Breast Lift Surgery

(Breast Mastopexy)

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed to lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest. This cosmetic procedure can improve the appearance of the breasts by counteracting ‘ptosis,’ or breasts that sag or droop. Breast lifts can also improve breasts that have a deflated look, as if there is too much skin for the amount of breast tissue present.

What You Should Know About a Breast Lift

Many breast lift surgeries are performed after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, as these events may contribute to the sagging or drooping of breast tissue. Ptosis can also be caused by aging or heredity; this procedure is popular among women ages 30 to 65. If your breasts point downwards rather than outwards, or lack the firmness they had in your younger years, consider breast augmentation to counteract these effects. Following a breast lift, although the bra size may remain unchanged, patients notice a significant difference in the shape and appearance of the breasts.

Find out if you are a good candidate for a breast lift.

How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

A breast lift is performed with general anesthesia and usually takes about one to three hours. During breast lift surgery, an incision allows the surgeon to remove excess skin in order to reposition the breasts on the chest. This incision begins around the areola and nipple, and may continue vertically down the breast, or across the horizontal fold line underneath the breast, depending on the goals of the procedure.

The removal of excess skin elevates the breast tissue, resulting in younger, perkier-looking, and firmer breasts. Breast lifts may be combined with breast augmentation to increase the overall size and volume of the breasts. Following the removal of excess skin, the breast tissue is sculpted into a more aesthetically-pleasing contour by the surgeon. Finally, the incision sites are closed using sutures.

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Breast Lift Recovery

After a breast lift, you can expect your chest to feel sore or tender for a week or two. The breast area will be wrapped in surgical dressings and a compression garment, which must be worn for at least two weeks to promote healing and reduce swelling. Common side effects following breast lift surgery include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and changes in nipple sensitivity. The incision sites may itch as they heal. Most of the side effects will subside within two weeks, by which point most patients return to work. Some residual swelling may last for up to three months. For the first few months after surgery, patients should avoid strenuous physical activities, particularly those that would stress the chest area, such as lifting the arms over the head.

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How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The average surgeon’s fee for a breast lift is about $4,200 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additional fees, including anesthesia and the operating room, push the total costs of a breast lift to between $5,000 and $8,000. When inquiring about breast lift costs, be sure to ask about the total expense, not just the surgeon’s portion of the fee. There are many variables affecting the costs of a breast lift. Financing is often available for those who can’t afford to pay the costs of breast lift surgery upfront.

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