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What Are the Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery?

Over time, a woman’s breasts can begin to droop or sag due to a variety of different factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, notable weight fluctuations, genetics, or simply the natural aging process. Depending on the unique needs and goals of the patient, breast lift surgery can help:

For individuals who are experiencing volume loss in the breasts in addition to tissue drooping, mastopexy can also be combined with breast augmentation to help increase fullness and restore the breasts to their former size and contour. This combination procedure—known as a breast augmentation with a lift or augmentation-mastopexy—can also be a great option for those who wish to achieve a larger cup size than they had originally.

Am I a Candidate for Mastopexy?

Mastopexy can be an incredibly rewarding and confidence-boosting procedure for many women seeking to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts. Good candidates for breast lift surgery typically include individuals experiencing one or more of the following concerns:

  • Drooping breast tissue
  • Excess, sagging breast skin
  • Breast volume loss
  • Descended and/or downward-facing areolas
  • Disproportionately sized areolas

Additional criteria for mastopexy candidates include being in good overall health, being a non-smoker (or stopping at least six weeks prior to surgery, ideally with no intention of resuming), and having realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. During the consultation, Dr. Boynton will cover all of these particulars in complete detail to ensure breast lift surgery is right for interested patients prior to proceeding with treatment.

Degrees of Breast Ptosis

There are varying levels of sagginess, medically referred to as ptosis, that can affect the breasts. These degrees of breast ptosis are primarily measured by the significance of the reduction in skin elasticity and weakened supportive breast tissue, as well as how low the breasts may be sagging. The distinctions are set by where the breasts are in relation to the inframammary fold (the crease where the lower area of the breast meets the chest) and the position of the nipples. Degrees of breast ptosis are characterized by:

Pseudoptosis

Also referred to as glandular ptosis, pseudoptosis is the mildest form of breast sagging. At this stage, the breasts fall just below the inframammary fold while the nipples are above or slightly above the level of the fold.

Grade I Ptosis

Still a milder form, Grade I Ptosis is when the nipples are right at the level of the fold and breasts sag slightly more than the previous phase.

Grade II Ptosis

During the second phase, the nipples will droop below the level of the fold and breasts are now sagging at a more moderate degree.

Grade III Ptosis

The last grade of ptosis produces the most prominent effects, in which both the breasts and nipples sag below the fold and the nipples point at a downward angle.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Boynton will evaluate the level of ptosis and condition of the skin and tissues to provide a customized treatment plan. He can also discuss other factors, such as any volume loss that has occurred, you might wish to address.

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What Does the Breast Lift Procedure Involve?

The incision for breast lift surgery is essentially the same as breast reduction, without removing any or very little “internal” tissue. The areolas, which are usually dilated and enlarged, are made a bit smaller—this incision fades away around the nipple. There is a vertical incision in the lower aspect of the breast, and an inframammary crease incision that hides in the breast fold. Dr. Boynton typically performs a medial or superior pedicle to elevate the nipple. He feels this leads to a better and longer-lasting breast shape relative to the older inferior pedicle technique that is still very common. In some patients, a lift alone will not be enough, and an implant must be used at the same time. Dr. Boynton has advanced training in augmentation-mastopexy, which is the technique of performing a lift and adding a breast implant simultaneously.

There are some patients that do not want an implant, and in some cases, Dr. Boynton can perform an “auto-autologous” breast lift. Using this approach, the lower central area of breast tissue is “internalized” like a small implant with the breast draping around and over to create an uplifted, round shape.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Breast Lift Surgery?

Following breast lift surgery, most patients can expect some minor swelling, bruising, and/or tenderness in the breasts, though these symptoms should gradually subside over time. Significant pain is very rare after the procedure, and the majority of individuals do not require anything more than over-the-counter medication to relieve potential discomfort. In fact, many of Dr. Boynton’s patients do not need pain medicine at all.

Showering is permissible the day after surgery, and patients are encouraged to get up and walk around at this time. Most non-strenuous activities—such as office jobs and/or light exercise—can often be resumed within a couple of days, but any heavy lifting (anything over 10 pounds) or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of complications.

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

By surgically tightening the breast tissue and removing excess skin, a breast lift procedure should be able to provide long-term results lasting many years. With that said, the natural aging process will continue over time, so being mindful of precautions that can help prolong your results may help to further extend your restorative outcome. Some suggestions include wearing a supportive bra, maintaining a stable weight and avoiding weight fluctuations, refraining from smoking, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using proper SPF sunscreen. All of these safeguards are meant to help care for the newly restored skin elasticity and protect from premature aging.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?

The best answer Dr. Boynton can give for this question is that you have to prepare yourself either way. Many feel it’s like flipping a coin… you might be able to and you might not. A 50/50 chance either way is the best “scientific” answer that we have in plastic surgery on this question. You have to prepare yourself that it may not be possible. It is also important to point out that many patients who never had surgery are unable to breastfeed just because of their anatomy, for whatever reason. In Dr. Boynton’s experience of almost 15 years in practice, it seems to be slightly better than 50 percent that can breastfeed. Dr. Boynton does not recall a patient ever regretting doing a lift before pregnancy. The breast architecture (shape and size) will certainly change in terms of tissue, volume, and possible expansion by some metrics with each pregnancy. Please discuss your wishes regarding future breastfeeding with Dr. Boynton during the initial consultation.

Is a Non-Surgical Breast Lift Possible?

Despite various claims of natural ways to achieve a breast lift, such as chest exercises or firming creams, surgery remains the only reliable solution to diminish the excess, inelastic skin that is associated with breast ptosis. Although exercises may strengthen pectoral muscles and tighten the general area, there is no scientific proof that alternative methods can lift the breasts to a higher, more youthful position compared to the effects of restructuring the internal makeup of the glandular and fat tissues. However, exercises can be a helpful way to maintain a healthy weight and contribute to the longevity of your mastopexy results.

How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost?

At our practice, the price of breast lift surgery usually starts in the range of $10,500 and upwards. There are many individual components that make up the total cost of breast lift surgery. Since each patient’s procedure is customized to her unique needs and treatment goals, the price of a breast lift varies from one individual to another. In addition to anesthesia costs, facility fees, and the surgeon’s fee, some of the factors that go into the final cost include the overall complexity of the procedure, how much time it takes Dr. Boynton to perform the treatment, whether the breast lift is being combined with breast implants or other treatments, and fees for post-surgical garments. For patients who are undergoing a revision breast lift surgery, Dr. Boynton is a breast revision specialist and it is quite common for him to perform these complex procedures. The price range on revision breast lift surgeries will also involve a number of different factors and the total cost will depend on the customized treatment plan.

Dr. Boynton is a firm believer in providing our patients with an upfront, total cost estimate of surgery that includes all related expenses so that there are no surprises. This is why a member of our team will produce an estimate of your breast lift surgery as soon as your treatment plan is created during the initial consultation. We can also talk with you about the array of payment methods we accept, which include plastic surgery financing options that can help qualified applicants pay for their procedure via low- to no-interest monthly payment plans. Together, we can assist you with finding the most convenient way to pay for your breast lift surgery.

Additional Breast Lift FAQs

Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation

If you would like to schedule a breast lift consultation, please contact our board-certified plastic surgeon online or by phone today. Dr. Boynton will be happy to answer your questions and talk with you about all aspects of the procedure.

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