breast lift

what is breast lift surgery?

Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, is a cosmetic surgery that recontours the breasts by trimming away excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue to produce a firmer, younger appearance. This life-changing procedure is performed for women who have lost breast firmness, size, and shape but are satisfied with their current volume. Additionally, this treatment can be done for women who experience significant sagging (or ptosis) as a result of aging, significant weight loss, or nursing. At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon and veteran breast lift specialist Dr. Arun Rao takes a comprehensive approach to this life-changing surgery. In addition to raising elongated breast tissue, he can reshape flattened breasts to create a rounder and more supple look. He will also reposition the nipple-areola complex so that it is centered over your breast volume. Through your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rao, he will evaluate your breasts, learn all about your concerns and goals, and craft a personalized surgical program that will achieve your aesthetic goals.

what is a breast augmentation with lift?

In some cases, mastopexy can be paired with a breast augmentation. This dual procedure is known as a combination breast augmentation and lift surgery and involves the placement of a breast implant followed by the excision and lifting of sagging breast tissue to create a fuller, perkier appearance. These two surgeries are often combined for patients who have sagging skin due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss and require added volume along with the removal of excess skin. If you’re interested in a combination augmentation and lift, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rao. He will perform an evaluation of your breasts and assess if this technique is suitable for your needs and goals.

what are the benefits of a breast lift?

Sagging breast tissue and stretched-out skin can result in cosmetic and functional problems. You may feel self-conscious about your appearance or have difficulty finding bras and tops that fit well. A breast lift can address these concerns by creating a more youthful breast shape. Patients choose to work alongside Dr. Rao because we employ the latest techniques and technologies to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. We also take a comprehensive approach to your care, ensuring that your overall health and well-being are considered throughout your treatment journey.

what is the technique for a breast lift?

Breast lift surgery usually takes around two hours and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The timeframe of this treatment depends on the nature of breast size and sagging. The most widely used methods for breast lift are the anchor technique (inverted-T) and the vertical incision technique. Dr. Rao makes every effort to use the smallest incisions possible, but keep in mind that more significant lifts typically require longer incisions. Regardless, Dr. Rao discusses your incision options with you well before your surgery date. The technique used to complete your breast lift will depend on your unique surgical plan, as well as the present condition of your breasts and your goals. To begin the procedure, your incision will be created. Following this, the unwanted portions of loose skin are excised along with breast tissue and fat. The nipple-areola complexes are repositioned and usually reduced in size so that they are now centered over the breast tissue, giving them a healthier and more youthful appearance. If you’re having a combination augmentation with a lift, the implant is placed first and then the sagging breast tissue is addressed. Once he has completed his work on both breasts, Dr. Rao evaluates them for symmetry and closes the incisions.

am i a good candidate for a breast lift?

A surgical breast lift is an excellent option for women who are happy with their breast volume, but their breasts sag as the result of heredity, aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. Mild to severe sagging can typically be remedied with breast lift surgery. Generally, women who pursue this procedure have breasts that exhibit any of the following characteristics:

  • Nipples that naturally rest below the breast crease
  • Nipples that point downward
  • One breast that sits lower than the other
  • Areolas that appear stretched or oversized

During your initial consultation with Dr. Rao, he will perform a physical exam to ensure that you’re a good candidate for a breast lift. Depending on his findings during this appointment, he may recommend a breast augmentation or another type of procedure to give you the results you want. While these two procedures are frequently combined, breast lift regularly creates beautiful, perky results on its own. If you are considering a breast lift, you should be physically healthy and at a good weight.

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Commonly Asked Questions About A breast lift

During your initial consultation, Dr. Rao will listen to your needs and goals before developing your unique treatment plan. After that, you will be provided with a quote. When done well, a breast lift can significantly improve your physical appearance so it’s important to focus on selecting an experienced surgeon with extensive training, like Dr. Rao, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. To help make your procedure easier to afford, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery can work with you and help you find low-interest financing.
Whether you should get a breast lift, implants, or both will depend on your specific goals. For many patients, a breast lift can improve the shape and fullness of the breasts without implants. Dr. Rao will assess your physical condition and listen to your goals during your consultation. From there, he will be able to decide if you should get a lift, implants, or a breast augmentation with a lift.
The nipple-areola complex will be shifted up during the breast lift so it is centered over the breast. If your areolas are overly large or stretched, Dr. Rao will reduce the size of your areolas during your surgery. This can be discussed during your consultation so he can decide on the best incision pattern and technique to use during your breast lift.
With proper care after surgery, your results should last for many years. Your breasts will continue to age normally so you could begin to see sagging and loose skin over time. Factors, like significant weight gain or loss, can alter your results so it’s best to maintain a stable weight after your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding after a breast lift can also affect your results, which is why Dr. Rao recommends patients wait until they are done having children to get a breast lift.
A lift can improve asymmetry in your breasts if they are different in size, firmness, or degree of sagging. Dr. Rao will assess the appearance and condition of your breasts during your consultation and discuss how a lift can help you. During your lift surgery, he will shape the tissue so your breasts are equal in size and position for symmetry.

what can i expect with a breast lift?

After your surgery, you will be fitted with bandages or dressings to protect the incision sites. You’ll also need to wear a support bra for several days to promote your healing and to assist with swelling. At a follow-up appointment, Dr. Rao will remove your dressings and advise you on when you may transition to regular bras. The post-surgical swelling usually goes away within several weeks. For the first few days after surgery, you’ll likely feel a bit tired and sore. It’s important to give your body the rest it needs during this time so don’t be afraid to ask for help with daily activities. Avoid tasks that would require you to reach or lift anything more than ten pounds. Most patients feel well enough to return to work after about one week, although you’ll need to refrain from more strenuous activities for up to six weeks. Dr. Rao will provide you with in-depth, at-home incision care instructions to help with your healing process. Results following a breast lift surgery begin to take shape after several months as your newly shaped breasts take their new position. The breasts will feel and appear natural, and you will feel healthy and beautiful.
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