Breast Lift
Reduce sagging of the breast and restore breast shape. You can also correct both size and placement of the breasts when combining a lift and augmentation. Plan on 1 to 2 weeks of downtime.
Breast lift surgery helps correct excessive breast sagging to give the breasts a more youthful appearance. This procedure routinely provides extremely high patient satisfaction.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging in the breasts by reshaping and lifting them to a more youthful position.
Purpose: The primary goal of a breast lift is to correct breast sagging (ptosis) by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. This procedure can restore a more lifted and firm appearance to the breasts, enhancing their overall contour and symmetry.
Techniques: Depending on the degree of sagging and the desired outcome, different techniques of breast lift surgery may be used:
Anchor Lift (Inverted-T): This technique is suitable for significant ptosis and involves an incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease.
Lollipop Lift: Also known as vertical mastopexy, this technique involves an incision around the areola and vertically down the breast, making it less extensive than the anchor lift.
Donut Lift (Peri-areolar): This technique is used for mild to moderate ptosis and involves an incision around the edge of the areola.
Procedure Details: During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to lift and reshape the breasts. The nipple and areola complex are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position on the breast mound.
Causes of Sagging: Sagging breasts can result from various factors, including:
Aging: Loss of skin elasticity and natural gravitational effects over time.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Changes in breast size and shape due to hormonal fluctuations and lactation.
Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight loss can lead to deflation and sagging of the breasts.
Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to breast ptosis.
Consultation and Expectations: Prior to undergoing a breast lift, it’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Stubbs, to discuss your goals, medical history, and realistic expectations. Your surgeon will evaluate your breast anatomy and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach to achieve optimal results.
Recovery and Results: Recovery from a breast lift involves a period of rest and limited physical activity to allow for proper healing. Swelling and bruising are common initially, but these gradually subside, revealing improved breast shape and elevation. Results continue to refine over several weeks to months as the breasts settle into their new position.
By addressing breast sagging with a mastopexy procedure, women can achieve firmer, more youthful-looking breasts that enhance their overall body contour and boost their self-confidence. Working closely with a qualified plastic surgeon ensures a safe procedure and optimal outcomes tailored to individual needs.
Signs you could benefit from a Breast Lift
If your nipple and areola have descended toward or below the lowest point of the crease below your breast or are pointing downward, a breast lift may be right for you. If fullness in your breasts has decreased as well, then Dr. Stubbs may also recommend breast implants.
Combination Procedures
A procedure that combines a breast lift and breast augmentation can be an option for some women. Depending on the size of implant chosen the procedures will need to be in 2 settings for best outcomes.
How Breast Lifts are Performed
There are several methods in breast lift surgery; Dr. Stubbs likes to use the superior medial pedicle technique. The skin is removed around the areola and lower portion of the breast. Surgical incisions are always required around the nipple and may additionally be made vertically from the nipple to the crease and possibly in the crease itself. The more skin to lift the longer the scars. This will provide a lifted breast that fits better in bras and moves less with exercise and normal daily movements.
Recovery & Results
Most patients are back to work in one week. Gentle exercise can begin in three weeks. The breast will have some swelling, mild bruising and mild tenderness. Medications will be prescribed for antibiotics and pain control for discomfort. Most patients do not need prescription pain medication as the post operative discomfort is controlled with over the counter pain medications. Scars will initially be pink and slightly raised, but they will fade and flatten out in several months after surgery. The scars continuing to improve for up to one year and longer. We have medical grade scar therapy and treatments that can provide further help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no set price for a breast lift, even from a specific cosmetic surgeon. Because cosmetic surgeries are tailored to the patient’s needs, the costs reflect this. To get a precise quote, you need to sit down with Dr. Stubbs. Your cost will include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility/OR fee, and may include other costs as well.
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Because sagging breasts tend to move and pull more than perkier ones, it could. However, if your breasts are causing you pain, it is more likely that their volume is the biggest contributing factor, not their elevation. It is common to combine a breast lift with a breast reduction specifically to address this issue.
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Start by researching breast lift surgeons near you and go over their patient reviews. Stick with the best reviewed, then head over to their websites to see their before and after photos of breast lift patients to see if there are some that align with your goals. Next, schedule consultations with 2 to 3 surgeons that seem like a good fit and select the one who feels like the right person to partner with for your surgery.
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This all depends on the approach that best meets your needs. If you have minimal sagging, your surgeon can make smaller incisions and strategically place them so they aren’t too noticeable. If you have significant sagging, the lollipop incision will likely be needed, which leaves larger, easier-to-see scars. But keep in mind that in most cases, these will be covered with clothing and your scars should fade over time.
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As a rule, your weight should be stable for at least six months before getting a breast lift, since gaining and losing weight can cause your breasts to sag again. Some surgeons prefer that your weight be steady for at least a year. Your weight is typically considered stable if it stays within about a 10 pound range.
STUBBS CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY
STUBBS CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY
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