Breast Lift

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, corrects sagging breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue to create a more youthful, lifted appearance.

The surgery can reposition and resize the areola, tighten breast skin, and elevate the nipple-areola complex. It does not significantly change breast size, but you can combine breast augmentation or breast reduction with a mastopexy to add or subtract volume.

How Should You Prepare for Breast Lift Surgery?

First, you will have a thorough consultation with one of our surgeons to determine your goals for your procedure. The clinic’s patient coordinator will then guide you through all the details of the planning process, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.

Preparation Tips

• Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, as these can increase bleeding.
• Quit smoking at least a couple of months before surgery and throughout recovery.
• Don’t eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.
• Make sure that you have someone who can drive you home after surgery.
• Prepare your home and fill prescriptions before your surgery day.
• Schedule time off work for your recovery.

How Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

While you are under general anesthesia, your surgeon makes the smallest possible incisions to remove excess skin and elevate the nipple to a perkier, more youthful position. These incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. In some cases, your surgeon may use liposuction to further refine your breast shape and adjacent contours.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Breast Lift?

Recovery from a breast lift varies, but here are some general guidelines to help you understand what to expect:

• First 24 hours post-op: You will have light bandages over the breast incisions. You’ll wear a surgical bra to minimize swelling and maintain the breasts’ shape. You may feel some tightness in the breasts, but postoperative pain is usually minimal, and you can manage it with pain medication.
• 2 to 4 days post-op: You’ll experience some swelling initially, but this will typically dissipate quickly. Many patients are ready to return to nonstrenuous jobs and school in about 3 to 5 days. We’ll call to check your progress about 48 hours after your surgery.
• 2 to 4 weeks post-op: Bruising, swelling, and discomfort improve dramatically in the first two weeks. You’ll have a follow-up visit with your surgeon about two weeks after your procedure.
• 4 to 6 weeks post-op: Most patients can return to vigorous workouts around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Your scars will continue to fade for up to a year.

These timelines are general and can vary from patient to patient. Always follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.