Breast Lift

Depending on the amount of sagging in the breast that needs to be addressed, there are a couple of common incision patterns that may be used. Our surgeons always use the least invasive incision patterns possible while achieving desired results.

Donut ("Periareolar"): A circular incision made in the breast where the skin surrounding the nipple (the areola) meets the rest of the breast. This is a discreet incision that can be used for minor lifting of the breasts. This incision pattern is most commonly used when combined with breast augmentation in patients with more minor drooping or asymmetry of nipple position.

Lollipop ("Vertical"): This is a combination of the donut incision around the nipple and a straight incision extending down the front of the breast. This incision pattern is less discreet than the donut incision, but is necessary for more significant lifting procedure or excess skin. The vertical mastopexy is a very common technique and is applicable in many women.

Anchor, or Inverted "T" incision: The scar pattern in this instance is that of the vertical pattern plus adds an incision underneath the breasts. This technique is more common with more severe sagging, as occurs with massive weight loss. Breast lift scars will fade over time and should become less noticeable. You and your surgeon will discuss the specific techniques that will be used for your surgery during your consultation..

While an augmentation focuses on increasing the cup size of the breast, a breast lift does not affect the overall size, but rather the shape, firmness, and lift of the breast. Some women elect to have both procedures—augmentation and a breast lift, performed at the same time for comprehensive results and a firm, youthful bust that retains volume.

While bras may fit differently following a breast lift, very little tissue is removed during the procedure, and overall breast size will remain the same. Women who are concerned about the size of the breast in addition to overall lift should consider a combination procedure with implants for added volume.

Absolutely. Many women want to improve more than one aspect of the breast, and a breast lift is often combined with either breast augmentation (using implants or fat transfer), or breast reduction depending on the patient's needs.

For post-partum body rejuvenation, many women combine breast enhancement with other procedures, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, to resolve unwanted fat and regain pre-pregnancy shape. These combination procedures are often called collectively the “mommy makeover”, and can be tailored to suit each patient's needs.

Many women worry that breast surgery will have an affect on future ability to breastfeed. While it is possible for a breast lift to make breastfeeding more difficult or even impossible, for other women, there is no change. Trouble breastfeeding is more common as the breast tissue is manipulated more, such as in the more extensive lifting procedures. If you are worried about this aspect of breast enhancement, you must accept the risk in order to undergo surgery. Some women choose to wait for this reason. Also, since breastfeeding can take a toll on the breasts, it is often best to wait on a breast lift until you are done having children. In other cases where the sagging is limited, patients may elect to have a breast augmentation before children, but wait until after children to have the breast lift portion.

Though gimmicky products may exist and claim to lift the breast, the only effective breast lift available is breast lift surgery. There are no breast lift exercises, pills, or clothing that can replace surgery for sagging breasts. Treatments are becoming less invasive over time though, and perhaps one day there will be a non-surgical solution to sagging breasts that is as effective as a breast lift. At this time, however, surgery is the best treatment for drooping bust lines.

Ptosis is a medical term that simply means sagging. The term can refer to sagging of the breasts, facial skin, or other area of the body. Ptosis is a normal sign of aging, but the amount of ptosis a woman develops in her breasts is influenced by many factors, including genetics, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breast feeding.

Our surgeons do their best to preserve normal sensation in the breast, but there is a small risk of changes to sensation, most often in the nipple area. Some changes to sensation may be temporary, but can also be permanent in rare cases.

A breast lift is an effective surgery that can produce long-lasting results. However, nothing can stop the progress of aging, and patients should be aware that the normal changes that occur with aging will only be slowed down, not stopped altogether. Leading a healthy lifestyle will help preserve the results, as well as waiting to undergo breast surgery after pregnancies and breastfeeding are over.