Quick Facts About Breast Lift Procedures
- Sedation: General anesthesia
- Common Benefits: More lifted, youthful-looking, and proportionate breasts; enhanced confidence; ability to wear a larger range of clothing
- Procedure Length: Approximately two hours
- Recovery Time: Non-strenuous activity can typically be continued after one to two weeks; intense physical activities should be avoided for at least a month
What Is a Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery (medically referred to as “mastopexy”) is a cosmetic procedure performed to resolve breast sagging and restore the breasts to a more youthful shape and position on the chest. This usually requires lifting and repositioning the breast volume to a higher and more natural position on the chest wall, repositioning the nipple-areolar complexes to a higher position on the breast, and often decreasing the size of the areolas. Key benefits of mastopexy typically include a rejuvenated breast aesthetic; enhanced breast contour and symmetry; a better look and fit in various clothes, bras, and swimsuits; and improved confidence and self-image.
Board-certified Kelowna plastic surgeon Brian J. Miller, MD is highly skilled and experienced in breast lift surgery. For more information about this option, we invite you to continue reading the sections below and contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. Miller.
- Breast Lift Benefits
- Breast Lift Candidates
- Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction
- Complementary Procedures to Breast Lift Surgery
- Breast Lift Procedure
- Breast Lift Recovery
- Breast Lift Results
- Breast Lift Scars
- Breast Lift Cost
- Additional Breast Lift FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery can provide many aesthetic benefits to patients and help boost their self-confidence. A mastopexy can do the following to help you look and feel your best:
- Correct breast sagging (ptosis)
- Improve breast shape and symmetry
- Raise the position and projection of the breasts
- Resolve breast contour issues or asymmetries
- Improve the proportion, symmetry, and/or position of the nipple-areolar complexes
- Restore the breasts to their pre-pregnancy or pre-weight loss appearance
- Rejuvenate the overall look of the breasts
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Good candidates for breast lift surgery are typically women who want their breasts to have a perkier and/or more proportionate appearance. Mastopexy patients must be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about surgery. It is important to note that while a breast lift can improve breast shape and restore some fullness to the upper pole of the breast, it will not enhance the size of the breasts. Therefore, if a simultaneous increase in breast volume and significant upper pole fullness are desired, a combination of mastopexy and breast augmentation may be more appropriate.
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery is to have a consultation with Dr. Miller. He will carefully evaluate your needs and goals to provide the best treatment plan for you.
What Is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery aims to remove excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue to reduce breast size and weight, while also lifting and reshaping the breasts for a more balanced, youthful look. The procedure typically involves elevating the nipple-areola complex to a higher, more aesthetic position and refining breast contours by removing loose or stretched skin.
Because a breast reduction combines the reshaping and lifting benefits of a mastopexy with the added goal of decreasing volume, it can be an ideal option for individuals who want to address both breast sagging and size concerns. If you wish to significantly improve breast proportion, reduce ptosis, and achieve a lighter, more comfortable bustline, Dr. Miller can customize a surgical plan to create results tailored to your cosmetic goals.
Complementary Procedures to Breast Lift Surgery
Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Miller is often able to combine breast lift surgery with additional procedures. As discussed above, mastopexy performed alongside breast reduction techniques can produce a more lifted and proportionate bustline. This process can include liposuction for patients who wish to further contour the area. Alternatively, those who desire increased volume and lift may be suited for a breast lift with implants (known in the medical world as “augmentation/mastopexy.”)
At our practice, Dr. Miller frequently combines procedures to contour the breasts, body, and face to achieve multiple aesthetic goals at once. As a seasoned medical professional, he has a record of exceptional surgical outcomes. No matter the treatments you are interested in, Dr. Miller will personalize a plan to help you obtain your desired appearance with truly natural-looking results.
What Does the Breast Lift Procedure Involve?
The breast lift procedure is performed using a wise pattern (anchor), vertical (lollipop), or periareolar (donut) incision, with the wise pattern and vertical techniques being far more common. Through the selected incision, Dr. Miller will excise extra skin, elevate the breasts to a more desirable position, and reshape glandular tissue until an optimal outcome is attained. If needed, he can also adjust the size of the breasts, as well as the size or location of the nipple-areolar complexes to create a more proportionate and natural look. Total treatment time typically takes about two hours, and most patients can return home the same day under the care of a friend or family member.
What Is Recovery from a Breast Lift Like?
After breast lift surgery, you can expect some degree of bruising and/or swelling initially, though these symptoms should resolve with time. Post-operative discomfort is almost always manageable with oral pain medications. Office jobs, errands, and other non-strenuous daily routines can usually be resumed within the first one to two weeks, but you will need to refrain from heavy lifting, intense exercise, and other physical activities for a minimum of four weeks to allow for optimal healing. After this period, a gradual return to normal activities is generally possible.
How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?
Breast lift results can last for many years; however, the natural aging process, weight changes, pregnancy, and gravity may still affect the appearance of the breasts as time progresses. Since pregnancy and gaining weight can alter breast lift results, Dr. Miller usually recommends that women wait until they are done having children to go forward with mastopexy surgery.
What Will My Breast Lift Surgery Scars Look Like?
As with any major surgery that involves incisions, breast lift surgery is liable to cause scarring. With this in mind, Dr. Miller employs advanced surgical methods to minimize scarring to the best of his ability, and is always careful to place incisions in discreet locations. Moreover, scars that do appear should fade over time and can usually be hidden with clothing, bras, and bathing suits.*
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of breast lift surgery varies between patients. Factors that can affect the total expense of treatment include the surgeon’s fee, complexity of treatment, operating facility costs, and anesthesia fees. Combining your breast lift with augmentation will also increase the price of surgery. During your consultation, our team can give you a more accurate price estimate for your treatment plan. We will go over the different payment methods we accept and answer any questions you may have concerning financing for breast lift surgery.
If you would like to learn more about mastopexy, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, please contact our office today by calling (250) 868-4870 or by completing our online contact form.
Additional Breast Lift FAQs
Is breast lift surgery safe?
When performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, breast lift surgery is generally regarded as a safe and well-established cosmetic procedure. Dr. Miller uses advanced surgical techniques and adheres to strict safety protocols to help minimize risks and promote optimal healing. During your consultation, he will review any potential complications in detail so you can make a fully informed decision.
Is breast lift surgery painful?
Because breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, most patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure. Some discomfort may occur in the days following surgery, but this is usually manageable with oral pain medication and tends to improve quickly as the healing process progresses.
Does a breast lift improve volume?
While breast lift surgery can improve the appearance of fullness in the upper breast, it cannot increase breast size. If you desire enhanced volume or a more prominent upper pole, Dr. Miller may recommend combining your breast lift with implants.
To learn more about mastopexy or schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, feel free to contact our office today!