WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery that raises sagging breasts. The breast lift surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center remove excess skin on the breast, tighten the surrounding tissue, and reposition the areola to a higher position to improve the bosom's overall appearance. There are various breast lift methods, and the technique utilized will depend on the severity of the patient's breast ptosis or breast sagging. Aside from correcting drooping breast tissue, the breast lift procedure can include areola reduction for patients whose areolas are stretched or misproportioned. Mastopexy can be performed independently or in conjunction with a breast augmentation, depending on the patient's condition and desired results.
BREAST LIFT BENEFITS
A breast lift or mastopexy procedure has many benefits, including:
- Perkier, more attractive breasts
- Bras fit more comfortably
- Clothes are more flattering
- No more chafing or irritation from breasts hanging over the abdomen
- No more “boob sweat” rashes and clothing stains in warm weather
BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE STEPS
The procedural steps of a breast lift will slightly differ depending on the chosen technique. Your surgeon will evaluate your breast size, shape, degree of sagging, and areola size to determine the best breast lift technique for you. Nonetheless, every mastopexy surgery follows a general pattern:
Anesthesia
Before the mastopexy procedure begins, a licensed professional administers general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the breast lift surgery.
Incisions
The breast lift surgeon creates the incisions based on the preferred breast lift technique. The mastopexy technique dictates how much excess skin and breast tissue is removed.
Breast Lift
During your mastopexy procedure, the breast lift surgeon removes excess breast tissue and shifts the remaining skin along with the areola and nipple further up in the breast.
Areola Reduction
The breast lift surgeon will correct the size or shape of your areola if you desire. They will also be made symmetrical if one areola is larger than the other.
Recovery
You will be wheeled into Body Aesthetic Center's state-of-the-art recovery room, where a licensed nurse will help soothe you out of anesthesia before discharge.
BREAST LIFT TECHNIQUES
Crescent Lift
The crescent breast lift technique best suits patients with minimal sagging and is often performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation procedure. The crescent lift is performed by placing an incision that runs halfway across the edge of the areola. The skin above this crescent-shaped opening is removed, the remaining skin is tightened, and the nipple is pulled up for a lifted appearance. The areola's dark edge will camouflage any remaining scars.
Donut Lift
The donut breast lift, formally known as the periareolar lift, is suitable for patients with a moderate degree of sagging. Similar to the crescent lift technique, the incision runs along the edge of the areola. But, instead of only running halfway, it goes all the way around. This allows for the donut breast lift method to be more effective in reducing the size of the areola. Patients with mild to moderate breast ptosis who want areolar adjustments should opt for this technique instead of the crescent lift.
Lollipop Lift
The lollipop breast lift, or vertical lift, is best for patients with average-sized breasts and a medium-high degree of sagging. The incision resembles a lollipop since it circles the areola and with an added linear incision extending from the bottom of the areola to the natural breast crease. Since this breast lift technique involves added tightening underneath the areola, it provides ample support for midsized breasts with enough breast tissue. Patients with smaller breasts should opt for the donut or crescent lift.
Anchor Lift
The anchor breast lift, also known as the inverted T lift, requires three different incisions: one circling the areola, another extending down from underneath the areola to the lower breast crease, and a final horizontal scar along the breast crease. The anchor breast technique produces a perkier breast shape and lasts longer than most other breast lift techniques on patients with larger breasts and heavy sagging. Although this is the most invasive breast lift technique, patients with larger breasts have found its results to be longer-lasting.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR A BREAST LIFT
The best candidates for a breast lift are in good general health, have fully developed breasts, and are finished childbearing. Ideal candidates for a breast lift have:
- Breasts that are adequate in size but have lost firmness
- Elongated and flatter breasts that lack substance
- Enlarged areolas
- Nipples that point downward and fall below the breast fold
Your breast lift surgeon will evaluate the condition of your breasts and review your medical history to see if a mastopexy procedure is right for you. Talk to your surgeon if you smoke, have a history of breast complications, or suffer from other health disorders.
BREAST LIFT RECOVERY TIMELINE
Recovery after a breast lift is straightforward if patients follow the proper aftercare instructions. Body Aesthetic Center guides patients through the recovery process, so they know what to expect every step of the way.
Week 1
Pain and discomfort will peak during the first week after your breast lift surgery. Although your surgeon will prescribe pain medication, specific aftercare methods will help alleviate the swelling and tightness during your breast lift recovery period. For the first 36 hours after surgery, leave the wrappings in place and do not shower. After 36 hours, you may shower by removing your surgical bra and gauze but leaving the sterile medical tape covering your incisions in place. You should not be walking for prolonged periods, bending over, or lifting anything above your head for the first week. Continuously wear your compression bra to reduce swelling, minimize discomfort, and optimize your results.
4 to 6 Weeks
Do not bathe or swim in a jacuzzi, hot tub, swimming pool, or the ocean for at least one month after your breast lift procedure. You may resume lighter exercise and carefully reengage in sexual activity after 4 weeks. You can stop wearing your compression bra after 6 weeks. You may also begin to sleep on your side and start your scar-care routine as instructed by your breast surgeon. By the 6-week mark, you should be fully recovered, but you may still see swelling and periodic feel sharp pains in your breasts. Rest assured, this is perfectly normal, as your nerves are mending themselves. The final results are still forming.
3 to 6 Months
The final results of your breast lift procedure typically take 3 months or more to reflect. Swelling subsides by the third month, no longer obscuring the results. Your breasts should have settled into their proper shape and position; however, this process may take up to 6 months for some patients. As final results begin to show, your breasts and areolas will appear lifted and symmetrical. Not only will your bosom be perky and have a natural bounce, but your breasts should feel soft to the touch. It is essential to maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle to preserve the integrity of your breast lift results.
BREAST LIFT VS. BREAST AUGMENTATION
When choosing between a breast lift and a breast augmentation, patients should first know the results each procedure produces. A breast lift gives breasts a firmer, perkier, hoisted appearance, whereas a breast augmentation enlarges the breasts but does not lift them. Patients often receive both procedures simultaneously if their bust requires complete restoration. Your board-certified surgeon at Body Aesthetic Center will help you choose between a breast lift versus a breast augmentation depending on your breasts' current condition and your desired outcome. An added breast lift results in more scarring than a breast augmentation alone, but most patients find that the benefits and final results are well worth it.
BREAST LIFT COST
AT Body Aesthetic Center
The average cost of a breast lift at Body Aesthetic Center ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 USD. However, your surgeon will provide you with an individualized price, seeing as every patient's needs differ.
BREAST LIFT FAQS
No, breast lifts do not typically leave extensive scarring after time and a consistent scar care routine. Degrees of scarring also depend on the elected breast lift technique. Breast lift techniques like the crescent lift and periareolar lift or "donut" lift are often called "scarless" breast lift techniques. They leave practically invisible scars since the incisions for these methods are located throughout the edge of the areola. Therefore, imperfections are hidden within the naturally darker pigment of the areola.
Your Body by Unique breast lift surgeon will evaluate the severity of your breast sagging, breast size and shape, areola size and position, and skin elasticity to determine if a breast lift is capable of mitigating your problem areas. If you are a good candidate for a breast lift, your surgeon will recommend the breast lift technique that offers you the best result.
For example, if you have large breasts with a higher degree of drooping, the periareolar or "donut" lift might produce a less projected breast profile than the lollipop or anchor breast lift techniques. Since these breast lift methods provide more support than the donut lift, the heavy breast tissue is less likely to fall to the lower half of the breast over time. If this happens, the nipple and areola will sit higher on the breast, and breast tissue will hang below it, requiring an additional surgical adjustment.
The breast lift procedure allows the nipples and areolas to remain joined with underlying mounds of tissue, thus, preserving the ability to breastfeed. If you are planning to have more children, you may want to postpone cosmetic breast surgery since pregnancy re-stretches the breasts and areolas, compromising the results of your breast lift procedure.
Absolutely! A breast lift includes a scar around the areola, so an areola reduction can be part of the mastopexy if you desire. Your board-certified breast surgeon will address your stretched or ill-proportioned areolas at the time of your breast lift for a flawless bosom.
The average patient only undergoes a breast lift procedure only once in their lifetime. However, as with all other body parts, the skin on the breasts will continue to age over time. The breast lift results may reverse as the patient ages, fluctuates in weight, becomes pregnant again, or experiences other life events that affect their entire body composition.
While mastopexy can lift large breasts, the results may not last as long if they are too big and hang too low. Therefore, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your bosom to see if a breast reduction procedure may benefit you more than a lift. A breast reduction eliminates excess breast tissue and hoists the breasts up for a more youthful-looking bosom.
A breast lift, like any other surgical procedure, poses risks including:
- Excessive bleeding and swelling
- Anesthesia risks
- Infection
- Seroma (build-up of fluid under the skin)
- Change in nipple and skin sensations
- Temporary numbness
This is not a comprehensive list of possible complications, as risks may vary depending on each individual’s medical history. Therefore, it is essential to disclose and discuss your entire medical history with your breast lift surgeon at the initial consultation. Your surgeon will review your medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a breast lift. If so, our team will provide you with personalized preoperative and aftercare instructions to promote fast and effective healing.