Occasionally we get inquiries whether Dr. Andrade offers a video consultation to discuss breast lift (mastopexy) surgery. However, as a top cosmetic breast surgeon, Dr. Andrade always does an in-person assessment prior to offering this procedure. Patients who seek breast lift surgery typically have several concerns, including low position of the nipple on the breast, decreased upper fullness, asymmetry, and loose skin. It is necessary to assess all of these issues in detail in order to create the best mastopexy surgery plan for the patient.
Key Measurements and Considerations
Proper breast measurements are required to determine the degree of sagging, and to explain the amount of improvement that might be achieved. Although there is a wide range of normal nipple position on the breast, the average distance of the nipple from the base of the neck (sternal notch) is 21 centimeters. Taking these measurements on each patient and explaining their degree of sagging, helps them to understand the possible outcome of surgery.
In addition, some people who have low-appearing nipples might not have sagging, but rather a lack of breast tissue below the nipple, with a correspondingly high breast crease (inframammary fold). Taking measurements from the nipple to the fold is important, as it helps the surgeon to distinguish between the two issues. The treatment options and outcomes are different in each case. If a patient has excessive skin between the nipple and fold (long nipple-to-fold distance) more skin on the lower area of one breast than the other, this skin may need to be excised in order to achieve proper shape and symmetry.
Another aspect that can be better appreciated in person rather than on a video call, is the elasticity of the skin and underlying tissues. Patients with decreased tissue strength will likely have more relaxation of the tissue after surgery, so in these patients it is especially important to discuss whether their desired result, in keeping with the anticipated outcome.
Importance of Physical Examination
The physical examination involves palpating the breast tissue to check for, concerning breast lumps, and if present, they can be further investigated with imaging such as mammogram or ultrasound. In addition, the surgeon can better assess the amount of breast tissue and whether any asymmetry needs to be corrected by removing a small amount of tissue from the larger breast. Finally, the physical exam enables the surgeon to detect any underlying skeletal abnormalities of the ribs or breast bone (sternum). These abnormalities can affect the cosmetic outcome, so if present, they should be noted and discussed with the patient.
Aesthetic breast surgery is a major focus of Dr. Andrade’s practice, and he has gained a reputation as a top-rated breast lift surgeon with 20+ years of experience. His highly trained staff of nurses and cosmetic coordinators is also given glowing reviews on websites such as RateMDs, Realself, Instagram, Facebook, and Google.
Disclaimer: This information is meant for Dr. Andrade’s patients and to supplement an in-person consultation. Medical science is constantly changing, so it is not guaranteed to be complete or accurate.
