A Breast Lift (Mastopexy) is a cosmetic procedure that elevates the breast by removing excess skin, reshaping it, and contouring the surrounding tissues like a push up bra. Many women experience deflation of the breasts or a downward movement of the nipple and areola after pregnancy and breastfeeding or after weight loss. A breast lift helps restore the shape of the breasts after these changes. A breast lift does not change the breast volume. It tightens the tissues around the breast tissue to lift it and contour the breast tissues into a better shape. During your consultation, we will discuss different lift types with their scars. We will also discuss the difference between breast lift alone vs. breast lift with implants.

In your consultation, we will determine what skin incision will be best to accomplish your desired result. I will help diagram the breast lift surgery and show you what your final scars will be. In general, most patients’ scars fade over time resulting in a more youthful better shaped breasts. Most patients are EXTREMELY happy with the results of their mastopexy. It is a joy for me to hear how my patients no longer feel embarrassed when out of their push up bra.
The breast lift raises and tightens the breast tissue and lifts and reshapes and resizes the nipple and areola. The breast implant will increase volume and fullness. The type of lift and the type of lift scar will depend on your anatomy, especially the degree to which your breasts need to be lifted as well as the implant you choose. As a general rule, the more skin and more lift you need, the longer the scar.
Because each woman is unique, both physically and in terms of her desired results, it is important that we go over your options. I encourage you to bring pictures of different breast examples to your consultation, both ones you like and dislike so we can discuss your aesthetic preferences in detail and I can have a better understanding of what you hope to achieve. I will also ask you other lifestyle questions such as activities and other things that are important to you because multiple aspects of your life will affect implant choice. Based on your anatomy and aesthetic desires and a lot of communication, I will develop a customized plan for you. I also encourage my patients to reflect on the long term aspects of breast implants and lifts.
Patients should be close to their goal weight before having surgery. For best long term results it is advisable that weight is stable after surgery (without a lot of yo-yoing up and down). As I’ve mentioned before, plastic surgery is not an exact science. Every person has a unique anatomy and their own idea of what their body goals should be. This is why consultations are vital so we can work together to create the best possible plan, customized for your personal needs and goals.
I will do a detailed consultation, take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination and develop a customized plan based on your anatomy as well as your aesthetic goals. I consider age, overall health, emotional well being, as well as expectations for surgery when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Patients who are obese (BMI 30 or greater) or who smoke have a significantly higher risk of wound healing problems. I require patients to have stopped smoking for anywhere from 2 months to a year depending on their smoking history before having surgery. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal medications two weeks before surgery. You will receive a complete list of medications to avoid and detailed instructions before surgery. I consider the preparation before surgery and your understanding of how to take care of yourself critical to having the best possible results so myself and my staff will walk you through each part of the process every step of the way.

For your comfort and safety, breast lift will be performed under general anesthesia. I believe that every part of the surgical team is essential to having a perfect and smooth surgery so every part of my extended team is focused during surgery, and pays attention to every detail. We will all ensure that as you enter the operating room and are gently placed under anesthesia you will feel relaxed and calm and excited. During the operation we will all be focused on keeping you warm, comfortable, and cared for. During the surgery, I am gentle and respectful and ensure a positive and calm environment around you. I will also place a numbing solution in your breasts so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
The surgery may take 3 to 6 hours depending on complexity, anatomy, and incision. The lift will be marked in the pre-operative area and I will review all the incisions with you prior to surgery. The lift will be performed where excess skin is removed and then contoured to create a lifted, perkier shape. As part of the lift the areola will also be lifted and re-sized. The lift incision may be either around the areola only, a lollipop incision which is around the areola and then a vertical line from the areola to the breast crease, or an anchor incision which is around the areola, a vertical line from the areola to the breast crease and a line in the breast crease.
The final incision closure is done precisely and meticulously to create the best possible scar. As a woman. I understand first hand how important this surgery is. I take pride in my attention to details with every single step of this surgery.

I have developed a special technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. You will feel tightness and some soreness in the breast area and there will be swelling. The swelling lasts about a month. It takes a full 4-6 months for the tissues to see the final results. If you do have discomfort, tylenol is usually all that’s needed. You will need to minimize arm movement for about 2 weeks and you will wear a supportive bra for 2 months after surgery. This is something we will measure and provide for you. Most of my patients feel almost back to normal at around 1 week after their breast lift surgery. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after two week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed in 4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.
Scars take about 12 months to fade. You will start scar treatments around 2 weeks after surgery. I will discuss scar care in detail with you and also provide you with scar medications and products.
Overall, my mastopexy patients are some of the happiest patients after their breast lift surgery. They no longer need to wear a push up bra, they can exercise easier and fit better in their clothing. For patients who breastfed or lost a lot of volume after significant weight loss, they feel that this surgery restored their shape.