Breast Lift

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A breast lift procedure, or a mastopexy, raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue for more youthful, naturally-shaped breasts. Incisions are placed around the nipple and may extend from the nipple to the inframammary crease, which is the place where the breast meets the chest. At your consultation, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. DiFrancesco will help you determine if an implant is necessary to achieve your desired look.

What is a Breast Lift?

Would you like to regain those perky, full, youthful breasts? Then mastopexy, or breast lift, surgery may be for you. If your breasts have begun sagging, are uneven, have decreased in volume, or if you have stretched areolas or droopy nipples you should consider a breast lift/ mastopexy. As we age, our breasts sag. This could be from several different causes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or gain, normal aging, and heredity. Mastopexy or Breast lift surgery may include breast augmentation surgery with to add volume or upper pole fullness.

Candidates for Breast Lift or Mastopexy

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, or your breasts are asymmetric, then you should consider a breast lift in Atlanta, GA. Are your breasts pendulous but adequate size, or do your breasts lack firmness and are relatively small? Do you have a nipple or areola which points down below the breast? Do you have breasts that are not equal in size or shape? Have you finished with childbirth and breastfeeding? If yes is your answer to these questions, you might be a good candidate for the this cosmetic breast surgery.

At the same time, your surgeon may recommend the addition of a breast implant to help with volume issues or a breast reduction for pendulous breasts. A breast lift in patients who are large-breasted will not last as long as a smaller-breasted woman due to the greater effects of gravity on large breasts. Women should be finished with childbearing and breastfeeding, as pregnancy tends to stretch the breast tissue and skin, reversing the surgical result.

Types of Mastopexy or Breast lift

There are several different breast lift techniques with both surgical and non-surgical options available. The breast lift or mastopexy procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with IV sedation is available for smaller procedures. The size and type of incision will depend on the mastopexy or breast lift procedure which Dr. DiFrancesco will discuss with you during your consultation. The factors influencing your breast lift procedure are the breast shape and size, the nipple-areola shape, size and position, the degree of breast sagging, skin quality, and degree of laxity.

Scarless Breast Lift or Mastopexy

The latest most technologically advanced technique for a minimal breast lift or mastopexy is the use of ThermiTight for skin tightening. ThermiTight can be done under local anesthesia in the office with minimal downtime. The incision is small and hidden in the areola to avoid a visible scar. Recovery is quick with mild bruising and swelling. Most patients can return to work the next day and return to full activity including the gym within 2 weeks.

Crescent Breast Lift or Mastopexy

This breast lift or mastopexy uses a small crescent incision along the upper edge of the areola and removes a crescent-shaped piece of skin for a small breast lift. The crescent breast lift is primarily used in patients who have smaller breasts or a minimal loss of breast volume. A crescent breast lift may be performed alone or with breast augmentation to enhance the breast lift.

Donut or Periareolar Breast Lift

This breast lift uses an incision circumferentially around the areola for mild to moderate ptosis. It is commonly used to reduce the size of the areola and to place breast implants through the periareolar incision. The periareolar incision avoids having a visible scar on the breast skin.

Lollipop or Vertical Breast Lift

The lollipop breast lift extends the periareolar incision vertically down from the areola to the breast crease. Patients with moderately drooping breasts or who may not want a breast implant might choose this breast lift for the best results. However, a vertical breast lift may be used in patients with breast implants to create more upper pole fullness.

Anchor or Wise Pattern Breast Lift

The anchor breast lift is used in patients with the most severe breast ptosis, most commonly after pregnancy and breastfeeding or after significant weight loss. The incision extends around the areolar, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease and across the breast crease. Patients may elect to add an implant for volume and upper pole fullness. Others may choose to have a breast reduction.

Breast Lift with Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation may be performed with autologous fat grafting or with a breast implant. The implant not only increases the breast size but helps shape the breast into a more youthful appearance. Saline, silicone, or anatomical-shaped silicone implants may be used in conjunction with breast lifts.

Breast Lift After Massive Weight Loss

Weight fluctuations can cause the breasts to lose or increase volume since breast tissue is partially made up of fat. Most patients, after losing weight, have sagging breasts with loose skin that will extend around the bra line. Our weight loss patients will often need an extended anchor breast lift to address extra skin limited to the axilla or a breast lift combined with an upper body lift to remove excess skin extending around to the back. A breast implant is usually required to restore the volume lost in the breast after the weight loss.

The breast lift and upper body lift may be performed alone or in conjunction with another post-weight loss procedure such as an arm lift, body lift, or thigh lift. These patients will often elect to stay overnight to facilitate their recovery. The breast lift scars will depend on the amount of loose skin needing to be removed during surgery. Most patients will be fully recovered in 6 weeks after surgery.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Lift

Is a breast lift covered by insurance?

A breast lift is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.

Do I need a breast lift or just implants?

Breast Implants give you more cleavage than a breast lift alone.

Do you lose sensation with breast lift?

On average approximately 15% of patients lose sensation to the nipple/ areola during breast surgery

How do you shower after a breast lift?

Patients may shower the next day after their breast lift surgery.

How soon after breast lift can I exercise?

Most patient resume exercise 4 to 6 weeks after breast lift surgery

What is a crescent breast lift?

A crescent breast lift is performed when a small lift is needed and removes a crescent of skin above the nipple areola.

Will a breast lift reduce cup size?

A breast lift does reduce the breast size slightly because it removes extra skin to tighten up the breasts.

What is a breast lift?

The medical term for this procedure is mastopexy surgery. It involves raising the nipple and areola, removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue for a more youthful appearance. When combined with a breast reduction, this results in a smaller but lifted breast.

What's the difference between a breast lift and breast implants?

Breast implants increase the size of breasts and may lift the breast contour slightly but not dramatically. Implants used may be silicone or saline and are placed above or below the muscle. Breast-lift surgery alone does not significantly change the size of your breasts. However, the combination of a breast lift with implants can create larger, fuller breasts with greater cleavage.

Who can benefit from a breast lift?

Time, pregnancy, significant weight-loss and breastfeeding can all cause the breast to lose shape and firmness as well as skin elasticity. Women who experience this sagging or deflated appearance can benefit from the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from a breast lift?

Breast lifts are performed in the hospital, and recovery time depends on the individual. However, most women can return to work in two to three weeks. You will usually be able to return to exercise and regular activities, with your doctor's approval, after four to six weeks.

How long does it take for a breast lift to settle?

Due to swelling, it can take 6 to 12 months to see your final results. If you opt for implants, they will also begin to settle into their final position during this time.

How long after a breast lift can I not wear a bra?

You should not wear an underwire bra for 3-6 months but you will be wearing a compression garment that resembles a bra for support, during that time. You may not go bra-less for 6 to 12 months.

How long does it take to see results from breast lift?

Although you might see immediate results after your breast lift, it will take some time for swelling to subside. By six weeks you'll should be 60 to 70% healed.

What are the side effects of breast lift?

It's common to have bruising, redness, swelling, and tenderness after a breast lift. If your procedure is performed under general anesthesia, it's normal to also have nausea and grogginess for 24 hours after surgery.

How do you sleep after a breast lift?

It's important to sleep on your back and in an elevated position after a breast lift. This helps relieve pressure from your incisions and stops blood and fluid from collecting in the area.

How much does a breast lift cost?

The cost of a breast lift procedure varies depending on each patient's unique needs, including additional surgeries and the length of their procedure. At your consultation, pricing will be discussed in detail and we can recommend financing options with Alphaeon Credit.

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SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Having sagging, low breasts can be discouraging and lead you to feel self-conscious. The best way to achieve your goals is with the help of a double board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in achieving excellent breast surgery results. To get started, contact our Atlanta office by calling or filling out our online form and Dr. DiFrancesco can begin planning your customized breast lift during a private consultation.