Breast Lift
A breast lift restores a youthful, uplifted shape by elevating and reshaping the breasts, addressing concerns with sagging or loss of firmness.
Life’s natural changes—like aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations—can cause the breasts to lose their youthful position and firmness. A breast lift, or mastopexy, elevates and reshapes the breasts, restoring a perky, contoured appearance without adding volume. This procedure is ideal for women looking to improve sagging or unevenness while enhancing breast shape and position. Many patients choose a breast lift to feel more confident and comfortable, enjoying a renewed silhouette that can also be paired with implants for added volume if desired.
Breast lifts come in several types, each tailored to address different levels of sagging and skin elasticity. A crescent lift is a minimal approach for subtle enhancement, lifting the breast with a single incision along the upper edge of the areola. The periareolar, or “donut” lift, is suited for mild sagging and involves a circular incision around the areola to achieve a gentle lift. For moderate sagging, the vertical, or “lollipop” lift, uses a vertical incision from the areola down to the breast crease, providing significant reshaping and lift. The anchor lift, which includes an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease, is the most comprehensive option, perfect for more substantial lifting and reshaping. Each type of lift is carefully customized to create a balanced, natural result that fits your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Many women seek a breast lift to restore youthful contours and enhance self-confidence. This procedure can help:
The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying an uplifted, youthful shape for many years. While a breast lift can’t stop the natural aging process, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps prolong the results. Many patients find their improved contours last 10-15 years or longer before natural changes in skin elasticity might gradually affect firmness and position.
You’re a good candidate for a breast lift if you’re in good overall health and looking to restore a youthful shape and position to your breasts. Ideal candidates are those who:
Patients should stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing. Your surgeon may also advise you to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, to reduce bleeding risk. Arrange for transportation and post-surgery care, as you’ll need help during the initial recovery. Before your surgery, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on fasting, pre-operative tests, and any other preparation needed to ensure optimal results.
The procedure begins with general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision based on your unique surgical plan, choosing from options that include a small incision around the areola (periareolar), a vertical incision extending from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop), or an anchor-shaped incision for more extensive lifting and reshaping. After removing excess skin, the underlying breast tissue is lifted, reshaped, and secured to create a firmer, youthful contour. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, often layered for added support, and the area is carefully bandaged to protect your results during initial healing.
A breast lift typically lasts two to three hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia-related issues. Some patients may experience unevenness in breast shape or changes in nipple sensation. More rarely, some patients may experience partial or full lost of nipple tissue. As with any surgery, careful adherence to post-operative guidelines helps minimize complications and support healing.
A breast lift can restore a youthful, elevated breast shape, helping you feel more confident and comfortable. By improving breast contour and addressing sagging, the procedure creates a refreshed, natural look that helps achieve your aesthetic goals, so you feel more at home in your own body.
Recovery from a breast lift typically takes several weeks, with most patients returning to regular activities within two weeks and strenuous activities in four to six weeks. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the first few days, but these can be managed with prescribed medications and rest. Wearing a supportive surgical bra will help minimize swelling and support healing. Your surgeon may recommend avoiding heavy lifting or overhead movements initially to protect the incisions and optimize your results. Following all post-operative instructions closely and attending follow-up appointments will help ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting, beautiful results.
How painful is a breast lift?
A breast lift typically causes mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients find that soreness subsides within a few days.
Are there visible scars?
Yes, a breast lift does leave scars, but incisions are strategically placed around the areola, vertically below it, or along the breast crease. These scars generally fade significantly over time.
How soon can I return to work?
Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the physical demands of their job and individual healing progress.
How long do the results last?
Breast lift results are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a youthful contour for a decade or more. However, aging and lifestyle factors will gradually affect results.
Can I combine a breast lift with other procedures?
Yes, a breast lift can be combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or body contouring, for a more comprehensive transformation.
What should I avoid after surgery?
After surgery, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, smoking, and sleeping on your stomach to support optimal healing and safeguard your results.
Procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or liposuction can be combined with a breast lift for a more comprehensive transformation. These combinations help patients achieve balanced, natural-looking enhancements, addressing multiple areas of the body for a unified and refined aesthetic.
For more detailed information please contact our office or book a consultation.
At Evolve Your Life, we’re committed to delivering a world-class experience through attentive, responsive, and compassionate care. How are we doing?
See what some of our patients have to say:
Kiersten Obermayer
Dr. Dorafshar is absolutely amazing. He truly cares about the results as well as the patient. He checked up on me multiple times through my recovery and my results are amazing already after 10 days! Can’t wait to see them when I’m fully healed!
Khyla Tatak
Talk about a great experience overall. Dr. Dorafshar made me feel at ease, answered all of my questions and set realistic expectations on recovery. Constantly checked in to make sure I was doing ok during the first week post surgery. His team set the bar high. I’m so incredibly happy with my results.
—Iliana Diana
At Evolve Your Life, we know how important it is to look in the mirror every day and see a reflection that feels like your own.