Breast lift terms defined

Mastopexy

The surgical name for breast lift. Procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breast tissue, repositions the nipple-areola complex higher, and removes excess skin without significantly changing breast volume.

Breast Ptosis

Medical term for breast sagging. Graded I-III (Regnault classification) plus pseudoptosis based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold and lower breast pole.

Ptosis Grade I (Mild)

Nipple is at the level of the inframammary fold. Subtle sag; often correctable with periareolar (donut) mastopexy or augmentation alone in selected cases.

Ptosis Grade II (Moderate)

Nipple is 1-3 cm below the inframammary fold but still above the lower breast contour. Vertical (lollipop) mastopexy is typically suitable.

Ptosis Grade III (Severe)

Nipple is more than 3 cm below the inframammary fold and points downward. Inverted-T (anchor) mastopexy with significant skin removal is typically required.

Pseudoptosis

Apparent sag where the nipple is still at or above the inframammary fold but the lower breast tissue has dropped. Typically corrected with augmentation or vertical lift technique.

Inverted-T (Anchor) Mastopexy

Mastopexy technique using three incisions: around the areola, vertical down to the inframammary fold, and along the inframammary fold. Resulting scar pattern resembles an inverted T or anchor. Standard for moderate-to-severe ptosis.

Vertical (Lollipop) Mastopexy

Mastopexy with two incisions: around the areola and vertically down to the inframammary fold (no horizontal scar). Suitable for mild-to-moderate ptosis. Less scarring than inverted-T but limited skin removal.

Donut (Periareolar) Mastopexy

Mastopexy with a single circular incision around the areola only. Suitable for mild ptosis or pseudoptosis. Limited lifting capacity; can flatten the breast and widen the areola if over-used.

Crescent Mastopexy

Limited mastopexy removing a crescent of skin above the areola. Suitable only for very mild nipple position correction (under 2 cm).

Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC)

The nipple plus the surrounding pigmented areola, treated as a single anatomical unit during mastopexy. Repositioning the NAC is a primary goal of breast lift surgery.

Inferior Pedicle

Surgical technique where the nipple-areola complex stays attached to a tissue base from below. Preserves nipple sensation and breastfeeding function in most cases. Common in inverted-T mastopexy.

Superior Pedicle

Surgical technique where the nipple-areola complex stays attached to a tissue base from above. Often used in vertical (lollipop) mastopexy. Provides good upper pole fullness.

Medial Pedicle

Surgical technique where the nipple-areola complex stays attached to a tissue base from the inner side. Preserves sensation; commonly used in vertical mastopexy.

Wise Pattern

Skin marking pattern used in inverted-T mastopexy, named after the surgeon who described it. Defines the new breast shape with a keyhole-shaped marking.

Round Block (Benelli) Technique

Periareolar mastopexy with a permanent purse-string suture around the areola to prevent areolar widening. Limits lifting capacity but keeps scars hidden around the areola edge.

Augmentation-Mastopexy

Combined breast lift plus breast augmentation in a single procedure. Mastopexy reshapes and lifts; implant adds volume. Technically complex — combines two competing surgical goals.

Inframammary Fold (IMF)

The natural crease where the lower breast meets the chest wall. Critical landmark in mastopexy planning; the nipple should sit at or above this level after surgery.

Internal Bra

Surgical technique using internal sutures or mesh to provide long-term support to lifted breast tissue. Reduces recurrence of sag over time.

Mesh Support (Galaflex / TIGR / GalaShape)

Synthetic or biological scaffold (commercial brands include Galaflex, GalaShape, TIGR) implanted internally during mastopexy to support breast tissue and reduce long-term recurrence of sag.

Silicone Implant

Breast implant filled with cohesive silicone gel. Most common modern breast implant; available in round and anatomical (teardrop) shapes, multiple profiles and sizes.

Round Implant

Symmetrically circular breast implant. Provides upper pole fullness; orientation does not matter (rotation does not affect appearance).

Anatomical (Teardrop) Implant

Breast implant shaped like a natural breast, with more volume in the lower pole. Provides natural slope; orientation matters (rotation affects appearance).

Submuscular (Under-the-Muscle) Implant Placement

Implant placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle. Common in augmentation-mastopexy; provides additional soft tissue coverage and reduces visible implant edges.

Subglandular (Above-the-Muscle) Implant Placement

Implant placed above the pectoralis major muscle, beneath the breast tissue. Less common; may be preferred in selected cases.

Subfascial Implant Placement

Implant placed beneath the pectoralis fascia but above the muscle itself. Hybrid approach combining advantages of submuscular and subglandular placement.

Dual-Plane Implant Placement

Implant placed partially under the muscle (upper pole) and partially under the breast tissue (lower pole). Most common technique in augmentation-mastopexy.

Capsular Contracture

Excessive scar tissue formation around a breast implant, causing firmness, distortion, or pain. Graded I-IV (Baker classification). Risk approximately 5-15% over implant lifetime.

Seroma

Collection of serous fluid in surgical space. Common in mastopexy; usually resolves spontaneously or with drainage. Drains may be used to prevent seroma formation.

Hematoma

Collection of blood in surgical space. Less common than seroma; may require evacuation if large. Risk approximately 1-2% in mastopexy.

Revision Mastopexy

Second or subsequent mastopexy to address recurrent sag, asymmetry, scarring concerns, or other issues from a previous breast lift. Technically more demanding than primary mastopexy.

Breast Asymmetry

Difference in size, shape, or position between the two breasts. Universal to some degree; significant asymmetry can be addressed during mastopexy with different volume removal or pedicle techniques on each side.

Nipple Sensation

Tactile and erotic sensation in the nipple-areola complex. Mastopexy can affect sensation; preserved in 80-95% of cases depending on technique. Permanent loss in 1-5%.

Breastfeeding After Mastopexy

Most pedicle techniques preserve milk duct and nipple connections, allowing breastfeeding in 60-80% of cases. Technique selection and prior breast surgery affect outcomes.

Surgical Bra

Soft, supportive, front-closing bra worn 24/7 for 4-6 weeks after mastopexy. Provides compression and support while tissue heals. Different from standard sports bras or daily bras.

Compression Garment

Tight medical-grade garment providing graduated compression. Used in mastopexy recovery to reduce swelling and support healing tissues.

Surgical Drain

Thin tube placed in the surgical space to remove blood and fluid post-operatively. Removed at days 2-5 once output decreases. Not all mastopexy cases require drains.

FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons)

Senior surgical fellowship awarded by the American College of Surgeons. Held by most US plastic surgeons. Verifiable on facs.org. Dr. Erdal was inducted as FACS at ACS Clinical Congress 2025.

FEBOPRAS

Fellow, European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. European board certification requiring rigorous written and oral examinations.

JCI Accreditation

Joint Commission International — international standard for hospital quality and patient safety. International extension of the US-based Joint Commission.