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Breast Lift

A breast lift restores a firmer, perkier, and more aesthetically pleasing shape to droopy breasts.

Should You Consider A Breast Lift?

Dr. Fan understands that a woman’s breasts can be one of the most psychologically challenging aspects of a woman’s sense of self. While its biological job is to nurture a child it is also one of the many ways a woman conveys and expresses her sexuality. And so he understands that between time and childbirth, when the breast begings to sag or lose its fullness, it can truly affect the way a woman feels about her body. This is a why the breast lift has become a very popular procedure, particularly for mothers.



Are You A Candidate?

Our Breast Enhancement Self Evaluation can help you decide if a breast lift is the right procedure for you.

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Overview

A Return To Form

When you wear a tight t-shirt, or stand naked in front of a mirror, you want your breasts to reflect the way you feel inside. You’re still a vibrant, energetic, and passionate woman. So whether your problem is that your breasts have begun to sag downward on the chest of whether your breasts have lost volume due to breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging, Dr. Fan can offer you a return to form.

With Dr. Fan’s deep understanding of breast anatomy, combined with his artistic eye, you can be confident that the results, whether you need a lift to eliminate sagging or an implant to correct for deflation, will be individually tailored to your own unique body.

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if you wish to improve the shape and appearance of droopy or misshapen breasts.

The most common reasons women choose breast lift surgery include:

  • To restore a better breast shape following pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • To improve breast contour after significant weight loss
  • To enjoy a beautiful, perky shape for the first time for women who have had drooping breasts since their teens

While the other way to confirm whether or not a breast lift is right for you is to consult with Dr. Fan, there are a couple of questions you can ask youself to get a general idea about how a breast lift might help improve your breast shape:

  • Do your nipples seem to point downward?
  • Does the nipple or areola sit below the natural creast underneath your breast?
  • Are you happy with your breast size when wearing a bra? A breast lift alone will not significantly change the size of your breasts. It can help your breasts look fuller, rounder, and better in a bra, but if you would like your breasts to be larger or smaller, then a breast lift in conjunction with a breast augmentation or reduction may be the right option for you. Some women also choose to add modest implant to a breast lift to add fullness in the upper part of the breast.
  • Are your breasts asymmetrical or unusually shaped? Since breast lift surgery reshapes the breast tissue as well as lifts sagging breasts, this procedure can be very effective in improving breast symmetry and overall shape.

It’s important to be in good overall health, to be a non-smoker, and to have realistic expectations.

Will You Need A Breast Lift Along With Your Augmentation?

It’s important to know that some women who see us for breast augmentation are surprised that Dr. Fan may recommend a breast lift along with augmentation to achieve a pleasing fullness and shape. This happens most commonly, but not always, after having children.

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Fan will diagnose the degree of breast sagging and your individual goals for surgery. The treatment plan you decide on depends entirely on your preferences. Dr. Fan will help you determine which type of breast lift is right for you and whether or not an implant is appropriate. He will also review the results that can be realistically achieved.

Procedure Steps

Lift Sagging Breasts

Drooping breasts come in an infinite variety of shapes. The droopiness can be extreme with the breasts shapeless and laying against the body. It can also be mild in which a breast is full, firm, and projecting, yet the nipple or breast itself may be a bit low or need reshaping.

A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, can be a small elevation of the nipple, a reduction in size of the areala, a generalized tightening of loose breast skin, or a general lift of breasts that have fallen way down. The core concept of mastopexy is that the breast volume remains the same and the existing volume is reshaped and lifted to create a more attractive breast.

In all cases, a breast lift requires removal of some breast skin. The amount and location of skin removal depends upon the breasts’ shape. This is why some lift scars just go around the areola, others go around the areola and down to the bottom, and yet other go around the areola, down to the bottom, and across the bottom.

Since the more aggressive the lift, the longer the scars, Dr. Fan prefers to execute the short scar breast lift procedure by using the lest amount of lift to achieve the desired result. However, he also understands that too little can sometimes not be enough. The optimal lift shoud be enough to position the breasts and nipples properly and eliminate sagging.

Dr. Fan’s goal in breast lift surgery is to create the most attractive breast shape possible with the least amount of scarring. However, no matter what technique is used and no matter how carefully Dr. Fan performs his suturing (and he is very meticulous!), some degree of scarring is inevitable. A breast lift is a trade-off between shape and scar, and each patient has to decide for herself what is right for her.

Dr. Fan performs every type of breast lift operation, including the “crescent,” “donut,” “Benelli,” “lollipop,” “vertical,” “Wise pattern,” “anchor”, “circumareolar”, “SPAIR”, “no vertical incision” breast lift, and others. He sees a role for each and will explain to you the risks and benefits of the methods as they pertain to you.

Breast Lift Details

Performed under general anesthesia, Dr. Fan removes skin from around the nipple and lower part of the breast that results in a tightening of the skin and breast tissue, lifting the breast upwards. He also internally remolds and sculpts the breast tissue because the reshaped contour results in perkier, more youthful breasts. The nipple remains attached to the underlying mounds of tissue, so nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed is usually retained.

Breast Lift Scars

All women getting a breast lift wants to have the shortest scar, the best quality scar, and the best breast shape possible. Sometimes, all three goals are achievable with one lift type, but more often there are some tradeoffs. For instance, in most situtations, a scar that is just around the areola results in the shortest scar, but it is often the widest scar as well as the scar with the least ablity to project and to lift the breast.

Since Dr. Fan performs all of the different types of breast lift procedures in conjunction with breast augmentation, he can help you sort through your options to find what will give you the result you want based on the shape of your breasts.

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Common Breast Lift Scars

An Important Warning: Breast Implants Alone Do Not Lift Sagging Breasts!

A breast implant alone can fill out a mildly deflated breast. This can be an appropriate choice for some women with naturally small breasts who experience mild hollowing after breast feeding.

For women with more extensive skin laxity, a breast lift is needed. Trying to substitute an implant for a lift only makes the problem worse. An implant does not correct droopiness. In fact, adding weight to such a breast, at best, only worsens the droopiness, and in order to adequately fill a loose breast envelope it makes the patient take a larger implant than she wishes.

Recovery

What to Expect After Treatment*

You will typically be discharged home to a caretaker shortly after surgery.

Most patients report that the discomfort after a breast lift is mild and controllable with medications. You should expect some swelling, numbness, and gathering of the incisions.

You should be able to resume light activities 2-5 days after surgery. Many patients return to work within the first week after surgery, depending on the nature of their job. You will be able to resume low impact exercises after about 4 weeks.

You should expect to wear a soft supportive bra and to sleep on your back at an incline for several weeks after surgery.

Residual soreness, swelling, sensitivity, abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling, and gathering of the wounds should gradually subside over the first 3-6 months after surgery. Scars are often initially pink, red, or purple, and slightly raised. They will fade and flatten over several months.

Choosing A Surgeon

The Artist’s Eye

A breast lift is a highly demading procedure that requires a high level of skill, knowledge, planning, execution, and artistry.

With Dr. Fan’s deep understanding of breast anatomy, combined with his artistic eye, you can be confident that the results, whether you need a lift to eliminate sagging or an implant to correct for deflation, will be individually tailored to your own unique body.

Costs

Exact Costs Vary Depending On Your Specific Needs and Desired Results

The cost of a breast lift varies from person to person depending on your specific needs and desired results.

Factors that contribute to the cost of treatment include:

  • Your particular needs and goals
  • The extent and specific type of breast lift procedure chosen
  • The experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon
  • Any advanced technology or surgical techniques that may be used
  • The geographic location where the procedure takes place
  • The surgical facility used
  • The type of anesthesia a patient selects

Costs of surgery may include fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, operating room, facility, equipment, implants, garments, aftercare, lab tests, and medications.

The cost of a breast lift ranges from $10,000 to $40,000.

We offer a range of patient financing plans including low monthly payment plans and plans for those with suboptimal credit histories.

You can find more information about our Financing plans here

See Your Results

Get The Lift You’ve Always Wanted

The effect of a breast lift is seen immediately and is life changing. It is understandable that one should expect long-lasting results after going through surgery. Several factors affect the longevity of a breast lift: The first is your skin elasticity and tissue firmness; poor skin elasticity and lack of firmness will generally shorten the duration of your results. The need for breast implant to restore volume and firmness will also affect longevity. Life events such as pregnancy and weight loss can also affect the results of your surgery. Finally, the technique and talent of your plastic surgeon will play a major role.

Dr. Fan and his team are known for their artistic eye, experience, and meticulous attention to detail.  Results are always natural looking with noticeable improvement.

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Breast Lift FAQ

What is a breast lift (mastopexy)?

Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and lifts and reshapes breast tissue and the nipple and areola to improve the shape, firrmness, and appearance of sagging breasts.

Am I a candidate for mastopexy?

If you have noticed that your breasts are sagging and that the effects of breastfeeding, aging, gravity, genetics, or weight changes are taking their toll on your breasts, you may be a good candidate for mastopexy. It is important to be in good overall health and to have realistic expections.

When is mastopexy usually performed?

Women often seek out breast lift surgery after breastfeeding, which can cause deflation and sagging. Drooping may also occur with age, gravity, smoking, or weight changes. A breast lift may also be performed at any age for women who have had misshapen or asymmetrical breasts since their teens.

If you are planning to have more children, you should consider postponing your breast lift procedure until you have completed your family since another pregnancy could prompt additional drooping.

How can I avoid scars?

Dr. Fan’s goal in breast lift surgery is to create the most attractive breast shape possible with the least amount of scarring. However, no matter what technique is used, some degree of scarring is inevitable. A breast lift is a trade-off between shape and scar, and each patient has to decide for herself what is right for her. Dr. Fan will help you determine which type of breast lift procedure is right for you. 

Can I avoid a breast lift if I get implants?

In a nutshell, no. Breast implants alone do not lift sagging breasts.

In select patients, a breast implant alone can fill out a mildly deflated breast. This can be an appropriate choice for some women with naturally small breasts who experience mild hollowing after breastfeeding.

For women with more extensive skin laxity, a breast lift is needed. Trying to substitute an implant for a lift only makes the problem worse. An implant does not correct droopiness. In fact, adding weight to such a breast, at best, only worsens the droopiness, and in order to adequately fill a loose breast envelope, it makes the patient take a larger implant than she wishes.

Do I need an implant with my breast lift?

A breast lift alone will not significantly change the size of your breasts. It can help your breasts look fuller, rounder, and better in a bra, but if you would like your breasts to be larger or smaller, then a breast lift in conjunction with a breast augmentation or reduction may be the right option for you. Some women also choose to add modest implant to a breast lift to add fullness in the upper part of the breast.

What are the risks of a breast lift?

A breast lift is a very popular procedure and is generally considered safe. However, all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, and a breast lift is no exception.

The risks of breast lift surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, adverse reaction to anesthesia, delayed healing, tissue loss, altered sensibility, and suboptimal results.

When can I return to work?

Most patients can return to work and light activities in 3-7 days.

What is the recovery time?

You should be able to resume light activities 2-5 days after surgery. Many patients return to work within the first week after surgery, depending on the nature of their job. You will be able to resume low impact exercises after about 4 weeks.

What are the different techniques for breast lift?

In all cases, a breast lift requires removal of some breast skin. The amount and location of skin removal depends upon the breasts’ shape. This is why some lift scars just go around the areola, others go around the areola and down to the bottom, and yet other go around the areola, down to the bottom, and across the bottom. All patients and surgeons want to keep the scars as short as possible, but the most important decision about the scar is selecting the one that will create the most beautiful breast shape.

Dr. Fan performs all types of breast lift operations, including the “crescent,” “donut,” “Benelli,” “lollipop,” “vertical,” “Wise pattern,” “anchor”, “circumareolar”, “SPAIR”, “no vertical incision” breast lift, and others. He will help you sort through these choices to determine which is best for you.

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Related Procedures

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a procedure that enhances the shape, size, and proportions of a woman’s breasts using implants.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation

 

Breast Reduction

A breast reduction reduces the size and weight of large, heavy breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of the figure or causing issues such as back pain.

Learn More About Breast Reduction

Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover is a series of procedures designed to help you regain your pre-pregnancy figure. A Mommy Makeover often includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancement.

Learn More About Mommy Makeover

VIEW ALL PROCEDURES
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“He is a great doctor with very good bedside manners:) I could not be happier with my decision in choosing Dr. Fan. He is always available when I need him, returns my calls promptly, and cares about follow-up appointments. He wants the improvement for me as much as I want it, and is willing to work with me until the end. Compared to past experiences, he is refreshing and a great surgeon, very talented :)”*

— W.L.

Why Dr. Larry Fan & 77 Plastic Surgery

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Larry Fan, MD

 
Dr. Larry Fan is an award winning, Harvard educated, and nationally recognized plastic surgeon. He is a progressive, compassionate thinker who is committed to achieving the highest levels of excellence and the very best aesthetic results. Dr. Fan is an expert facelift surgeon who is known for achieving natural beauty, never “overdone.”
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Harvard Trained & One of America's Top Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Fan is known for his elegant sense of artistry and refined surgical skills. He will perform your surgery with expert, world-class execution and has the results to prove.

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Exceptional Results & Award Winning Care

Dr. Fan and his team are committed to providing you with exceptional care, counseling, and support before, during, and after surgery. We take pride and joy in caring for you and have received numerous awards for our compassionate care.

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State-of-the-Art Office & Private Surgery Center

Come relax in our beautiful office and enjoy the comfort, safety, and privacy of our fully accredited onsite private surgery center.

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  • How to look great at any age
  • How to find a beauty team that you can trust
  • How to choose the right skin care products for your skin type
  • How to choose between The Needle and The Knife

This book was written by top plastic surgeon, Dr. Larry Fan.

 

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Ready to Get Firmer, Perkier, and More Shapely Breasts?

Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fan here.

During your consultation, Dr. Fan and his team will review your medical history and cosmetic goals, perform an evaluation, and discuss your treatment options. Dr. Fan will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and review the results that can be realistically achieved. Dr. Fan will also help you determine which type of breast lift is right for you. Every patient is unique, and we will determine a customized treatment plan to meet your specific condition, needs, and goals

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