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Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a way to reduce signs of sagginess in the breasts by making the skin firmer and lifting the breasts to a higher position, giving them a more youthful projection on the chest. It is a very common procedure for many women and is one of the most popular treatments that our Pasadena plastic surgeon, Dr. Max Lehfeldt, performs. 300x202Many women are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts as they age. Over time, youthful breast volume is lost, the skin stretches out, and the nipples sag and droop. This is often exacerbated for women who have breastfed or who have experienced significant weight loss. Using VECTRA® XT 3D Simulation, Dr. Lehfeldt will be able to help you visualize pre-operatively the potential benefits that a breast lift may provide for you.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery?

A breast lift can address several concerns that affect the appearance of the breasts and give them a renewed look. This procedure offers a variety of benefits, including:

During the initial consultation with Max Lehfeldt, MD, our plastic surgeon can talk with you about breast lift surgery and help you determine whether this procedure is right for your needs and goals.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery are typically individuals who are experiencing mild to severe degrees of sagginess in the breasts (medically referred to as “breast ptosis”) and would like to make the breasts appear firmer and more youthful. It is very common for the breasts to develop excess, inelastic skin that begins to pull them down over time. This can result from pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, the natural process of aging, and other factors. During the consultation, Dr. Lehfeldt will evaluate the degree of sagging present in the breasts and talk with you about your options. He may also utilize VECTRA® 3D imaging to show you the potential results of a breast lift and how outcomes may look should you decide to move forward with the procedure. If you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery, Dr. Lehfeldt can create a customized treatment plan designed to achieve your enhancement goals with results that look both beautiful and natural. In cases where patients would like to address volume loss in addition to breast ptosis, a breast lift with implants (augmentation-mastopexy) may be a solution worthy of exploration. Dr. Lehfeldt will be happy to discuss all options with you and answer any questions you may have.

What Are the Breast Lift Techniques?

Breast lift techniques strive to restore the breast shape to a more aesthetic and youthful appearance. There are three main ways to lift the nipple position and perform a breast lift:

Peri-Areolar Lift

Peri-Areolar Lift

Peri-Areolar Lift

Peri-Areolar Lift

Vertical lift

Vertical Lift

Vertical Lift

Vertical Lift

Anchor Lift

Anchor Lift

Anchor Lift

Anchor Lift

The type of lift required depends on how far the nipple position needs to be raised and the amount of excess breast skin. If the nipple has minimal droop, a circumareolar/periareolar lift can be effective. If the nipple droop is moderate, then a vertical lift (“lollipop lift”) may be the technique of choice. However, if the nipple is quite low (severe droop) and there is a lot of excess skin, an anchor or “inverted-T” lift may be required. Dr. Lehfeldt performs all types of breast lifts with equivalent success and his experience and expertise will help guide your choice. Breast lifting can yield a beautiful restoration of breast shape and size. Additionally, patients are often very pleased with the youthful repositioning of the nipple.

What Does the Breast Lift Procedure Involve?

Breast lift surgery is a routine outpatient procedure (you go home the same day as surgery) that typically requires about a week of recovery. The surgery involves removing breast skin to help raise the nipple position and reshape the sagging breasts. The trade-off for improved breast shape and size is fine scars. The location of the scars on the breasts depends on the type of breast lift technique utilized. With that in mind, the incisions on the breasts are designed to heal as inconspicuously as possible. Dr. Lehfeldt is an absolutely meticulous perfectionist and he always strives to minimize the scarring and conceal the signs of surgery as much as possible.

What Can I Expect During Breast Lift Recovery?

Most individuals are able to resume many of their normal daily routines approximately one week following breast lift surgery. There will be some swelling and bruising in the breasts after the procedure; however, this should dissipate in the weeks that follow, and discomfort can be alleviated with medication. Dr. Lehfeldt will advise you to refrain from strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities which may put excessive strain on the breasts for several weeks after breast lift surgery. A temporary surgical bra may also be prescribed in order to aid the healing process.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

Breast lift surgery is customized based on individual needs and goals; therefore, the total cost of a breast lift is often quite different among patients. Factors such as the technique utilized, the degree of breast sagginess that is being addressed, whether breast implants or additional procedures are part of the treatment plan, anesthesia and facility fees, the surgeon’s fee, and other components will affect the total price. Once your treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation, we will be able to produce an overall cost estimate and answer your questions about payment options. Teleos Plastic Surgery accepts a wide range of convenient payment methods, including third-party plastic surgery financing through reputable healthcare finance agencies that offer qualified applicants the ability to pay for their breast lift procedure in installments.

If you are interested in learning whether you are a candidate for breast lift surgery, please call 888.96.DR. MAX (888.963.7629) or email today.