Breast Lift Procedures
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A breast lift, or mastopexy, is one of many breast plastic surgery procedures designed to transform and restore breasts for a more natural, youthful appearance. There are many types of breast lifts available to give patients the breasts they’ve always wanted.
During a consultation with our plastic surgeons in Gainesville, patients can discuss their desires and goals for the surgery. We are dedicated to performing breast lifts with as little discomfort as possible to our patients.
At Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, we offer a range of body, breast, and facial plastic surgery procedures so every patient can achieve their perfect look and boost their confidence. Contact us today to learn more about the procedures we offer or schedule your plastic surgery consultation!
What is a breast lift or mastopexy?
During a mastopexy, our board-certified plastic surgeons lift the breasts to give patients a more full and projected bust appearance. This is done by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. During a mastopexy, or breast lift, the areola can also be reduced.
Breast lift procedures don’t significantly change the size of the breasts. If your desire is to have breasts that are lifted and slightly bigger, then a breast augmentation at the time of your mastopexy is an option. Patients wanting to decrease the size of their breasts while also achieving a better shape and lift may want to consider a breast reduction procedure instead.
Based on their unique goals for plastic surgery, patients may be eligible for breast implants in addition to a breast lift.
Learn more about the additional breast procedures we offer.
Why Get A Breast Lift?
As women age, the breasts sag from losing elasticity and firmness. During pregnancy, breasts get fuller and heavier and stretch the ligaments that support them. This is why many women may experience sagging breasts post-pregnancy, even if they didn’t choose to breastfeed.
Weight loss or gain can also cause the breast skin to stretch and lose elasticity. Patients might consider breast lift surgery if they have any of the following:
- Sagging breasts
- Nipples that fall below breast creases
- Downward-pointing areolas and nipples
- Uneven breasts
- Disproportionate areolae
As with any type of plastic surgery, choosing to undergo a breast lift is a personal choice. The surgery itself is a procedure tailored to each patient. Patients interested in any type of breast lift should be physically healthy, a nonsmoker, and at a healthy weight.
Benefits Of A Breast Lift
Patients experience numerous benefits from breast lifts, including a boost in their confidence. Sagging breasts can appear deflated and greatly age your appearance. Breast lifts address this problem by raising breasts and making them firmer and smoother.
A mastopexy also corrects nipples that point downward. The surgery reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and then repositioning the nipple for a more natural appearance.
- Perkier, higher-positioned breasts
- Corrected nipple position
- A more youthful appearance
- Increased confidence
A consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons will help determine the type of breast lift that can achieve your particular surgery goals.
How is a breast lift performed?
The exact procedure for a mastopexy depends on the type of breast lift the patient chooses to undergo. In general, the procedure comprises four key steps:
- Anesthesia
- Incisions
- Reshaping
- Closing the incisions
Before the surgery, a doctor will recommend either general anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor will make the necessary incisions. These are most commonly around the areola, down the breast crease, and horizontally across the breast crease.
After the incisions are made, the underlying breast tissue is reshaped for breast firmness. The areolae are then lifted up, and extra skin is cut away. Once this is all completed, the breast skin is tightened and the incisions are closed.
Types of Breast Lifts
There are multiple types of breast lifts, each with different types of incisions and final results. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center help patients determine the correct type of breast lift technique to fit their needs.
Circumareolar Lift
Women with mild sagging can benefit from a circumareolar breast lift or donut lift. This procedure leaves only a single scar from a circular incision running around the edge of the areola. Similar to a crescent breast lift, it is commonly performed with a breast augmentation. This lift can also be effective in helping reduce areola size.
Anchor Lift
For patients with a considerable amount of sagging, an anchor breast lift is the best option. This traditional breast lift technique uses three incisions: one around the border of the nipple, a second from the nipple to the fold under the breast, and a final crescent incision along the breast fold. This technique is ideal for women that have significantly droopy breasts. It allows the surgeon to remove larger amounts of excess skin and tissue.
Vertical Lift
A vertical breast lift, or lollipop lift, is a common procedure because it allows plastic surgeons to remove excess skin, reshape the entire breast, and hide scars. This surgery involves two incisions: one around the edge of the areola, and one running from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold. These incisions create a “lollipop” shape and are easily hidden.
Crescent Lift
For patients with breasts that feature minimal sagging, only a tiny amount of excess skin needs to be removed. A crescent breast lift is an ideal option for these patients. During this surgery, a small incision runs halfway around the top edge of the areola. Typically, this lift is performed with a breast augmentation.
How much is a breast lift in Florida?
Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center works with patients in Gainesville and North Central Florida.
You can view our procedure pricing here.
What are the risks of a breast lift?
As with any of our cosmetic surgeries at Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, a breast lift is a surgical procedure that carries risks that patients need to be aware of beforehand. Some of the risks of a breast lift include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor incision healing
- Change in nipple or breast sensation
- Fluid build-up
- Possible need for revisional surgery
- Potential for the partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Fat necrosis
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast shape irregularities
How Do I Prepare For Breast Lift Surgery?
Before their breast lift procedure, patients should discuss any preparations for the surgery with their surgeon. This includes reviewing the details of their medical history and expectations before the procedure.
Women should schedule a mammogram to ensure their breasts are healthy and lump-free. All patients should arrange for help during the recovery period, especially with driving home following the procedure. Patients should avoid taking certain medications such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs before the breast lift because they can increase bleeding.
At Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, we are committed to our patients from their first consultation to their final visit after surgery. If you have specific questions about preparing for your scheduled procedure, please contact our team.
What to expect during breast lift recovery
When you return home after surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze bandages and supported by a surgical bra. Depending on the type of mastopexy procedure, you may have surgical drains to prevent fluid build up.
You will be instructed by Dr. Nesmith to wear the surgical bra for a few weeks and then a sports bra for the duration of your recovery time. Wearing a bra 24/7 during recovery helps minimize swelling, prevents incisions from stretching, and supports the breast tissue for healing.
You may notice bruising and swelling for the first few weeks, as well as a heavy or tight sensation. Our team will provide aftercare instructions to prevent infection at the incisions.
During recovery, you will be instructed to sleep on your back or side and not to lift anything over 10 pounds for several weeks. If their job requires minimal activity, most women can return to work after one week.
Can you breastfeed after a breast lift?
There is a small risk of nerve damage during mastopexy that could hinder future breastfeeding. In most cases, breast sensation and ducts are preserved by the surgical techniques recommended by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This allows most women to breastfeed after they have received this procedure.
How soon will you see results?
Following all types of breast lifts, patients will notice an immediate change in breast appearance. The breasts will continue to change and settle for a few months after the surgery. Initially following the procedure, breast lift scars will appear red and lumpy. These scars are permanent, but they will fade and thin within a year or two.
How long does a breast lift last?
The majority of breast lift patients enjoy the results for 8-10 years. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can allow your results to last longer. Your breasts do not stop aging after surgery. Factors like sun exposure, smoking, genetics, skin type, medical conditions, and large breast size can accelerate aging.
Can you get a breast lift without implants?
Many women who are dissatisfied with their breast volume may elect to combine a breast lift with breast implants. However, if you are satisfied with your current breast size, a mastopexy can be performed as an individual procedure.
How painful is a breast lift?
Anesthesia will prevent you from feeling any pain during the surgery itself. During recovery, patients can expect discomfort due to their incisions, and likely soreness, bruising and swelling. Most women find over-the-counter pain medications to be effective for pain relief after mastopexy.
Do you lose a cup size with a breast lift?
Women might notice they need a smaller bra size following a mastopexy surgery. This isn’t because of a breast reduction – it's just the breasts becoming firmer and rounder after the lift.
When can I go braless after a breast lift?
Patients will have to wear an elastic bandage around their chest to minimize swelling. This supports the breasts as they heal. Dr. Nesmith recommends patients wear a bra 24/7 for at least the first 3 months.
Is a breast lift cheaper than implants?
A breast lift and breast augmentation are two different procedures with different surgical goals and outcomes. Schedule a consultation with Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center to determine which procedure is the right choice for your desired outcomes.
Does insurance cover a breast lift?
A mastopexy is a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not usually covered by insurance. Learn more about how our patients finance their cosmetic procedures here.
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Board-certified plastic surgeons
If you are unhappy with your breasts and considering plastic surgery, stop by our office in Gainesville, Florida.
We offer a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures so that you can be happy with the skin you’re in.
We perform body contouring procedures on men and women for a variety of aesthetic and health reasons.
If you prefer the non-surgical route, we have many options that can help you look young and feel more confident in your appearance.
Plastic surgery is not a gender-specific industry. At Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, we often find that men have unique concerns.