Breast Lift
What Is a Breast Lift?
Every woman’s breasts will inevitably begin to droop or sag as a result of age, gravity, pregnancy, or a combination of these factors. A breast lift procedure, also known as mastopexy, is an effective cosmetic surgery designed to reshape and reposition the breasts for a more youthful and perky appearance. The decision to undergo breast lift surgery is a personal one, and our board-certified board-certified St. Peters plastic surgeon – Dr. Jeffrey Copeland – can create a treatment plan catered to each woman’s needs and cosmetic goals.
We invite patients to read the informational sections below to develop a better understanding of what a breast lift is and what the process entails.
- Breast Lift Benefits
- Breast Lift Candidates
- Breast Lift Procedure
- Breast Lift Recovery
- Breast Lift Results
- Breast Lift Cost
- Additional Breast Lift FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery?
Mastopexy can be ideal for women who are unhappy with the appearance of their sagging or drooping breasts. The results can not only benefit a person’s breast contour but also have a strong impact on their self-confidence. In addition, a breast lift can accomplish the following:
- Improve the shape and symmetry of the breasts
- Restore the breasts to a more youthful position and projection
- Reposition the nipples
- Make the breasts look and feel firmer
- Reduce chafing and irritation from excess skin under the breasts
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Candidates for breast lift surgery are frequently individuals experiencing sagging or drooping breasts caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. Patients who consider this procedure often feel unsatisfied with their appearance and desire a more youthful breast position. They should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations for what a breast lift can accomplish, and be non-smokers, as smoking can hinder the healing process. Candidates are encouraged to wait until they have finished having children and breastfeeding, as these factors can affect long-term results. Candidacy can also be established by nipple position and degree of breast ptosis (sagging). If nipples and areolas point downward and breast tissue appears below the inframammary crease, a breast lift may be an effective solution.
During a consultation, Dr. Copeland can determine if you are a candidate for breast lift surgery.
How Is the Breast Lift Procedure Performed?
Breast lift surgery, performed under general anesthesia, is usually completed within two to four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. For the procedure, Dr. Copeland makes an incision along the natural curve of the breast and begins to remove excess skin. If needed, the nipples are also repositioned to a higher, more aesthetically pleasing position. A number of different breast lift techniques are available with Dr. Copeland. After careful examination, he will recommend the most effective technique for the treatment plan. Patients who want to add volume to the breasts in addition to lifting them to a higher position may be able to combine their surgery with breast augmentation. In this case, Dr. Copeland will place implants during the breast lift procedure. Women interested in a breast lift with implants surgery should make sure to discuss their aesthetic goals with Dr. Copeland during the consultation.
Results Gallery
How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Copeland, breast lift results can be long-lasting. However, longevity can be affected by various factors, such as aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and lifestyle choices. Many women enjoy their improved breast contour and more youthful, lifted breast appearance for a decade or more, but the effects can diminish with the passage of time. Results can be preserved for extended periods by maintaining a stable weight, wearing properly fitted and supportive bras, and avoiding smoking.
What Is Recovery From a Breast Lift Like?
Every patient heals differently, so recovery times may vary. Most patients can return to work one week after surgery and go back to their normal daily routines 10 to 14 days following the procedure. Patients should, however, still avoid heavy exercises and strenuous activities until they are cleared by Dr. Copeland to ensure the incisions heal properly. We usually provide patients with a compression garment to aid in the recovery process. Bruising and swelling is normal following the surgery, but these side effects can be easily managed by over-the-counter pain medication and should dissipate over time. Dr. Copeland will provide more detailed post-surgical instructions after the breast lift procedure.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of breast lift surgery (mastopexy) at our practice generally ranges between $11,000-$13,000; however, please note that the price varies among patients and will depend on each individual’s personalized treatment plan.
Factors that can affect the overall expense of treatment include the following:
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anesthesia and surgical facility costs
- Complexity of treatment
- Medication and post-surgical compression garments
- Complementary procedures (e.g., breast augmentation)
Our team can provide a more accurate price quote during the consultation. We accept a variety of payment methods so that patients can choose the best option for them. Our practice also partners with CareCredit®, a third-party lending company that offers payment plans with little- to no- interest rates to qualified patients. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding payment and go over your financing options with you during the consultation.
Additional Breast Lift Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for breast lift surgery?
Here is a guideline featuring some of the ways you can initially prepare for your breast lift:
- Stop smoking
- Avoid certain medications
- Limit alcohol intake
- Arrange for transportation to and from your surgery
- Plan for at least a week of rest
Dr. Copeland will provide any additional pre-operative instructions following your consultation and the development of your treatment plan. This preparation can help contribute to a safer recovery process and more satisfactory results.
How can I reduce swelling following breast lift surgery?
Although swelling is common after breast lift surgery, there are ways to help reduce this side effect. Wearing a supportive compression garment can help control swelling, as well as keeping your upper body elevated when resting and avoiding lying flat on your back. Staying hydrated can also help mitigate swelling.
Will I have visible breast lift scars?
Breast lift surgery will leave scars, as incisions are necessary to remove excess skin and reshape the breasts. However, the extent and visibility of scars typically depend on the surgical technique used and your skin’s healing ability. Over time, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable. Following Dr. Copeland’s aftercare instructions can help minimize scarring and promote optimal healing.
Contact Us
If you want to know more about breast lift surgery or the other cosmetic procedures we offer, contact our practice today! We can also help schedule your initial consultation to find out if breast lift surgery can benefit you.
