Breast Mastopexy

Gravity, pregnancy, nursing and age all contribute to the drooping and sagging of a woman's breasts over time. As the skin stretches and the breasts begin to sag, some women turn to a procedure called mastopexy, or breast lift, to restore their breasts to a perkier, more youthful appearance. In 2006, about 101,000 mastopexy procedures were performed in the U.S. Each costs an average of $4,220 just for the surgeon's fees. Anesthesia, operating room fees and other costs are extra.

Sometimes mastopexy is performed together with a breast augmentation, particularly if a woman's breasts have shrunk after pregnancy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says the best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally-stable women with realistic expectations of what the procedure will accomplish, particularly women with small, sagging breasts.

If you plan to have children, the ASPS recommends waiting to undergo a mastopexy until you're finished having children. Another pregnancy and breastfeeding will cause your breasts to stretch again, although the procedure doesn't affect your ability to breastfeed. Keep in mind that the results aren't permanent; gravity and age will eventually take their toll once again.

This resource is part of an educational initiative sponsored by Allergan, Inc., maker of the NATRELLE™ Collection of breast implants.

Create Date: 9/24/07
Date Last Updated: 9/24/07