A breast lift is performed to correct sagging breasts with low nipples and to increase firmness without reducing the size.

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Good candidates for a breast lift are patients who have significant sagging and deflation of their breasts. A breast lift does not add volume to the breasts, so you should be satisfied with the overall size of your breasts. As with any surgery, you should be in overall good health and able to undergo surgery. Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca will perform a thorough review of your medical history during a consultation.

Types of Breast Drops

Breasts can sag and deflate for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. Only a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine the best approach for a breast lift based on the following factors:

Empty Sac Syndrome

This condition is where the breasts have lost volume, typically due to pregnancy, weight loss, or breastfeeding. The nipple and areola do not drop to the breast crease, but the breasts still appear flat and “empty.”

Pseudoptosis

Pseudoptosis is when the breasts have inconsistent volume. For example, they may only sag below the nipple, which remains above the breast crease.

Ptosis

Ptosis can come in varying degrees of severity, which are determined by how much tissue sags below the breast crease. In mild ptosis, the nipple may be in line with the breast crease whereas severe ptosis may mean the majority of the breast sits below the crease.

Types of Breast Lift Incisions

A variety of breast lift incisions are available, and your plastic surgeon can help you determine the best possible option for your needs.

Anchor Lift

The anchor pattern is the most extensive incision and is best for significant degrees of sagging. It involves a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision down to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease.

Donut Lift (or circumareolar)

A donut pattern is a smaller incision option best for mild sagging. It involves a simple incision around the areola, ensuring any scarring fades within the natural pigmentation.

Crescent Lift

A crescent pattern is a smaller version of the donut pattern, with a crescent-shaped incision made across the top of the areola. It can be effectively used for very mild cases of sagging.

Lollipop Lift (Vertical)

The lollipop lift is an incision best for moderate sagging. It involves an incision around the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast crease.

What to Expect

  • Anesthesia – Usually local with IV sedation
  • Length of Surgery – 3 hours
  • In / Outpatient – Generally out-patient in our accredited on-site surgery center
  • Recovery – Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks with arms restrictions. Strenuous activity: 3 to 6 weeks.
  • Fading of Scars – Several months to one year
  • Duration of Results – Results last many years, but gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging. Results vary.
  • Surgery – Female Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Baca, specializes in breast lifts in Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, and Birmingham.

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Real Results

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The Procedure

The operation involves a rearrangement of the soft tissues, repositioning the nipple, and increasing firmness by tightening the skin covering. In some cases, this procedure may be combined with the use of an implant to enlarge the breast when readjustment of the normal tissue alone will not suffice.

5-stars-rating-ping Dr. William Sabbagh, I want to thank you for taking your time and doing such conscientious work on my recent surgery. Although it may seem that a patient should not have to thank a doctor for those things, I do, because I feel that you, and also your operating room staff, are the exception rather than the rule. Thanks so much.

R.D.

What To Expect During The Consultation

During a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons, you’ll discuss your goals for treatment and what bothers you about your breasts. You’ll undergo an examination, during which Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca will explain the different options available and give a professional opinion. You’ll also discuss the risks and rewards of breast lift surgery so you can make an informed decision before moving forward with breast lift surgery.

Breast Lift Procedure Steps

A breast lift is typically performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. This means you’ll be asleep, but not to the degree of general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will make the predetermined incision, lifting and rejuvenating the breasts by getting rid of excess skin. Your nipples and areolae may be repositioned as well. Once complete, you can return home to recover.

Recovering From Breast Lift Surgery

After breast lift surgery, you can expect to take 1-2 weeks away from work and regular activities. Restrictions will be placed on lifting and moving your arms. Swelling and discomfort can be expected, but you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to manage them. A specialized surgical bra will need to be worn as much as possible to support your new breasts, and Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca will let you know when you can stop wearing it during your follow-up. After 3-6 weeks, you can gradually begin strenuous activities like exercise again.

What are the Risks? No surgical procedure is risk-free and that includes cosmetic surgery like breast lift surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Sabbagh, he will review the risks so you can make an educated decision. With an established track record of over 80 years, an accredited facility, and thousands of satisfied patients throughout Dearborn, metro Detroit, Michigan and the U.S., the Straith Clinic has earned an excellent reputation for cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Call us today at 248-270-5272 or send us an email to schedule a consultation during which you can discuss our facial and body services and tour our facility, including our on-site operating facility.

Final Results of Breast Lift Surgery

The final results of breast lift surgery will become apparent in the months after surgery as your breasts heal. You’ll notice a significantly more lifted quality to your breasts, especially when not wearing a bra. As long as you maintain a healthy weight and avoid future pregnancies, your results can last for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for breast lift scars to heal?

Breast lift scars do much of their initial formation in the first 6-8 weeks after surgery. After 8 weeks, the scars begin the remodeling phase where they start to lighten and flatten. However, a scar will take approximately 1 year to fully mature.

How long does a breast lift take?

A typical breast lift surgery takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Will a breast lift reduce cup size?

The primary goal of a breast lift is to lift the breast back up to a youthful position on the chest while reshaping the breast and repositioning the nipple. Depending on your specific goals, a small volume of breast tissue can be removed at the same time to reduce the cup size of the breast.

Do you lose sensation with breast lift?

Many patients will experience some loss of sensation in the breast skin or nipples immediately after a breast lift procedure. This sensation often returns with time. There is a small risk that sensation may not return completely.

How painful is a breast lift?

Every patient experiences pain differently. The majority of patients have pain in the breasts, which may require prescription pain medication, for anywhere from a few days to a week or so after surgery. Typically, after one week a patient may still have some soreness, but to a manageable degree and which continues to improve day by day.

What types of breast lifts are there?

There are several different types of breast lifts, that vary based on the shape of the incisions involved in reshaping the breast tissue. It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon who can evaluate your degree of breast ptosis (sagging), examine your breast shape, and listen to your postoperative goals. Then, the appropriate type of breast lift can be recommended to help you achieve those goals!

Is a breast lift covered by insurance?

A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure. As such, it is not covered by insurance.

Do I need a breast lift or just implants?

The goal of a breast lift is to position the breast mound back up in its youthful position on the chest while also repositioning the nipple back up to the central portion of the breast mound. A breast lift does not significantly change the size of the breast - instead, it changes the shape and position of the breast. Breast implants on the other hand are intended to increase the size of the breast. Together with your plastic surgeon, you will be able to discuss your goals and decide if you need a breast lift, implants, or both.

Do you still have feeling in your nipples after breast lift?

Patients may experience some loss of sensation in the nipples immediately after a breast lift procedure. This sensation often returns with time. There is a small risk that sensation may not return completely.

How do you shower after a breast lift?

Most patients are able to shower approximately 2 days after a breast lift procedure. Your chest may be sore, especially with certain arm movements. It is important to make sure you feel safe and stable before showering. Then, take your time and take breaks if needed.

How long do breast lift results last?

A typical breast lift procedure lasts many years. Every patient is different. Skin elasticity and gravity both can contribute to sagging again over time. Therefore, it is important to continue to wear supportive garments/bras after your breast lift procedure.

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