Breast Lift

Patients between
the ages of 35 and 50
account for half of all breast lifts
The number of breast lifts
increased 30%
between 2019 and 2022
Breast lifts are consistently in the
top 5 most common
cosmetic surgical procedures
Breast lift results last
at least 8 to 10 years
after surgery

Over time, after childbirth, or with dramatic weight loss, many women notice changes in the shape and position of their breasts. Breast lift surgery can address the effects of gravity and restore a more youthful silhouette.

What is breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, raises breasts higher on the chest. You will notice breasts that are perky rather than sagging, your clothes fit better, and you have more confidence in your appearance.

A breast lift will not increase breast size, although simply raising them up can make them appear fuller and rounder. A breast lift can also be combined with breast augmentation to add volume as well as lift.

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Reasons to choose a breast lift

There are a number of reasons why women may want to have a breast lift procedure. Some common motivations are:

  • breasts that sag, making them appear flattened and too low on the torso
  • naturally unusual or drooping breast shape
  • nipples and areolae that point downward
  • if nipples have dropped below breast creases
  • when areolas have become stretched out and out of proportion with the breasts
  • asymmetry with one breast falling lower than the other

A breast lift can fix these issues by providing perkier, more youthful contours, improved symmetry, less under-breast irritation from friction, expanded outfit choices, and a boost in confidence.

Your breast lift consultation

Your Forefront surgeon will meet with you to perform an examination and discuss your concerns about your breast shape. They will assess your aesthetic goals and how surgery can realistically give the desired results based on your body type. The clinical team will provide information about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. You are encouraged to ask questions so you can make well-informed decisions about your care. Choosing a surgeon is an incredibly personal decision and we want you to feel confident and comfortable with your choice.

What to expect with breast lift surgery

A breast lift is a highly customized procedure based on your anatomy and how you wish to look. The surgeon will pick one of three main techniques for the incision, but the basic surgery is as follows: An incision is made around the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples), and in some cases, vertically down the underside of the breast. The next step is to reshape the breast tissue, remove excess skin, and reposition the nipples. The areolae can also be resized and reshaped if necessary.

The breast lift incisions do result in scars, but they will typically fade, soften, and flatten within a year.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours and is performed using general anesthesia. After recovering from the anesthetic, patients can return home.

Breast lift incision options

Depending on breast shape and the desired results, surgeons can use one of three types of breast lift incisions: crescent, vertical, or peri-areolar.

The crescent lift involves making a small incision halfway around the areola on its top border. This method is intended for breasts with minor sagging that only need a minimal amount of correction.

Peri-areolar lifts are done using a circular incision around the entire edge of the areola. This is also designed for mild sagging.

A vertical lift is used for extensive re-shaping of the breasts and to correct a greater amount of sagging. One incision is made around the areola’s edge, and another extends vertically down to the breast crease.

Breast lift surgery recovery

Patients should expect to stay home from work for a week or two after a breast lift. Normal physical activity can resume in about four weeks, and complete recovery takes approximately six weeks. Some soreness, swelling, and bruising is normal for two to three weeks. Pain medication can manage discomfort.

Bandages are placed on the incisions, and patients must wear a support bra for some time. This will reduce the swelling while providing support for the breasts as they heal. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise—especially weightlifting and chest exercises—for at least two to six weeks.

Post-operative instructions will include how to care for your breasts, how to manage pain and lower the risk of infection, and signs of complications to watch out for. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing.

The results from a breast lift are lasting, and although some improvement will be seen right after the surgery, the breasts will continue to improve over several months as you heal. Remember that a breast lift won’t prevent aging and gravity from continuing to affect breast shape. Significant weight fluctuations, aging, hormones, or pregnancy could cause changes to breast lift results.

Interested in Breast Lift? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.

*Treatment options may vary at each location.
Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling.
*Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment.  Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.

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