What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift can elevate the breasts to a more flattering and youthful position, helping to disguise the effects of aging, pregnancy, and nursing. For women who have experienced a significant loss of volume, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation to enhance size and overall fullness. We encourage you to explore our photo gallery to view before and after pictures of patients who have undergone this procedure at PRMA.

While a breast lift is suitable for women of all breast sizes, the results tend to last longer for those with smaller breasts. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss how a breast lift can enhance your specific figure and which type of lift will yield the best results. Additionally, similar to breast reduction surgery, many patients are candidates for minimally invasive or “short-scar” breast lift techniques, which reduce visible scarring on the breast.

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Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

While both breast lift and breast augmentation procedures enhance the appearance of the breasts, they address different concerns and produce distinct outcomes. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed to reshape and lift sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure is ideal for individuals seeking a more youthful, elevated breast contour without significantly changing their breast size.

Breast augmentation, on the other hand, focuses on increasing the size and volume of the breasts through implants or fat transfer. This procedure is ideal for those who desire fuller, larger breasts or want to restore lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss.

In some cases, patients may benefit from combining a breast lift with augmentation to address sagging while also enhancing size and fullness. Your surgeon will help determine the best approach based on your unique anatomy, aesthetic goals, and desired outcomes.

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 How to Prepare for a Breast Lift

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful breast lift procedure. Typically, the process begins with a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine if a breast lift is right for you. During this appointment, your surgeon may conduct a physical exam, take measurements, and outline the surgical plan, including incision placement and expected results.

Here’s how to prepare for a breast lift:

• Review Medications and Supplements: Discuss your current medications or supplements with your surgeon, as some may need to be adjusted or paused before surgery.
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, you’ll need to stop several weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of complications and promote healing.
• Complete Pre-Surgical Tests: You may need to undergo lab tests or imaging, such as a mammogram, to ensure you’re in good health.
• Follow Preoperative Instructions: Avoid certain foods, drinks, or medications as directed by your surgeon in the days leading up to surgery.
• Arrange Post-Surgery Support: Plan for someone to drive you home after the procedure and assist you during the initial recovery period.

By carefully following your surgeon’s guidance, you can help ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results.

What to Expect After a Breast Lift

Following breast lift surgery, most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the chest area, which is typically managed with prescribed pain medication and supportive garments. You may also be advised to wear a surgical bra or compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.

Here are some key post-operative care instructions and guidelines:

• Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and raising your arms above shoulder level for at least 4-6 weeks. Light activities and short walks are encouraged after the first few days to promote circulation.
• Incision Care: Keep the surgical sites clean and dry. Your surgeon may provide specific instructions on caring for the incisions, including applying ointments or changing dressings.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
• Sleeping Position: Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to minimize swelling and avoid putting pressure on your chest.

Signs of Potential Complications

While complications are rare, it’s important to watch for:

• Fever or chills
• Persistent swelling or redness around the incisions
• Severe or worsening pain
• Sudden changes in breast shape or sensation
• Unusual discharge or signs of infection

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact your surgeon immediately.

Typical Recovery Time

The first few days after undergoing a breast lift are focused on rest and healing. You’ll head home the same day wearing a special surgical bra. You should plan to take it easy — catch up on your favorite shows and have someone help with daily tasks. While you’ll need to limit arm movements, short walks around the house help circulation, and any discomfort is typically well-managed with prescribed medication.

Weeks 2-3: Getting Back to Routine

Most patients feel ready to return to office work and light daily activities. You’ll still need to wear your support garment, but you’ll notice daily improvements. We’ll check your healing progress during your follow-up visit and discuss gradually increasing activities.

One Month and Beyond

Around 4-6 weeks, you can return to your normal routine, including light workouts (avoiding chest exercises for now). Your swelling will continue improving, and your scars will start fading. Many patients feel comfortable switching to regular bras at this point, though we’ll guide you on timing.

The Final Result

By 2-3 months, you’ll be back to all your usual activities and enjoying your results. While your breasts will continue to settle into their final position over several months, you’ll already see a dramatic improvement in their shape and position.
Remember, everyone heals differently, and these timelines are just guidelines. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your recovery progresses smoothly and safely.

Paying for a Breast Lift

We’re proud to offer various payment options for breast lift procedures to make the process as accessible as possible. Whether choosing to pay upfront, utilize financing plans, or explore third-party payment solutions, we aim to provide flexible options tailored to your needs.

Available Payment Options:

• Cash or credit card payments
• Financing plans through medical lenders such as CareCredit
• Health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs), if applicable
• Combination of payment methods to suit your budget

Ideal Candidates for This Service

Ideal candidates for breast lift procedures are individuals who are in good overall health and wish to address sagging or drooping breasts caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or genetics. Those who typically have sufficient breast tissue and are happy with their current breast size but want to achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance are also ideal candidates for breast lift procedures.

Non-smokers, or those willing to quit smoking prior to surgery, are preferred, and candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. Finally, candidates should be at or near their ideal body weight and committed to maintaining a stable weight for lasting results.