Breast Lift Surgery Overview: Procedure & Benefits

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

If your feel your breasts have flattened, sagged, lost shape and volume, or your nipples and areola point downward, you may consider breast lift surgery. Women’s breasts mature over time and lose their firmness and youthful contour. The breast lift or mastopexy procedure raises the breasts by removing excess tissue, and then reshaping and supporting the breast, which restores a youthful, uplifted appearance. A breast lift does not change the size of the breasts, it just lifts and supports the breast tissue that is present. If you have large or elongated areolas, which is the darkened tissue surrounding the nipple, they can be reduced at the time of your breast lift.

If you desire volume to your breasts, you may consider a breast lift combined with breast augmentation. Breast augmentation can either be done at the same time as your breast lift or staged, depending on surgeon preference. Details on breast augmentation can be found on the web home page. Breast lift surgery alone or in combination with augmentation is highly individualized, and Dr. Totonchi can assist you in determining which procedure is right for you. Breast surgery should not be considered until childbearing is complete. Significant weight loss or weight gain after breast surgery can negatively impact the final result achieved.

Am I a Candidate For Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery can benefit many women who feel insecure about their breasts by boosting their self-esteem and making them feel more comfortable with their bodies. Candidates for breast lifts include women who:

• Have flat or sagging breasts
• Want to restore their breast shape after pregnancy
• Have nipples that point downward
• Want to enhance their breasts after significant weight loss

What can I expect after breast lift surgery?

The results of the breast lift procedure are visible immediately. The final breast result will continue to improve over 3 months, as the breast shape and position form. You will have an incision around the areola, a linear incision vertically on the inferior portion of the breast, and a horizontal linear scar near the breast crease. The incisions heal within 7-10 days. Scars will continue to mature for a full year after your breast surgery. Once your incisions heal, scar massage, moisturizing creams, and silicone sheeting strips help to minimize the appearance of the scars. Be aware that your breasts will continue to change over time as your breasts age and mature.

You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Pain is variable from patient to patient. The maximum pain will be in the first 48-72 hours. Most people tolerate breast lift surgery well and feel good 5-7 days post-op, and return to work after the first week. Wearing a good support bra/sports bra post-op is important. You may return to your regular exercise routine 6-8 weeks after surgery. Instructions about post-operative care are provided to each patient and can also be printed from Dr. Totonchi’s website.

Give us a call today to schedule with Dr. Totonchi (440) 461-7999 for more information or click here to schedule an appointment.

Breast Lift FAQs

How Long Will My Results Last?
Breast lift surgery results are long-lasting. However, your breasts will continue to age naturally and the results can be affected by weight gain and/or pregnancy. To see the results of Dr. Totonchi’s breast lift procedures, please view the before-and-after breast lift photo gallery.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery is an elective procedure that insurance companies do not cover. Please contact our staff if you are interested in learning about our financing options. We would be happy to assist you and answer all of your questions.

Is Breast Lift Surgery Safe?
As with any surgery, the breast lift procedure does come with the risk of complications. Dr. Totonchi is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and takes all of the necessary steps to help reduce risk, as patient safety is his top priority. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Totonchi will discuss the risks with you and address any concerns you may have.

Zeeba Clinic and Medspa Consultation in Cleveland, OH

Are you interested in learning more? We invite you to schedule an appointment with us at Zeeba Clinic and Medspa. When you have a consultation, we’ll talk about your aesthetic goals and help you decide which type of treatment is right for you. Contact us today to get started!

What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

A breast lift, medically known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging breasts and restore a more youthful, uplifted appearance. This surgery is ideal for individuals whose breasts have lost their shape and volume due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuations.

The primary goal of a breast lift is to elevate and reshape the breast tissue, repositioning the nipples and areolas to a more aesthetically pleasing location. While it doesn't increase breast size, it effectively removes excess skin and tightens the remaining tissue, creating a firmer, more lifted contour.

Benefits of a Breast Lift

Undergoing a breast lift can offer significant psychological and physical benefits, leading to increased self-confidence and improved body image. Many patients report feeling more comfortable in their clothing and experiencing a renewed sense of femininity after the procedure.

Beyond the aesthetic improvements, a breast lift can also alleviate discomfort associated with overly large or sagging breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain. The procedure can also correct issues like inverted nipples or enlarged areolas, further enhancing the overall appearance and comfort.

The Breast Lift Procedure Explained

The breast lift procedure typically involves making incisions around the areola, extending downwards to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the crease itself. The surgeon then removes excess skin and reshapes the underlying breast tissue to achieve the desired lift and contour.

Depending on the patient's goals, a breast lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with breast augmentation or reduction. Dr. Guyuron will discuss the most suitable surgical technique based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic aspirations during your consultation.

Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery

Recovery from a breast lift is a gradual process, with most patients experiencing initial discomfort and swelling for the first few days. It's common to feel significant improvement within 5-7 days post-operation, allowing a return to light activities and work shortly thereafter.

While the immediate results are noticeable, the final shape and position of the breasts will continue to refine over approximately three months. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following post-operative care instructions, such as scar massage and moisturizing, will contribute to optimal healing and minimize scar visibility.