What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, helps offset the effects of age, nursing, gravity, breast implant removal or significant weight loss. A breast lift from Janiga MDs Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Center involves removing excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue to create a more youthful appearance.

There are three basic types of breast lifts that Dr. Timothy Janiga performs: full mastopexy, donut mastopexy, and crescent mastopexy. The most suitable method for you depends on several factors, including your cosmetic goals and unique anatomy. Dr. Janiga will develop a plan for your breast lift during a comprehensive consultation.

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"My experience with Dr. Timothy Janiga and his entire team has been beyond stellar. He clearly met my needs with concise information and consultation. I felt prepared and in good hands throughout the process. I am now 4 months out from a major "beautification" project and couldn't be happier with my selection of Dr. Janiga. I had no discomfort, and felt totally safe and cared for throughout the process which included pre-op, post-op and of course, the surgery itself. I highly recommend the team at Janiga MDs." - JL

The Full Mastopexy Procedure

A full mastopexy breast lift is performed by Dr. Timothy Janiga at a Reno outpatient surgery center using general anesthesia. It involves an incision around the areola and requires an anchor-shaped incision below the areola and horizontally across the underside of each breast. Silicone or saline implants can be included and are often placed either under the muscle or breast gland to improve the overall breast shape, depending on your desired results and personal situation. Including implants results in a combination of a breast lift with breast augmentation, and is a common choice among our patients.

The procedure usually takes one to three hours with another two hours of recovery time before leaving the surgery center.

The Donut Mastopexy Procedure

A donut mastopexy is performed by Dr. Timothy Janiga in an outpatient surgery center. The surgery involves an incision around the areola only, with the removal of excess skin through this small incision. The areola is then repositioned on the breast and sutured closed.  Breast implants can be placed at the same time with the donut mastopexy also if desired.

This procedure takes one to two hours with another hour for recovery before being allowed to go home.

The Crescent Pexy Procedure

A crescent pexy is performed in an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. It involves a crescent-shaped incision involving about half of the nipple, an island of skin is removed, and the areola is repositioned.

Though this procedure may be performed on its own, it is often combined with breast augmentation surgery for complete results.

This procedure takes one to two hours with another hour for recovery before being allowed to go home.

Breast Lift

Breast lifts are performed to help rejuvenate a woman’s physique.

At Janiga MDs, Dr. Timothy Janiga specializes in plastic surgery and Dr. Jennifer Janiga specializes in dermatology, giving their practice a unique, comprehensive perspective on their patients’ cosmetic needs in the Reno, Nevada area.

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Recovery & Results

The recovery and final results for all three types of mastopexy are comparable overall. Swelling and minimal bruising may last up to three weeks. Return to work can be expected within five to seven days.

You will notice results right away, with the breasts having been elevated. Signs of improvement will continue to appear as the incisions heal.

Schedule a Consultation

We evaluate patients for all types of breast lift/mastopexy in our Reno office. Dr. Timothy Janiga is a board-certified plastic surgeon who will thoroughly discuss which of the three options is best for you and provide a realistic expectation for your outcome. Schedule a consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a breast lift covered by insurance?

As an elective cosmetic surgery, breast lifts are not covered under insurance. However, we will work with you to ensure your procedure is affordable.

How long do breast lift results last?

A breast lift is a permanent change to the position of the breast as the excess tissue is removed with the procedure, but you will continue to age after your surgery and the natural breast position will change with that aging process or weight fluctuations.

Does a breast lift make the breast smaller?

A breast lift aims to reduce sagging and reposition the nipple areolar complex to its more youthful position which in some cases requires a small amount of tissue removal. However, a breast lift does not necessarily reduces the size of the breast.

When should I get a breast lift?

If you’re not planning on having children in the future and want to have breasts with a more youthful appearance, it may be a good time to look into breast lift surgery.

Do you lose sensation after a breast lift?

Sensation loss on the breast or nipple after breast surgery is possible.  You should speak to your provider directly about your risk of this as it is different for each type of incision and the extent of your surgery.

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