If you’d like to improve the contour, position or overall appearance of your breasts, a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, may be your ideal solution. Breast lifts are commonly recommended when a patient’s breasts have lost their youthful elasticity as the result of age, genetics, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.
You may consider a breast lift if you experience:
- Sagging, elongated breasts
- Fallen nipple position
- Enlarged areolas
- Deflated, flattened breast appearance
Breast lift surgery can produce a firmer and perkier appearance to your breasts while harmonizing your chest with the rest of your frame.
If you live in the Los Altos area and are unhappy with the position of your breasts, our board-certified plastic surgeons can help. Call us at 650-934-7020 to schedule your consultation and learn more. Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery welcomes patients from Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, and all surrounding areas of California.
- Breast Lift Incision Options
- Breast Lift with Implants
- Good Breast Lift Candidates
- Recovery from Breast Lift
- Financing Breast Lift Surgery
- Contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery
Breast Lift Incision Options
The type of incision that will be required for your breast lift surgery will be dependent upon the characteristics of your breasts. There are a number of incision techniques that can be implemented to achieve a perkier, more appealing look, including:
- Circumareolar: Also known as a Benelli incision, this method is the least invasive option and leaves a less conspicuous scar. For this approach, circular incisions are made around the areola. Excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is lifted over the breast mound
- Lollipop: In addition to the incision made around the areola, a vertical incision is made which extends to the crease of the breast. This method is ideal for women who experience moderate sagging
- Anchor: This incision involves the basic elements of a lollipop incision, with the addition of horizontal incisions along the breast crease. This option produces the most dramatic results and is ideal for women with larger breasts and significant sagging.
The ideal incision method for your mastopexy will depend on your goals and anatomical features. Our skilled breast surgeons will tailor your procedure to compliment your unique attributes and expectations to deliver the most attractive results possible.
Breast Lift with Augmentation
Many of the factors that contribute to sagging breasts can also cause a loss of symmetry and volume, but breast lift is not designed to enhance size. On the other hand, achieving fuller breasts through breast augmentation will not address the sagging issues mastopexy corrects.
Breast lift with implants combines the benefits of augmentation and mastopexy to address a more comprehensive range of issues. With this combination, our plastic surgeons can:
- Restore lost volume
- Produce ideal symmetry
- Create harmony between the breasts and upper body
- Improve the overall shape and projection of the breasts
Adding breast implants during breast lift surgery is a particularly effective approach to creating a stunningly beautiful appearance and is often completed as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover.
At Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery, your breast lift procedure will be customized for your frame. If larger breasts would complement your body, we can discuss this option in addition to lift during your initial consultation.
Breast Lift Candidates
Breast lift surgery addresses ptosis (sagging) of breast tissue, enlarged areola, and nipple placement. If you are unhappy with one of these aspects of your breasts, you may be the ideal candidate for a breast lift. During your complimentary breast lift consultation at our Los Altos office, we will carefully evaluate your frame, listen to your concerns, and help you determine if the procedure is designed to meet your needs.
In addition to simply wanting perkier, firmer, and more attractive breasts, good candidates for mastopexy should be:
- Nonsmokers who are in good physical and emotional health
- Prepared for a surgical procedure
- Able to take time off from work, family, and social responsibilities during recovery
- Willing to closely follow all pre and postoperative instructions
- Realistic about possible outcomes
Breast Lift Recovery
During breast lift surgery, underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to produce optimal form and contours. After proper shape and lift have been achieved, the nipple can be repositioned and areola diminished before the skin is redraped over the newly contoured breast mound. Excess and unnecessary skin is then removed from the chest and incisions closed.
In the first days following breast lift surgery, your breasts will be tender and sore. Some bruising and swelling are possible during this time as well. We will provide you with tools, including medications when needed, to address any discomfort. Swelling and bruising will subside on their own – often quickly when proper care is taken.
Many women take five to seven days off from work after breast lift surgery. It is generally safe to resume normal working duties after one week, but more strenuous or demanding jobs may need to be avoided four up to six. Exercise that places strain on the chest, shoulders, or upper back may need to be avoided for six to eight weeks as well. As will swimming or any other activity that requires submerging your incisions.
Results from mastopexy are typically realized as soon as the swelling subsides, though it may take a few months for your breasts to fully settle into their new shape. During this time, a supportive bra and proper skin care will help improve your outcomes.
Breast lift surgery is not permanent. However, as gravity and age continue to impact the appearance of your breasts, you can take steps to maintain your results including:
- Maintaining a consistent weight
- Staying healthy and active
- Wearing a supportive bra
During your follow up visits, we will take time to assess how you are healing, provide personalized recommendations, and work to ensure your recovery is a comfortable, fast, and rewarding as possible.
Pregnancy Following Breast Lift
Pregnancy can result in a loss of volume and lift and will likely undo your mastopexy results. We recommend waiting to undergo any breast surgery until you have stopped growing your family. Breast lift is an ideal addition to the mommy makeover procedure - an effective and customized procedure that addresses all of the ways carrying, birthing, and feeding babies impacts the female form.
Breast Lift Surgery Costs
The cost of breast lift surgery varies depending on factors unique to your anatomy and your procedure. At Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery, the cost of mastopexy includes:
- Surgeon fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Fees for attending medical personnel
- Facility costs
- Prescriptions
- Follow-up visits
Your breast lift procedure will be performed in our private, AAAHC-accredited surgical suite. An overnight stay is not typically required for this procedure.
All follow-up visits are included in the cost of your breast lift procedure. During your free initial consultation, we can discuss our all-inclusive pricing, as well as payment options such as CareCredit® that can be used to finance breast surgery.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?
Having a breast lift offers a variety of benefits, which include a firmer and more lifted appearance, improved breast contour, and higher levels of self-confidence and body positivity.
Will a Breast Lift Increase My Cup Size?
Breast lifts are meant to address specific aesthetic concerns, such as sagging, loose skin, and dropping. Having a breast lift will help your breasts look firmer and shapelier, however, it will not increase your breast size.
What Are the Risks of a Breast Lift?
Similar to other surgical procedures, a breast lift does come with a specific set of risks, including:
- Possible scarring.
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Changes in nipple sensation.
- Asymmetry.
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon can help reduce the possibility of complications and also increase the likelihood of a positive surgical result.
How Long Is the Recovery Period?
Patients should plan for at least a seven to 10-day recovery period. Some patients may need a little longer during the initial recovery period. Additionally, you will need to wait until you are given medical clearance to resume exercise and any type of heavy lifting.
How Long Will My Breast Lift Results Last?
Results from a breast lift can last many years, however, lifestyle choices and the natural aging process may influence how long your results last. You can extend your results by maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy lifestyle as well.
Contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery
The board-certified breast surgeons at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery are completely devoted to providing each of our patients with the most rewarding experience possible. If you are considering breast lift surgery and would like to learn about your options, please call us at 650-934-7020 and schedule a consultation today. Or, you can click here to submit an email contact form to our office, and our staff will get back to you at the earliest!
Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery is located in Los Altos, California. Our accomplished doctors serve all surrounding communities including San Jose, Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto.