Types of Breast Lift Procedures
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Choose the type of breast lift that's right for you


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!
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What is a breast lift procedure?


During a mastopexy, our board-certified plastic surgeons raise the breasts to give patients a perkier bust appearance. This is done by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Certain types of breast lifts can fix patient complaints of an enlarged areola.

Breast lift procedures don’t increase or decrease the size of breasts. Breast enlargement is the result of a breast augmentation procedure. Patients wanting to decrease the size of their bust should 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.
 
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Why get a breast lift?

As women age, the breasts lose elasticity and firmness due to a variety of reasons. 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 and repositions 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.

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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.
 

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
  • A 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 void 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.

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How is a mastopexy done?

The exact procedure for a mastopexy depends on the type of breast lift that 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 excess skin is cut away. Once this is all completed, the breast skin is tightened and the incisions are closed.

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Recovery after mastopexy surgery

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, scars from the procedure will appear red and lumpy. These scars are permanent, but they will fade and thin within a year or two.

Patients will have to wear an elastic bandage around their chest to minimize swelling. This supports the breasts as they heal. Women might notice they need a smaller bra size. This isn’t because of a breast reduction – it's just the breasts becoming firmer and rounder.
 


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