Breast Lift

A woman’s breasts can change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity result from various factors, including weight loss or gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity, aging and genetics. A breast lift can rejuvenate a woman’s figure with a breast appearance that is both youthful and shapely.

What Is A Breast Lift?

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that elevates and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and fatty tissue to recontour and maintain an improved appearance.

If you desire larger, fuller breasts, you may opt to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation. If you desire smaller breasts, you may consider combining a breast lift with breast reduction.

 

Are You A Candidate For Breast Lift?

Choosing to receive a breast lift is a highly personal decision. You should do it for yourself and not to fulfill the desires of someone else or try to fit into any sort of ideal image. Although a breast lift can be performed for patients of any age, it is best to wait until you are fully developed and then when you are done have having children and breastfeeding.

Breast lift is appropriate for non-smoking women who are in overall good health and are able to maintain a healthy body weight. Breast lift can be used to address various aspects of your breasts’ appearance.

  • Sagging breasts.
  • Breasts that have lost shape and volume.
  • Breasts with a flatter, elongated shape.
  • Nipples that, when unsupported, fall below the breast crease.
  • Nipples and areolas that point downward.
  • Stretched skin and enlarged areolas.
  • A breast that is lower than the other.

Your Initial Breast Lift Consultation

During your initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss expectations, desires and potential outcomes. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your body and ask questions about your health and lifestyle. We encourage you to actively participate during the consultation to ensure the success of your breast lift procedure.

During your consultation, you should be prepared to discuss:

  • Reasons for receiving a breast lift.
  • Medical conditions, allergies and past medical treatments
  • Current use of medications, supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
  • Personal history of surgery.
  • Family history of breast cancer.
  • Results of previous mammograms and/or biopsies.

In order to fully evaluate you for a breast lift, your surgeon will:

  • Evaluate your overall health status and potential risk factors.
  • Examine and measure your breasts.  
  • Photograph your breasts for your medical record.
  • Discuss options for incision location.
  • Discuss anesthesia that will be used during surgery.
  • Discuss likely outcomes of a breast lift.
  • Discuss potential risks and complications.
  • Recommend a course of treatment.

Preparing For Your Breast Lift Procedure

Your plastic surgeon will provide instructions to help you prepare for your breast lift. Leading up to your procedure, there are several steps you may need to take.

  • Lab testing and/or medical evaluation.
  • Pre-surgery baseline mammogram.
  • Begin certain medications or adjust your current medications.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid taking anti­-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.
  • Arrange for transportation after the procedure.

Breast Lift Procedure

Our plastic surgeons have the qualifications and experience to perform your breast lift safely and effectively. Our plastic surgeons perform breast lifts on an outpatient basis.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia will be administered before and during your procedure. This can be given intravenously or as general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend a choice based on your personal situation.

Surgical Incision

There are several different types of surgical incisions used during breast lift. Various factors determine the type that will be used for your procedure. These include the position of your breasts and nipples, degree of sagging, amount of excess skin and fat to be removed, your preference and your surgeon’s preference.

Donut Lift

An incision is made around the perimeter of the areola of each breast.

Lollipop Lift

An incision is made around the areola and then vertically down to the crease of the breasts.

Anchor Lift

An incision is made around the areola, vertically down to the crease of the breasts, and then horizontally along the breast crease.

Reshaping Your Breasts

After the surgical incision is made, your plastic surgeon will reshape your breast tissue to improve contour and firmness. Depending on your desired results, they may also:

  • Reposition your nipple and areola to a natural, more youthful height.
  • Reduce the size of areolas by excising skin at the perimeter.
  • Remove excess skin to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Incision Closure

Once the desired amount of excess skin has been removed and the remaining tissue has been tightened, the incisions are closed using sutures. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

What To Expect After Your Breast Lift Procedure

Following the procedure, your plastic surgeon will be available to answer questions and address concerns. They will also provide post-surgery instructions regarding home care, prescription medications, follow-up appointments and post-surgery mammogram.

  • Instructions for home care.
  • Prescription medications.
  • Returning for a follow-up.
  • Post-surgery mammogram.

Your breasts will be bandages immediate after the procedure to reduce swelling and provide support. You may experience pain or soreness over the next several days, but pain medication can help to alleviate these symptoms.

Most women can return to work in the week following her procedure. However, recovery time varies depending on the patient. Surgical incisions are generally concealed along natural breast contours. Scarring is inevitable, but visible incisions will fade over time.

Other Considerations

Potential Risks & Complications

With any type of surgery, there is the possibility of complications developing. Although rare, bleeding, infection, collection of excess fluid, reaction to anesthesia, and other complications can occur. In order to properly recover from breast lift surgery and decrease your risk for complications, it is best that your plastic surgeon’s post-surgery instructions.

Breast Lift Results

The final results of your breast lift surgery will become apparent over the coming weeks and months as your breasts form to their new contour and position. Typically, women are very happy with their new appearance and feel more self­ confident. As long as you maintain your weight and live a healthy lifestyle, your new look should be long lasting.