Breast Lift Surgery, Called Mastopexy, is on the Rise (No Pun Intended)

Breast implant surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in women worldwide. However, a recent plastic surgery statistic released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) revealed that breast lift procedures are gaining popularity throughout the U.S. as there has been a 70 percent increase in breast lifts, also called mastopexy, since 2000.   ASPS reports that board-certified members have conducted over 90,000 breast lifts in 2013, up from 53,000 in 2000, revealing the drastic shift in preference for a more youthful breast with or without augmentation. According to ASPS President Robert X Murphy, Jr., MD, many women are looking for youthful breasts by making use of the tissue they already have. In contrast, breast implant surgeries have grown just 37 percent over the same time period.   The new statistics reveal that women aged 30-54 made up nearly 70 percent of the breast lift procedures conducted in 2013. The number of breast lift procedures is way up in our practice as well and we are definitely seeing the trend towards a more youthful, perky and smaller breast. We are seeing more women coming to us who are finished having children, whose breast volume has decreased and who are experiencing considerable sagging. With the proper surgical plan, we are able to get rid of the excess skin and lift the breasts back up where they're supposed to be. The best part is that you don’t need to worry about looking fake or augmented. Even if you truly need an implant as part of your surgical plan, we currently place more “tear-drop” implants than any other practice in Northeast Florida. These implants enhance the natural shape and curvature of the breast, thus adding fullness with a more natural, lifted and athletic look. Our patients want to look young and healthy, without being noticeable.   Not sure if you need a lift? You can test yourself with a simple pencil test: A woman should place a pencil under her breast. If the breast tissues hold the pencil intact against the chest it means the sagging breasts can be fixed with a surgical breast lift procedure. Only those with an ideal amount of breast tissue can opt for breast lift alone. Other women with loss of volume and position, will likely need the additional volume enhancement achievable only with an implant.   To know for sure, call to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. We even have 3D imaging software solutions to aid in your ultimate decision. By Erez Sternberg, MD