A breast lift is similar to a breast augmentation, except there are no implants placed under the skin or muscular tissue. Therefore, the surgery is meant to lift, shape and add contour to the breast area, by using the tissue that is already there. Breast procedures are the most widely elected procedures to have done by both men and women annually. The average cost of a decent breast lift with a boarded US surgeon is around $5,000 and most surgeons offer little or no financing options for elective surgeries such as this.

Procedure Details

In preparation for surgery, your surgeon will mark incision lines on your breasts with a purple surgical marking pen. You will be unconscious during the entire procedure. Surgical techniques vary depending on how much the breast must be lifted and the procedures you need. Breast lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with breast reduction or breast augmentation.

Before breast lift surgery, you will have a pre-operative consultation with a surgeon who will take a detailed medical and family history. The surgeon will assess past medical problems and previous breast surgeries. Measurements and photographs of your breasts, as well as a thorough examination by your surgeon, will aid in determining the best method to achieve the appearance you desire.

Moderate ptosis (slight sagging) may require a crescent shape incision on the upper portion of the nipple. A small amount of tissue will be removed and the nipple sutured into proper position. Scarring is minimal with technique. Moderate ptosis may also be treated with a circumferential incision around the nipple. In this procedure, the breast will be drawn together and the nipple surgically repositioned, but with minimal scarring.

Severe ptosis (severe sagging) may be treated by an elongated teardrop-shaped incision around the nipple and a vertical incision below. Once closed, this incision will leave a small vertical scar below the nipple. Severe ptosis can be treated with an anchor or keyhole-shaped incision. This technique will result in a scar around the nipple, vertically below the nipple, and horizontally beneath the breast.

Risks and Side Effects

You will be fit to travel within a few days but restricted from strenuous activity for 2 to 4 weeks. At least 1 week off work will be required, and swelling will remain for up to 3 weeks.

Most complications from a breast lift can be repaired, but multiple surgeries may be required. Complications and risks of a breast lift include hematoma, seroma, symmastia, sensational changes, necrosis, infection, hyper pigmentations or permanent bruising, burns from liposuction by ultrasound, and pulmonary throboemboli. Risks and complications, if you choose to have implants, include capsular contracture, bottoming out, deflation or rupture, rippling, displacement, gel bleed Mandor's Cord, and interference with mammography. Breast augmentation does not generally interfere with future breast feeding.

Post Operative Care

Fatigue after surgery is normal. You will also probably experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising in your breasts. An oral painkiller can be prescribed for comfort. A drain will be inserted at the incision site, and it will be removed at your first follow up visit. Constant care is required for the first 24 to 72 hours following surgery.

A compression garment or form-fitting sports bra will ease stress on the incisions. Your doctor will provide instructions for care of the suture sites and drains, as well as tips for bathing and sleeping positions. If sutures are to be removed, your doctor will remove them 7-10 days following surgery. Some sutures dissolve.

Resources

Dedicated to breast lifts with lots of before and after photos

An educational site regarding Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery - University of Rochester Medical Center

Breast lift discussion and support forum

Plastic surgery & anti-aging message boards and blogs

FAQ

Q: What is a breast lift?
A: A breast lift is a procedure that is surgically done to raise and reshape sagging breasts.

Q: What causes sagging breasts?
A: Sagging breasts usually occur due to gravity, weight loss, pregnancy, loss of skin elasticity and breast feeding.

Q: Am I a candidate for a breast lift?
A: An ideal candidate should be emotionally and mentally stable with realistic expectations. Also, the candidate must have no serious health conditions and not prone to abnormal (keloid) scarring. Also you have noticed that your breasts have started to sag. You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas. You do not smoke. You have noticed that your areolas and nipples have started to point down wards.

Q: Are there any risks to having a breast lift?
A: Complications and reactions to anesthesia are rare. However, an infection or bleeding may occur following any surgery.

Q: Is there a lot of pain and swelling after a breast lift?A: There is some discomfort and tenderness involved, which is usually managed by pain medications. There is some swelling involved, usually where the incisions have been made. Bruising and swelling are natural consequences of the breast lift. The scars will be red and raised for several months and will gradually fade in color and flatten out. The surgeon will attempt to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. Also, you will experience more pain if you remove the support bandages and your bra for longer than necessary to clean the surgical area.

Q: How long will the results last?
A: As long as you maintain a healthy weight with no significant fluctuations, do not get pregnant, and wear proper support to prevent the skin from over stretching again, the results should last for many years. Please note that effects of aging and gravity cannot be postponed forever and they will eventually sag and droop.

Q: When will I be able to return to work?
A: You should usually be able to return to work within a few days. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for at least three weeks.

Q: Will insurance cover a breast lift?
A: Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover elective surgeries, however it does not hurt to ask. You can also opt for financing this procedure.