Overview
The goal of breast lift surgery is to reshape and lift the breasts in order to correct breast sagging resulting from weight loss, breastfeeding, or aging. Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Williams, commonly performs three different types of breast lift surgeries, and will customize your particular lift according to your individual goals and desires. A breast lift can be performed at any age, but Dr. Williams recommends waiting until a woman has reached the end of breast development. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may also affect the size and shape of your breasts, so you may want to postpone surgery until after having children. Dr. Williams can create firmer, shapelier, more lifted breasts that will ultimately restore confidence and comfort.
Breast Lift Reviews
Best Candidates
Good candidates for breast lifts are women who demonstrate:
- Breasts that have lost volume and shape
- Breasts that are flat or elongated
- Breasts that have enlarged or stretched areolas
- Breasts that have nipples that point downward and/or below the crease of your breasts
- Non-smokers and those who are in overall good health
What to Expect
Dr. Williams will evaluate the overall health of the patient, as well as assess the current breast size and shape and take measurements of the breast to help determine the amount of sagging that is present. Additionally, the skin laxity, symmetry, and the underlying bone anatomy of the chest will also be assessed. This evaluation will help our team to develop an individual breast lift plan. Most patients are nervous about scarring that may occur after a breast lift procedure. During surgery, Dr. Williams' meticulous and gentle surgical technique helps wound healing which in turn helps to minimize scars. In addition, our practice will provide a thorough scar care treatment protocol to help with the healing.
Incision Patterns
A breast lift requires incisions to shape and firm the breasts. The most common incision patterns used during a breast lift procedure are:
- Incision around the areola to correct the least amount of sagging
- Incisions around the areola and then vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease to correct an intermediate amount of sagging
- Incisions around the areola and then vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease and finally extending horizontally in the breast crease to correct a significant amount of sagging
The size and shape of the breasts, size of the areolas, and extent of sagging are factors that will help our surgeon determine the best technique to use. Occasionally, it may be determined that a small breast implant may be necessary or desired to enhance the fullness of the upper portion of the breast. This can be done at the same time as the lift or at a later date.
Things to Consider
Augmentation VS. Lift
Patients desiring breast augmentation may discover that they need a lift first if there is a certain degree of sag. If the patient wishes to add more volume and increase the breast size, implants will resolve this issue. However, implants are not always needed depending on how much native breast tissue exists prior to the lift. Before surgery, Dr. Williams will provide a thorough assessment as to whether or not an augmentation is necessary to attain the aesthetic results the patient desires. It’s important to note that if an implant is placed within a sagging breast and no lift is performed, the outcome most likely will be very unsatisfactory.
Nipple Repositioning
In most breast lift cases, the nipple may need to be repositioned so that it is centered on the newly shaped breast. This is done by removing skin above the nipple and areola and then rotating the nipple and breast tissue into the new location. The nipple stays attached to the breast at all times and maintains its sensitivity and natural appearance.
Breast Lift Recovery
After breast lift surgery, patients are placed in a surgical dressing overnight then switched to a surgical bra. Swelling is expected and patients should take it easy for a few days. The swelling will start to resolve within 1-2 weeks after surgery and most patients are able to resume modest activities within about 2-3 weeks. A breast lift typically takes about 6-8 weeks for a full recovery.
Plan Your Procedure
- Average Cost
- $10,000 - $12,000
- Recovery Time
- 1 week
- Average Procedure Time
- 2-3 hours
- Post-op Follow-up
- 3 months
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Out-Patient
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Achieve the Look You Want
We invite you to call our plastic surgery office and schedule your consultation with our doctor today. If you are bothered by sagging, droopy breasts and are considering a breast lift, this surgery can restore the look and feel of your breasts and create a gorgeous, youthful outcome.