subject: The Breast Lift: When Is It The Right Choice? [print this page] While it doesn't get the press coverage or mainstream attention of augmentation, mastoplexy is one of the most effective and popular forms of plastic surgery. Known colloquially as the breast lift, it is sometimes even done in conjunction with implants to give the patient both more volume and a higher profile. There are two primary types of mastoplexy: the circumareolar version and the vertical version. Many surgeons will offer both surgeries in their offices in order to reach out to the most patients. If you're wondering if this procedure is the right choice for you, this information should help you decide.
Drooping
While it is commonly believed that women with a larger chest will experience ptosis-otherwise known as drooping-earlier, the fact is that it can happen to a chest of any size. It occurs because the connective tissues depended upon to support the mammaries become weakened with time. Simultaneously, the skin often becomes loose, accentuating the problem. Of course, it isn't just the passing of time that brings these problems on. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are wonderful, natural things, but they can wreak havoc on your appearance. Those with larger chests may find they experience the issues of ptosis earlier in life, however, and the effects may be more dramatic.
Sagging Prevention
Those who don't want to look forward to a breast lift later in life often look for ways they can stave off the sagging that naturally comes with age. Unfortunately, most of the tips and tricks passed around about prevention are little more than myths. Certainly, wearing a supportive bra is not going to help. Nor is going without one. Keeping your weight somewhat steady is a known way to prevent the loss of volume that comes with gaining and losing weight, but that is probably the only proven way to at least reduce the effects of age and gravity on your chest.
The Procedures
The circumareolar breast lift can help those women with small chests who have lost some of the firmness they once had. There isn't a lot of loose skin to present a problem. This is the most common circumstance in which a doctor will recommend putting in an implant while performing the mastoplexy. The vertical mastoplexy is ideal for situations in which the patient needs additional lifting, such as in the case of those with a larger chest. Implants are sometimes recommended in these instances as well, though they are not always necessary.
