Breast Lift

A breast lift is a procedure that involves removing excess breast skin to tighten and reshape the breasts. It can address various concerns such as reducing the size of the areola, repositioning the nipple and areola upward, tightening a slightly loose breast, reshaping a misshapen breast, lifting a sagging breast, and improving the projection of a “pancaked” breast.

When considering a breast lift, it’s important to weigh the trade-off of scars against the desired shape. Each client may have a different preference when it comes to having higher, perkier, or better-shaped breasts with scars versus maintaining their current appearance without scars. It’s a personal decision that varies from person to person. While there are risks associated with any surgery, such as infection, the issue of scars is often the main concern for women considering a breast lift.

A Full Pattern, Inverted T, Wise Pattern, or Anchor breast lift is a classic and well-established technique for breast lift surgery. In this method, the scar is strategically placed around the nipple, extending straight down from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast, and then continuing across the crease. This allows for precise reshaping of the skin in both vertical and horizontal directions. It is particularly effective for removing excess skin in breasts with significant sagging and for lifting nipples that are positioned lower on the breast. While this technique results in the longest scar, it generally produces the best scar quality compared to other breast lift methods. It is also the most commonly performed breast lift technique.

In a vertical lift, there is a scar around the nipple and straight down from the bottom of the breast to the crease under the breast. It differs from the anchor lift by not having the horizontal scar under the breast. It is really a misnomer to call this a vertical lift. Though the scar is vertical, by definition it narrows the breast horizontally. Only a horizontal scar shortens and lifts in the vertical direction. Just think of a dart on a dress. Tucking it will narrow the dress horizontally, but only removing fabric at the hem will shorten the dress vertically. This method has become increasingly popular due to patient requests for shorter scars but it often creates an overly pointy breast. The technique sometimes leaves the distance between the nipple and the bottom of the breast too long. The healed incision often needs revision, sometimes including the horizontal incision meant to be avoided; and though the total healed incision length is less than with an anchor lift, inch by inch the healed incision is often worse because the vertical breast lift requires bunching of skin on each side in order to only have a vertical scar.

A donut lift, also known as a periareolar lift, involves a healed incision that encircles the areola. This procedure is primarily used for reducing the size of the areola, making slight vertical adjustments to its position as well as addressing mild breast laxity without significant drooping. It has its limitations in terms of what it can achieve. The donut lift is particularly effective in reducing the projection of the breast. It is often utilized in cases of “tuberous” or excessively projecting breasts to create a more flattened appearance. However, it’s important to note that this technique can also flatten the front of breasts that don’t require flattening, resulting in an unattractive aesthetic. Many clients opt for the donut lift due to their desire for shorter scars. However, it’s crucial to understand that this technique may have limited effectiveness in larger or heavier breasts. It’s essential to have a thorough consultation with Dr. Stephenson to fully grasp the potential outcomes and determine if the donut lift is the most suitable option for your specific situation.

The crescent lift, a less common technique, involves a scar that extends from approximately 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock. While it can raise the nipple slightly and tilt it upward, it often leads to enlargement, elongation, and ovalization of the upper half of the areola, which most clients find unappealing. Nowadays, when only a slight upward tilt is needed, the donut lift is typically preferred. This technique creates a smaller and rounder areola by placing the scar around the entire areola. It is a choice that many clients in this situation prefer over the potential side effects of a crescent lift. It’s important to discuss your specific needs and preferences with your surgeon to determine the best approach for you.

A breast lift procedure involves removing only a small amount of skin, which has a minimal impact on the overall volume of your breasts. The main goal is to lift and reposition your breasts higher on your chest, resulting in a more youthful and uplifted appearance. While the size of your breasts remains the same, the higher position and increased upper fullness can give the illusion of smaller or larger breasts, depending on individual perception. Ultimately, a breast lift does not change the actual volume of your breasts. It’s important to have realistic expectations and discuss your desired outcome with Dr. Stephenson during the consultation.

Choosing to have a breast implant will typically result in a rounder and perkier breast, but it will also increase the overall size. It’s important to consider this if you have a specific desire to be larger. However, in most cases, a well-performed breast lift can provide a fantastic shape without the need for an implant. The focus of a lift is to enhance the natural shape of your breasts, and an implant is usually not necessary to achieve this.

Breast implants are primarily chosen to increase breast size, not for the purpose of achieving rounder or perkier breasts. It’s important to understand that while implants may initially create a rounder and perkier appearance, the added weight can lead to future sagging of the breasts.

Deciding whether to have breast implants at the time of a breast lift is a significant choice. While there is convenience in combining the procedures, it is important to have a personalized discussion to weigh the pros and cons. Generally, opting for a two-stage approach offers better results. It allows for a safer procedure, a more comprehensive lift, and the ability to address volume and droopiness asymmetries more accurately. However, some patients choose to proceed with the one-stage option, accepting the trade-offs involved.

Most of the results from a breast lift are permanent, as the tissue that is removed is gone. However, remaining breast tissue can fluctuate with hormones and the fat in the breast can fluctuate with weight changes. Additionally, natural droopiness can increase over time due to gravity. It’s important to note that breasts, like all body parts, will naturally change over time.

If you gain weight after a breast lift, your breasts may increase in size and sag or droop.

A standard breast lift typically results in an “anchor” healed incision. This healed incision goes around the nipple, straight down to the bottom, and across the underneath part of the breast. This type of incision provides the greatest shaping in all three dimensions. Some surgeons may offer a “vertical” lift, which has a scar around the nipple and straight down to the bottom of the breast. However, many surgeons do not consider the shape of breasts with a vertical lift as attractive, as there is one less direction of control for the surgeon. Additionally, the quality of the scar may be less due to skin bunching. The vertical technique often requires scar revision, including the placement of a horizontal scar at the bottom at a later date.

Loss of sensation is a risk of breast lift. Changes in breast sensation are difficult to measure and quantify. While most patients do not experience a reduction in feeling, it’s ultimately a personal decision to prioritize shapely breasts even if it means a potential loss of sensation.

Yes, mammograms can be done after a breast lift, and they are just as effective as if the lift had not been done. It’s important to continue regular breast screenings. Dr. Stephenson recommends getting a mammogram done at least 6 months after your surgery and then following your primary care physician’s recommendations for future mammograms.

Today’s techniques for breast lift do not cut the milk ducts. Studies have shown that two-thirds of women who undergo a breast lift are able to breastfeed afterwards. However, it’s important to note that not all of the one-third who couldn’t breastfeed would have been able to do so without the breast lift. Many women with large breasts may have stretched out ducts and flattened nipples, making it difficult for babies to latch on. In such cases, strong consideration should be given to supplementing with formula.

Most surgeons use general anesthesia for breast lift surgeries to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain or anxiety.

Breast lift is an aesthetic procedure and insurance covers “medically necessary” procedures therefor insurance will not pay for a breast lift procedure. There are a couple of exceptions, one pertains to situations where there is a developmental problem with one or both breasts while the other pertains to treatment of the non-cancer affected breast after mastectomy in order to create symmetry. PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Stephenson is not contracted with any insurance companies, and we do not preauthorize or bill insurance. Our office will provide you with the operative note to submit to your provider.

Detailed instructions will be provided to you after you have scheduled your surgery. The bra you will need to wear after surgery will be provided to you. On the day of surgery, it’s recommended to wear a comfortable sweatshirt top that you can easily zip on and off.

In most cases, clients are well enough to go home after a breast lift and do not need to go to an aftercare facility. However, some patients may choose to go to an aftercare facility if they do not have someone to watch over them the night of surgery or if their home environment is not conducive to relaxation and recovery. Dr. Stephenson has a vetted list of aftercare facilities for his clients.

Most patients describe the recovery period as more sore than painful. They may feel achy and experience pressure, but the pain is typically not sharp or severe. Pain gradually builds up, so if you start feeling uncomfortable, taking a pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon will help alleviate the discomfort.

Dr. Stephenson will personally call you on the night of your surgery. He will also provide you with his personal cell phone and email address so that you can reach him directly if needed.

When you feel ready to do your job is highly individualized. So long as your work doesn’t involve straining and heavy lifting, you can expect to be back to work after no later than 2 weeks. Some people go back even sooner, and many work from home 3-4 days after surgery.

You can drive when you are off all narcotic pain medication and feel totally unrestricted by your discomfort such that you could make any movement you might need to safely drive your car. The timeline is different for each client. Dr. Stephenson typically recommends 2 weeks after surgery.

Long air travel (greater than 1 and ½ hours) should be avoided during the first 4 weeks after surgery to reduce the rare possible of a blood forming in the legs during air travel. Other issues involved have to do with the difficulty of getting through airports these days, and whether you are going somewhere where there is a plastic surgeon to look after you or should you have questions or problems or just need to be looked at by an experienced doctor. These issues are usually very individualized, and you should discuss them with Dr. Stephenson.

We suggest you wait a minimum of 4 weeks to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore. But you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.

Sex can be resumed as you feel comfortable. Most often patients hit their level of comfort in 3-7 days. Again, respect the fact that you have undergone surgery and try to avoid the manipulation of the incisions.

This is tricky. Unfortunately, your child does not understand your restrictions. Your child still needs your love and attention. If you have support from a partner, family member and/ or friend then they can lift and place your child in your arms. If your child is cooperative and weighs up 10 to 35 pounds, Dr, Stephenson recommends waiting 10-14 days, if at all possible. Don’t try to pick up your child if he or she is upset.

Cigarettes pose a particular hazard to patients undergoing this operation. They shrink critical small blood vessels that are important for healing. Smoking cessation is the best choice for our clients overall health. You should cease smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery and wait a minimum of three weeks after surgery if you are compelled to resume. This is a very real and very important issue with this operation.

You can take a shower the day after surgery. You should wait about three weeks before taking a bath so that your incisions are somewhat healed.

Dr. Stephenson wants to see everyone 48 hours after surgery to be sure that everything is okay. We offer patients frequent visits thereafter, usually at one week, one month, six months, one year, and yearly thereafter. But some patients will come more frequently, some less frequently. We do not charge for these visits. Some people have little questions they want answered, and other people feel fine on their own. But he is always available for a patient who wants to come in. It is not uncommon for breast lift clients to have a “spitting stitch” or a small area here or there of delayed healing that he will need to see. So, the visits are more on an “on or if-needed” basis than anything specific.

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

Usually there is a little bit of bruising on and around the breast, but it is typically very mild and is all gone by ten days to two weeks. This duration of bruising can be shortened by using Arnica and Bromalin tablets starting 3 days prior to surgery and continuing for 5-7 days after surgery.

Initially, you will have surgical dressings that will be removed at your first appointment. We will give you a sports bra that zips in the front so that it is easy to take on and off after surgery, and it will provide a gentle amount of compression. All breast lift clients feel more comfortable with a bra. It is normal for the skin to ooze a bit for about four or five days after surgery. Dr. Stephenson recommends the use of gauze pads or pantie liners to tuck into your bra to absorb this.

– It is okay to shower 48 hours after surgery and get the incision wet.
– Gently wash your breasts with a soapy washcloth to remove any small crusting.
– After showering, blot the incisions dry and reapply fresh gauze or panty liners.
– Apply a rich moisturizer all over your breasts, but avoid putting it over the incisions.

For a standard breast lift, the stitches will dissolve on their own.

The quality of your healed surgical incision is mostly determined by genetics and your body’s response to surgery. It is not clear how much applying products to scars will influence their final appearance, but most patients want to do something. Some products that have received positive patient feedback include Scar Guard (a liquid containing steroid, Vitamin E, and silicone), silicone gel strips (such as Neosporin scar strips), and silicone ointment (such as Scar Fade). You can obtain these products from our office and start using them as directed by Dr. Stephenson.

– It is normal for the two sides of the body to swell differently after operating on both breasts, but they generally serve as a control for each other.
– If one breast is significantly larger or more painful, please let us know immediately.
– If the incisions become red, tender, or inflamed, please inform us.
– Sometimes there may be a slight separation along the incision or a “spitting” suture, and we can assist you in treating this.