Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to return youthful shape and lift to breasts that have sagged as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, loss of the skin’s natural elasticity, or the effects of gravity. The procedure can also reduce areolar size, and it can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume and firmness. Reach out to the Somerset Plastic Surgery team to learn whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Reasons To Get a Breast Lift

Breast lifts help raise and reshape the breasts. This procedure is often not about making a dramatic change; it focuses on restoring a balanced look or improving comfort. Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging all affect the shape of your breasts over time. A breast lift repositions the tissue and removes excess skin, creating a firmer and more elevated appearance.

A breast lift and breast augmentation combined also help to improve symmetry. Breasts naturally vary in size and position, and weight gain or aging can make such differences more noticeable over time. A lift provides a more balanced appearance, and a breast augmentation helps restore volume. Talk to your plastic surgeon to determine if you need a breast lift alone or if you should combine it with an augmentation procedure.

About the Breast Lift Procedure

Mastopexy can be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or a surgeon’s office-based facility. The procedure is completed under general anesthesia, and it typically lasts between one and three hours. Surgical time varies depending on the techniques used and if other procedures are performed at the same time. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but results last longest when they are originally small and sagging.

During the procedure, a plastic surgeon makes incisions to access and reshape the breast tissue. Such incisions are around the areola, along the breast crease, or vertically along the breast. Excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola may be repositioned to a higher location on the breast. If the areola has stretched over time, the plastic surgeon will reduce its size.

After surgery, patients may wear compression garments or a surgical bra to support healing. Swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort are common; plastic surgeons also recommend avoiding certain activities for a few weeks while the body heals. Such activities include lifting heavy weights or swimming. Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual, so it is key to attend all post-operative appointments with your plastic surgeon to make sure the healing is progressing properly.

Preparing for Breast Lifts

During your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and treatment options. The surgeon evaluates your breast shape and skin quality to recommend an appropriate treatment approach. Proper preparation for breast lifts helps promote faster healing and a safer surgical experience. If you have any allergies or have been taking specific medications, talk to your surgeon; certain medications interfere with healing or blood clotting. Types of medications you may be asked to avoid include aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain herbal products.

Whether or not you smoke will also affect your healing. Smoking and nicotine products reduce blood flow, so plastic surgeons instruct patients to stop using cigarettes and vaping products before and after the surgery takes place. Other preparations to make in advance include planning for recovery. Keep water, medications, and clothing in an easily accessible place so that you don’t have to move far after the surgery. You will also need to get a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.

Maintaining Your Results After a Breast Lift

Long-term breast lift results depend on your lifestyle and other factors. Plastic surgery helps reshape and elevate the breasts, but tissue and skin will naturally change with age. Keeping your skin moisturized and protected from sun exposure helps to prevent premature wear from UV rays. Maintaining body stability also impacts results; constant weight fluctuations stretch the skin and alter your breast contours. Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise habits after your recovery period is over. Individual outcomes also vary depending on genetics or skin elasticity, so discuss with your plastic surgeon the best ways to upkeep your breast lift results.

Learn More About a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

Somerset Plastic Surgery focuses on providing quality, aesthetic results for all of our patients. Whether you want a breast lift alone or want to combine it with another procedure like an augmentation, our team will help customize your treatment plan. We also offer procedures like facelifts, abdominoplasties, and arm lifts to support your cosmetic goals. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeons.