Breast Lift

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.

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

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 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 suitable candidate for 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.

Before and After Photos

See the results Dr. DiFrancesco can achieve for you in these before and after breast lift photos.

Types of Breast Drops

There are several varied reasons that breasts drop or sag. The type of breast drops you may experience include the following:

Empty Sac Syndrome

Empty sac syndrome is when the breasts lose their shape and fullness after pregnancy, changes in weight, or breastfeeding. In most cases, when a patient has empty sac syndrome, a breast lift can restore the breast shape and increase fullness.

Pseudoptosis

Pseudoptosis is the mildest form of breast sag and occurs when the lower part of the breast falls below the crease, but the nipple is still sitting above the crease. A breast lift can address this drooping and return your breasts to a more youthful position.

Ptosis

Ptosis of the breasts occurs when the nipple is below the breast crease and/or pointing downward. Ptosis of the breast may also involve loose skin or deflated breasts. With a breast lift, Dr. Capek can ensure your breasts have a youthful contour and are in a higher position.

Types of Breast Lift Incisions

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

The latest, most technologically advanced technique for a minimal breast lift or mastopexy is BodyTite for skin tightening. BodyTite 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 Lift

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 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 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 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.

Alternatives to Surgery

RF Energy Therapy

With radiofrequency (RF) energy therapy, RF energy is used to heat up the tissues simulate collagen production. This process tightens and firms the skin. When used on the breasts, this can lift the breasts and address sagging skin, but the results are not as significant as a breast lift.

A Better Bra

A good bra can temporarily lift your breasts to a more youthful position. Finding a good-fitting bra with an underwire can make your clothes fit better and give you a slight lift.

What To Expect During the Consultation

During your breast lift consultation with Dr. DiFrancesco, she’ll review your medical history, ask questions about your goals, and perform an exam. This is also the time when you can bring up any questions or concerns you have about the procedure. Dr. DiFrancesco will then build you a customized treatment plan, and you’ll be able to schedule your surgery day.

Breast Lift Procedure Steps

Your breast lift will start with the administration of general anesthesia. This ensures you’re asleep during the procedure and won’t feel any discomfort. From there, Dr. DiFrancesco will make the type of incision you discussed in your consultation. She’ll then lift and shape the breasts and remove excess skin. Once all the necessary changes have been made, she’ll close the incisions, and you’ll be ready to start your recovery.

Recovering From Breast Lift Surgery

After your surgery, you’ll likely experience some swelling, redness, and discomfort. Dr. DiFrancesco will prescribe pain medication, and we’ll provide you with a compression support bra to aid in your healing. You’ll want to rest as much as possible. You’ll need to take 1-2 weeks off work and avoid any strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks. You’ll also want to attend all your follow-up appointments to ensure you’re healing properly.

Results of Breast Lift Surgery

While you may notice some initial changes after surgery, the final results won’t be visible until the swelling subsides. This typically takes 3-4 months.

What is the Cost of a Breast Lift?

The cost of a breast lift can differ from patient to patient. It depends on the type of incision being made, how much excess tissue and skin is removed, and other factors. On average, a breast lift can cost between $10,000-$15,000.

Risks of Breast Lift

As with any surgery, a breast lift can come with risks. Some of the complications to look out for include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Poor wound healing

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 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 how much loose skin is removed during surgery. Most patients will be fully recovered in 6 weeks after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Lift

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.