Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Breast lifts are done for women who are satisfied with the size of their breasts but who want a change the shape of their breasts. Many women experience sagging of the breasts in response to aging, childbearing and weight fluctuations although some women’s breasts are saggy from the time they start to develop. The sagging can be corrected by removing the excess skin of the breast and repositioning the nipple on the center of the breast mound. Breast lifts are usually done with a keyhole pattern that leaves a scar around the nipple, under the breast in the crease and a vertical scar from the breast crease to the nipple. The scars usually fade with time and do not interfere with the selection of clothing or standard swimwear. Occasionally, when the sagging is mild, a lift can be done leaving only a scar around the nipple. This is called a periareolar lift. There is usually some puckering of the skin for a few weeks after surgery but this smoothes out. Sometimes women lose a lot of breast volume with child bearing or weight loss and in these cases a breast implant may be indicated. This is done at the same time as the lift. Please see Breast Lift/Augmentation. Breast lifts do not interfere with breast feeding, nipple sensation, or mammograms. The results usually hold up for ten years or more although with aging, sagging can recur. Breast lifts are done as an outpatient. I often do periareloar lifts in my certified office operating room with sedation and a local anesthetic. I do my full breast lifts at Seattle Surgery Center which is located in the building next door to my office. Patients usually take about a week off of work following a breast lift.