Most of the time gravity is our friend, but when it comes to our breasts, it can work against us. Over time a woman’s breasts can droop, become deflated, and ptotic (or saggy). Many moms undergo breast lift surgery to restore their pre-pregnancy breast appearance, and come out looking more sensuous and feeling more confident. The right kind of breast lift can restore breasts to their more natural position and achieve a more youthful and “perky” position.
As with all procedures at Lotus Cosmetic Surgery Connecticut, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Amir Nasir, tailors surgery to you as an individual based on your anatomy and goals. A breast lift might entail minimal scarring with small surgical incisions, or could be more extensive with scars that are placed strategically to minimize their visibility. We will partner with you to help you choose the procedure that is right for you and your goals.
- Breast Lift Candidates
- Breast Lift Procedure
- Breast Lift with Implants
- Breast Lift Recovery
- Breast Lift Scars
- Breast Lift Results
- Breast Lift Cost
- Non-Surgical Breast Lift
Is Breast Lift Surgery Right for Me?
Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery are those who are in good general health and are unhappy with the appearance of sagging breasts and downward-pointing nipples. Loss of breast volume due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, nursing or other reasons as well as breast tissue laxity may cause a woman to seek breast lift surgery.
To be a good candidate, you should be over the age of 18, have a moderate and stable body weight, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and have no near-term plans for a pregnancy. You should be in good physical and emotional health and have realistic expectations for your breast lift surgery.
What Does the Breast Lift Procedure Involve?
Dr. Nasir will evaluate your needs and create a comprehensive surgical plan to help you achieve the breast profile you desire. Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is completed within two to four hours depending on the extent of your surgical plan. If you are receiving breast implants in addition to your breast lift, this will require additional time and may need to be staged in multiple procedures.
The specific technique employed during your breast lift will depend upon the degree of lifting required. Dr. Nasir may recommend one of the following incision options for your procedure:
Standard Breast Lift
In the standard breast lift technique, Dr. Nasir will create an anchor-shaped incision. This will include an incision around the areola, and another going vertically down to the base of the breast. A third incision will be placed horizontally along the breast crease. This traditional breast lift procedure can significantly reduce sagginess in the lower half of the breast.
Doughnut Breast Lift
Compared to a standard breast lift, this technique involves less skin removal. Downtime is minimal, and scarring is much reduced. A circumferential incision around the areola is placed to remove a limited amount of tissue. The technique is ideally suited for women with a smaller breast size. Doughnut mastopexy can also include areola reshaping.
Lollipop Breast Lift
This vertical mastopexy technique is somewhere between the standard breast lift and the doughnut lift. Dr. Nasir will create an incision around the areola, and another small incision will be placed down to the breast crease. A moderate amount of lift can be achieved with this procedure.
Will I Need a Breast Lift with Implants?
Unlike a traditional breast augmentation, breast lift surgery on its own does not involve the use of breast implants. That said, many of our patients choose to undergo both of these breast enhancement procedures at once. This combination can add volume to the breasts and restore them to a more youthful position, creating a more dramatic improvement. Breast enhancement surgeries like these are often incorporated into Mommy Makeovers, which are customizable treatments designed to contour the post-baby body.
What Can I Expect in My Breast Lift Recovery?
After your breast lift surgery, you will need to wear a special support bra to minimize swelling and assist in the healing process. Mild pain and soreness are expected in the first few days at the incision sites, which can typically be managed with prescription pain medications. Results are immediately visible and should improve as swelling and bruising subsides after two to three weeks. Most patients can return to work after one to two weeks. You will be restricted to very limited activity, exercise, and lifting for several weeks after your operation. More strenuous activities can be resumed after about four to six weeks.
What Will My Breast Lift Scars Look Like?
While scarring is to be expected after breast lift surgery, these incision lines should gradually fade over time. In addition, certain techniques, such as the doughnut breast lift, are less likely to leave noticeable scars than others. Please note that Dr. Nasir tailors each surgery so the scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
When Will I See My Breast Lift Results?
Immediate improvement in breast firmness can be noticeable after surgery, but your full results will be established gradually over several months. Breast lift results usually last for several years as long as you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of mastopexy in 2020 was $5,012. This amount includes the surgeon’s fee and does not include anesthesia fees, expenses related to the surgical facility, or a number of other variables. As we personalize each breast lift surgery to fulfill your needs and cosmetic goals, the final cost of your mastopexy will depend on several factors, not limited to the technique utilized and the extent of treatment. Our team will provide you with a concrete pricing estimate prior to your surgery. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore our plastic surgery financing options.
Can I Get a Non-Surgical Breast Lift?
There is currently no non-surgical alternative that can compare to the effects of breast lift surgery. Although certain exercises have been said to achieve a ”lifted” appearance, these are generally more effective in weight loss than combating ptosis. Furthermore, mastopexy was developed specifically to tighten and reposition the breasts, and is considered the gold standard for reducing breast sag in the cosmetic world.
If you would like more information about breast lift surgery, please contact us today by completing our online form, or at (203) 221-5809 to schedule your consultation.
