Procedures

Breast Lift

QUICK FACTS
  • Because breasts can have a variety of shapes and variable severity of droopiness; breast lift surgery has a variety of modifications to accommodate these differences.
  • The most common breast lift surgery shifts the nipple/areola and the breastmound to a more youthful position by removing a vertical wedge of skin from the lower part of the breast. The tip of the wedge is at the crease on the underside of the breast.
  • The scar from a breast lift procedure goes around the areola and there will also be a vertical scar from the bottom edge of the areola down to the crease. Sometimes the vertical scar can be eliminated with minor lifts. In severe cases, there will also be a horizontal scar in the crease.
  • The nipple and areola are not detached from the underlying breast tissue. Therefore nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are preserved. If the areola are large, they can be reduced in size with the routine incisions of a breast lift.
  • Generally one can expect very gratifying results with scars hidden inside a bra. There will be a more youthful shape without having to wear a bra.
  • During a Breast Lift surgery it is common to increase the bra cup size with the addition of breast implants. Sometimes the bra cup size is reduced by removing some breast tissue.
  • Large breasted woman should have a lift where a section of breast tissue from the lower breast is held higher by a “sling of muscle”. This internal bra provides a more effective lift and a longer lasting result.
  • Breast Lift surgery is not covered by insurance except when it is performed to match the shape of a reconstructed breast following a mastectomy.
  • Breast Lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually requires approximately 2 ½ hours of operating time. Patients go home after a short recovery.
  • Recovery will usually result in one week of absence from work. Jogging, and jumping are restricted about four weeks.