A breast lift is performed to correct sagging breasts with low nipples. Breast lift surgery aims to increase firmness without reducing the size. It lifts the breast tissue to a higher, more upright position to refine breast shape and create a more youthful breast contour. It may also remove excess breast skin that has become stretched or sagging. It’s often combined with breast augmentation to restore volume with the use of breast implants but it can be performed as its own procedure for patients not interested in adding volume. It may also be combined with breast reduction for patients who have excessive breast tissue. 

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Which Breast Procedure Is Right For Me?

Dr. Marissa Baca explains the different types of breast procedures that patients at the Straith Clinic may be interested in.

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift? 

Good candidates for breast lift surgery are patients who have sagging breasts with significant deflation. Breast lift surgery does not add volume to the breasts, so you should be satisfied with your overall breast size. As with any plastic surgery, you should be in overall good health and able to undergo surgery. Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca will thoroughly review your medical history during a consultation. They will also examine your breasts and judge the amount of breast tissue and whether a surgical breast lift is appropriate.  

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,  determined by how much tissue sags below the breast crease. In mild ptosis, the nipple may align with the breast crease, whereas severe ptosis may mean most of the breast sits below the crease. 

Types of Breast Lift Incisions 

Various 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  across the top of the areola. It can be effectively used for very mild cases of sagging. 

Lollipop Lift (Vertical) 

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

The Breast Lift Procedure 

This surgical procedure involves rearranging the breast tissue, repositioning the nipple, and increasing firmness by tightening the breast skin covering. In some cases, this surgical procedure may be combined with the use of an implant to enlarge the breast when readjustment of the normal tissue alone will not suffice. During a consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the appropriate breast lift techniques for your needs. 

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What to Expect with Your Breast Lift Procedure

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Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

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Length of Surgery

3 hours 

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In / Outpatient

Outpatient

Straith Clinic FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 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.

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  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. 

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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 management instructions. 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 one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, we will review the risks so you can make an educated decision.

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. Your results can last for years as long as you maintain a healthy weight and avoid future pregnancies . 

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Before & After

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