Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Over time, a woman’s breasts begin to lose their natural shape and elasticity. Age, pregnancy, weight, gravity, and breastfeeding all play a part. Fortunately, breast lift surgery can combat these effects by lifting and reshaping the breasts back to a more youthful size, position, and appearance.
Breast lift surgery is ideal for women tired or unhappy with their sagging breasts, uncomfortable that one breast sags lower than the other, or who feel that their nipples are not as symmetrical as they would like. Breast lifts may also be used to correct nipples and areolae that appear stretched or enlarged, as well as nipples that fall below the breast crease when unsupported. Although a breast lift can be preformed at any age, it is recommended to wait for the breasts to develop fully before being operated upon. And because breast lift surgery can cause a decrease of one-half to a full cup size, the procedure can also be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Breast Lift Consultation & Preparation
Before coming in for your initial consultation, be sure that you are healthy and in good physical condition. It is best to be around your desired weight since a large weight gain or loss after surgery may change the size and shape of your new breasts. If you are a smoker, stop at least two weeks before your breast lift, since surgery is safest for non-smokers. You will also want to avoid aspirin, NSaids (Advil, Motrin), and herbal supplements two weeks prior to and after surgery since these may increase the risk of post-operative bleeding. If you are 35 or older, or have breast abnormalities, Dr. Rosenthal may request that you have a mammogram before your surgery.
Finally, you will select a date for your surgery and schedule a preoperative appointment. At that time, you will be given all your pre- and post-operative instructions, as well as prescriptions for necessary post-operative medications.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
Crescent Lift
The crescent lift removes a section of skin above the nipple to improve its position. Designed to correct nipple asymmetries, it is important to note that a crescent lift does not improve breast sagging or nipple-areolar ptosis. This is a minimally invasive procedure.
Benelli Lift (Circumareolar Lift)
Doughnut-shaped incisions are made around the areola to remove excess tissue and tighten the remaining skin. The Benelli Lift is ideal for patients with smaller breasts, less severe ptosis (sagging), and for those who do not plan on accompanying their breast lift with breast augmentation.
Lollipop Lift (Vertical Scar Mastopexy, LaJour Procedure)
A lollipop-shaped incision is made vertically from the crease of the breast, surrounding the nipple. The Lollipop Lift is best for patients with moderate skin laxity and an absence of transverse or horizontal laxity along the inframammary fold.
Anchor Lift
Although the most invasive breast lift procedure of the four, the anchor lift is also the most powerful and versatile. Anchor Lifts are able to address any amount of excess skin or breast droop, and can correct breasts that are positioned poorly on the chest wall. Similar to the Lollipop Lift, an incision is made vertically from the crease of the breast surrounding the nipples, but also the along inframammary fold, forming an anchor shape.
At your initial consultation, Dr. Rosenthal will measure your breasts and recommend a breast lift procedure appropriate for your breast, body proportions, and desired outcome. Before your first consultation, you may find it useful to browse through Dr. Rosenthal’s Before and After photo gallery and take note of women who share a similar body size and breast shape as yourself.
Read what our patients are saying!
“I appreciate very much the outstanding care I received from everyone concerned. I felt informed and comfortable and confident at all times. Thank you for an excellent surgical experience and result!”
Click here to read more reviews.
Is There Scarring After Breast Lift Surgery? What is the Recovery Process After Getting a Breast Lift?
Both the Lollipop and Anchor Lift will produce visible scarring around the breasts. These will be most noticeable within the first few months while your breasts heal from the operation. Over the next several months, these scars will fade into thin white lines. Although they will never go away completely, there are treatments available to reduce their appearance. Most women find the trade-off between scarring and their new breasts well worthwhile.
The Day of Your Breast Lift Surgery
The night before or the morning of your surgery, you will speak with your anesthesiologist. Usually, general anesthesia is used with breast lift surgeries. Your surgery will be performed at an accredited outpatient surgical center in the greater San Jose area.
Your surgery will last around one and a half hours. Afterwards, you are monitored in the recovery unit for about an hour until you are medically stable and ready for release to your designated caretaker (friend, family member, or nurse) who will take you home.
What Happens After Getting Breast Lift Surgery?
You will return to see Dr. Rosenthal during the next several days for a post-operative check. Further follow-up appointments will be made at that time.
You can be ‘up-and-about’ the day of your surgery, although it is best to wait about four to five days before working or driving. You will need to refrain from vigorous physical activity for four weeks. Dr. Rosenthal will guide you as to when you may resume normal activities.
If you are unhappy with the effects age is having on your breasts, a breast lift with San Jose plastic surgeon Dr. Regina Rosenthal could help you regain a younger-looking figure.
