Breast Lift

Breast lift, also referred to as Mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure to raise, lift and contour the breasts for a more youthful, yet natural appearance. Over time, age, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breast feeding can take a toll on the breasts, causing them to sag and lose volume. Gravity and heredity have also been shown to affect the breasts’ shape and size.

Breast lift alone does not increase breast volume. While some patients may be generally satisfied with their bust size, other women may lack volume and, as such, require the use of an implant to restore this volume.

Candidates for Breast Lift

Women who qualify as candidates for mastopexy typically experience one or more of the following:

• breasts that lack volume and firmness.
• breasts that are pendulous.
• breasts that have a flatter, elongated appearance.
• breasts that when unsupported the nipples fall below the breast crease.
• breast asymmetry, where one breast falls lower than the other.
• enlarged areolas.

Breast lift combats these effects by removing excess skin and in some cases decreasing the size of the areola, while tightening the surrounding tissue. This combines to give the breasts a more firm, youthful and uplifted appearance.

The Mastopexy Procedure

Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure that varies on a case-by-case basis. Breast shape and size, skin quality and elasticity, size and position of the areolas, and the degree to which the breasts are sagging all determine how the procedure will be performed. Breast lift is an outpatient procedure that usually requires general anesthesia and typically takes between one and three hours.

The full mastopexy with an “anchor incision” results in a scar around the areola, vertically from areola to crease, and horizontally in the crease. Excess skin and tissue are removed, while the size of the areola is reduced if necessary and raised to a more optimal position. A vertical mastopexy or “lollipop” mastopexy results in a scar around the areola with the vertical on the lower breast. A periareolar or “Benelli” lift is just tightening the skin by excising a donut of skin around the areola and closing with a pursestring type suture around the outer edge of the areola.

The nipple/areola remains attached to underlying tissue, which usually retains sensitivity of the nipple and the ability to breast feed. The skin is tightened, reshaping and giving the breasts a more uplifted appearance. Implants are placed under the muscle if needed for more volume or fullness on the top portion of the breasts.

Recovery After Breast Lift

Following the procedure, dressings and surgical bra are applied. Rarely, there may be a drain placed for a day or two to help reduce any excess fluid. Dissolving stitches and tapes are used on the incisions. A soft supportive sports type bra is worn for the first few weeks.

Recovery time after breast lift varies individually and depends on the type of procedure and whether implants were placed. Many women return to work within a week but exercise and heavy activity may be limited for up to six weeks.

Breast Lift Results

The results from breast lift can be dramatic. The incisions will leave a permanent scar; however, they will fade over time. The scars can be improved by using scar treatments that Dr. Sardo will discuss with you.

The results from mastopexy are long lasting, but additional changes may occur due to age, gravity, change in weight, or additional pregnancies/breast feeding. It is important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle to ensure the longevity of the breast lift. Overall, mastopexy will firm the breast and restore a more youthful, natural and uplifted appearance.

Cost of Breast Lift Surgery in California

Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure, so price varies. The average cost of breast lift typically ranges from $5,000 to $14,000

Look through Dr. Sardo’s breast lift before and after photos to get a sense of the procedure and its potential results.