A Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts the breasts by removing excess skin which reshapes the breasts and restores a youthful contour.
Your breasts can lose their shape and firmness as part of the aging process. These changes can also be a result of pregnancy and significant fluctuations in weight.
A breast lift can boost self-confidence and self-esteem for many women.
Am I a Candidate For a Breast Lift?
You may be a candidate for a Breast Lift if you are dissatisfied with the way your breasts sag.
You should be in good physical health for surgery and should not be doing it to fit an ideal image of what your body should look like.
A breast lift will not change the size of your breasts significantly, however, the procedure can be performed in combination with breast augmentation surgery.
Contact us to discuss if the procedure is right for you.
Breast Lift Procedure
A Breast Lift is commonly performed under general anesthetic so you are comfortable during surgery. In some cases, local anesthetic is an option.
Depending on the technique used, incisions may be made around the areolae, downward from the areola to the breast crease, or horizontally along the breast crease.
Stitches may be placed to reshape your breast tissue and the size of your areolae may be reduced if necessary.
Excess skin is removed and the nipples are re-positioned. The incisions are then closed with stitches or adhesives.
The surgery should take about two or three hours, and you may be able to go home on the same day depending on the type of anesthesia administered during surgery.
Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery
Dressings will be applied after surgery and you may need to wear a support bra that will help support your breasts during the healing process.
Swelling during the recovery period is normal and will subside over time. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage the healing process.
You will be provided instructions on how to care for your breasts after surgery and when to follow up with your surgeon.
Breast Lift Results
You are likely to feel better about your appearance as a result of a breast lift as outcomes in most cases are good.
Scars may be visible for up to a year after surgery and will becomes less obvious over time.
A healthy lifestyle will help ensure long term results, however, the aging process my cause your breasts to sag again. Maintaining your weight will also help extend the results of a breast lift.
Breast Lift Surgery Risks and Complications
Understanding the risks and benefits is important when deciding to have a breast lift done.
The risks of a breast lift include infection, scarring, deep vein thrombosis, bleeding, and asymmetry.
Following your doctor’s instructions will reduce the risk of any complications. Talk to your surgeon if you have any concerns about the procedure.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you understand all the potential risks of the procedure.
Cost of a Breast Lift Procedure
The cost of a breast lift will vary depending on the surgeon’s experience and procedure used. You will also need to consider the cost of prescriptions for medication, and follow-up care after surgery.
Health insurance plans do not usually cover cosmetic surgery, however, financing may be offered by your plastic surgeon.
Contact us to find out if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. The procedure removes excess skin, repositions breast tissue, and may elevate the nipples to create a firmer, more youthful breast contour and improve overall breast appearance.
2. Who is a good candidate for a breast lift?
Good candidates are healthy adults who are concerned about breast sagging, loss of firmness, or changes in breast shape. Individuals seeking improved breast position and contour, rather than a significant increase in breast size, may benefit from a breast lift procedure.
3. How is a breast lift different from breast augmentation?
A breast lift focuses on raising and reshaping existing breast tissue, while breast augmentation primarily increases breast size using implants or fat transfer. Some patients choose to combine both procedures to improve breast position while also increasing volume and fullness for enhanced results.
4. Can a breast lift increase breast size?
A breast lift is designed to improve breast shape and position rather than significantly increase breast volume. While the breasts may appear fuller after surgery due to improved contour, patients seeking larger breasts may require breast augmentation in addition to a breast lift.
5. What happens during a breast lift procedure?
During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped to create a more elevated appearance. The nipples and areolas may also be repositioned when necessary. The procedure is customized to each patient’s anatomy and cosmetic goals.
6. What is recovery like after a breast lift?
Recovery typically involves temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Many patients are able to resume light daily activities within a relatively short period, while more strenuous activities may require additional healing time. Following postoperative instructions is important for a smooth recovery process.
7. Will a breast lift leave scars?
Because a breast lift involves surgical incisions, some degree of scarring is expected. Incision patterns vary depending on the amount of lifting required. Although scars are permanent, they generally fade and become less noticeable over time as healing progresses and tissues mature.
8. Are the results of a breast lift permanent?
A breast lift can provide long-lasting improvements in breast shape and position. However, factors such as aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and lifestyle changes can affect the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable weight may help preserve surgical results for longer periods.
9. What are the risks associated with a breast lift?
Like all surgical procedures, a breast lift carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, delayed healing, and changes in nipple sensation. A thorough consultation and careful adherence to postoperative instructions can help support a safe recovery and successful outcome.
10. When will I see the final results of my breast lift?
Improvements are visible immediately after surgery, but swelling and healing changes can temporarily affect appearance. As recovery progresses, the breasts gradually settle into their new shape and position. Final results typically become more apparent over several months as healing continues and tissues stabilize.
