Breast Lift
What is a Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging (or ptotic) breasts. Unlikely an augmentation which increases breast size, a breast lift primarily aims to improve the position and firmness of the breasts. Women choose to undergo a breast lift for:
- Sagging (ptosis): Due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or gravity, breasts can lose their firmness and begin to droop.
- Nipple position: To raise the nipples if they point downward or sit below the breast crease (inframammary fold).
- Shape and Symmetry: To improve the overall shape and even out asymmetrical breasts.
A breast lift procedure can be combined with breast augmentation. This combination breast procedure is referred to as a “breast lift with implants” or “breast augmentation with lift” and can be performed to restore volume or to achieve a larger size.
However, a breast lift without implants may also be the right procedure depending on your goals. Dr. Bartlett’s extensive experience with all breast procedures allows him to fully evaluate your case and offer all options that might be right for you.
Breast Lift Consultation
If you are considering a breast lift, or mastopexy, the first step is a confidential consultation with Dr. Bartlett. At this time, he will perform a medical evaluation and listen carefully to understand your goals. He will answer questions about the benefits and risks of surgery, describe the treatment process, and may discuss alternative treatment options. Dr. Bartlett will create and personalize your surgical plan. He will tell you what to expect so you can prepare for your breast lift procedure.
Breast Lift Procedure – What to expect
Dr. Bartlett will make incisions on the breasts to remove excess skin to tighten and reshape the breast tissue. Areolas that have stretched or enlarged can be reduced in size. The incisions are closed with dissolving sutures. Common incision patterns include:
- Around the areola (periareolar incision).
- Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (sometimes referred to as the lollipop incision).
- Horizontally along the breast crease (sometimes referred to as an anchor incision or inverted-T).
General anesthesia is recommended for this procedure.
3 to 4 hours. The exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure.
Breast lift surgeries are performed in our AAAASF Certified office operating room in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.
Breast Lift and Recovery
Dr. Bartlett and his staff review details of the recovery process, providing instructions and prescription medications prior to surgery. You will be asked to have a friend or family member drive you home and help with your recovery for the first few days.
After surgery, you will remain in a surgical bra. Showering is permitted beginning at 48 hours after surgery however, you will be instructed to wear a supportive bra day and night for six weeks.
Discomfort is often mild to moderate and pain medication is prescribed and typically used for 2 or 3 days after surgery. Swelling and bruising can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Numbness and firmness may persist for months but do not affect appearance.
Patients typically take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. Light exercise is permitted in 2 weeks; heavy exercise is recommended to resume at least 6 weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising abate within 2 weeks, but the final breast lift result can be seen 3 to 6 months after surgery. Patients can enjoy results that look natural and youthful.
"Everyone that’s ever known me has called me Mrs. Just So. In other words, I am very particular and also a perfectionist in all areas. I couldn’t have picked a better plastic surgeon. My husband and I met Dr. Bartlett and didn’t even feel that we had to get a second opinion. No one can even tell that I had this done. People will say, “Oh, I love your haircut, you look so good,” and then other people I tell will say, “Oh my god, I want his number.” They say they’ve never seen anyone look so natural. Dr. Bartlett is a perfectionist and very tedious and is an artist. He listens and cares and even called me over the weekend to see how I was doing. His entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I would recommend Dr. Bartlett to anyone!"
Cost
Cost of a breast lift is dependent on factors such as the time it takes to perform the surgery., If augmentation is performed, there are additional costs for the use of implants.
An estimate of the cost can be provided over the phone by the front desk administrator. After your consultation with Dr. Bartlett a specific, detailed quote will be provided.
Schedule a consultation
Contact our office to schedule a consultation regarding a breast lift in Boston with Dr. Richard A. Bartlett. He can let you know if surgery is the best option for you and can provide you with outstanding results from your procedure.
Need More Help?
Check out these related procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves placing implants to enhance the aesthetics of the breasts.
Breast Reduction
There are women with large breasts who want to reduce their breast size due to aesthetic preferences and some women experience physical discomfort.