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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000017.htm

Breast lift

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Overview

In a breast lift, excess skin and breast tissue are removed. Several different incision patterns can be used to reposition the areola and nipple, and to remove excess tissue.

In this example, an arch-like incision above the nipple shows where excess skin and breast tissue will be removed to accommodate the raised nipple. After the nipple is raised, stitches follow the circumference of the areola.

To complete the reshaping, another incision is made vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast's natural lower crease.

Review Date 1/9/2023

Updated by: David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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