mammogram before undergoing surgery.

How do I know if a breast lift or mastopexy is right for me?

During your one on one consultation with Dr. Kate Impastato, a thorough examination will be conducted, and your personal goals and concerns will be discussed. Dr. Impastato will help you to understand the different customized treatment plans that suit your unique needs based on your individual anatomy and help you to make a choice based on your goals. She will also discuss the postoperative course to ensure you have a realistic understanding of what you will need in terms of support to optimize your recovery.

What is the recovery process like following breast lift or auto-augmentation mastopexy?

Recovery after mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, varies from patient to patient, but most patients can return to light activities within a week, with a gradual return to normal activities over the following weeks. Dr. Impastato will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. After breast lift or mastopexy most patients will take 1-2 weeks off of work unless they work from home. Patients who work from home often return to work after 1 week and many patients with desk jobs do end up returning to work before 2 weeks depending on their comfort level. It's important to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and activities that strain the chest muscles for several weeks to allow proper healing.

Are breast lift or auto-augmentation mastopexy results permanent?

While the effects of aging and lifestyle factors may impact your results over time, the improvements achieved with a a a breast lift or auto-augmentation mastopexy are long-lasting. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, will contribute to maintaining your enhanced appearance as well as ongoing support of your breasts with a bra.

What does the scar look like after a breast lift or auto-augmentation mastopexy?

This will be discussed with you during your consultation and again at your preop appointment with Dr. Impastato. Depending on the amount of skin and the location of the skin and tissue that needs to be removed she may recommend a "lollipop" or an "anchor" scar. Her recommendations are tailored to address each patients goals and anatomy; she will make recommendations that lead to the best outcome with the smallest amount of scarring. Scars go through a normal maturation process where they become lighter and less noticeable with time. It takes scars 12-18 months to fully mature.

Is financing available for a breast lift or auto-augmentation mastopexy?

Yes, we offer financing options to make the transformative journey accessible to our patients. Our team will work with you to explore financing solutions that fit your budget.

Are there medications I cannot take prior to surgery?

Prior to undergoing surgery patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.