Peri-Areolar Mastopexy, "Purse-String" Mastopexy, "Breast Lift", "Benelli Lift"

This is an operation to reshape and reposition the breasts, which gives a full, round, higher breast. This is a flatter, rounder shape than the other type of breast-lift surgery – which involves more scars, and gives a more projected, cone-shaped breast, and tends to sag more after surgery.

Although the scars with the purse-string type will be only around the areola, the scar will be puckered and wrinkly to begin with, but will improve with time, over many months, and may never totally smooth out. This purse-string stitch is very important. It is used to support the healing wound, and limits spreading of the scar after surgery. Many patients find taking out a wedge on the bottom part of the breast gives a better shape and you have less wrinkling around the areolar. This incision heals very well.

There will be considerable swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the breasts, which will take several months to resolve. During this healing phase a good supportive bra needs to be worn at all times.

Because the skin will be numb or have altered sensation, you have to be careful with heat and sun to avoid burning. There is always some risk to the nipple/areola with surgery. The sensation may be decreased, and there may be slow healing, and even some loss of the nipple/areolar tissue if there is not sufficient blood to keep the tissue living. With smokers the risk of nipple loss is much greater, especially if smoking during the healing phase.

If you want your breast size to be bigger than it is, a purse-string type lift can be done at the same time as a breast augmentation, using the same incision around the areola to allow placement of a breast implant under the breast tissue. This usually fills out the breast, especially up higher, and helps prevent later sag.