Key Takeaways
- A breast lift removes excess skin and repositions the breast tissue to give sagging or elongated breasts a more youthful and uplifted profile.
- A breast lift does not change breast size; patients who want both a perkier shape and more volume should consider combining it with augmentation.
- Good candidates are non-smokers at a stable weight who are unhappy with their breast shape but satisfied with their size.
- Signs that you need a breast lift include nipples pointing downward, the nipple falling below the breast crease, or one breast positioned lower than the other.
- Women who plan to have more children should consider waiting, as future pregnancies can cause sagging to recur and alter surgical results.
When considering procedures that are available to improve the appearance of the bust, many people think that their only option is a breast augmentation. This is not necessarily true- some potential patients may be better suited for a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy.
A breast lift involves lifting the tissues of the breast and remove excess skin in order to give the breasts a more youthful and uplifted profile. A breast lift doesnt change the size of the breasts, and it does not round out the top portion of the tissues like a breast augmentation will.
A breast lift is an excellent option for women who have lost lift due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, age, or other reasons, and who do not want to change the actual size of their chest.
Patients can also pair a breast lift with a breast augmentation or a breast reduction in order to change both the size and the placement of the breasts. The surgeon can also alter the size or placement of the areola during a breast lift.
The Procedure
Undergoing a breast lift will involve general anesthesia. The incision generally starts around the areola and moves down to the bottom of the breast, or around the sides of the breast.
Once the incision is made, the tissues are lifted to give you a perkier profile and to increase the firmness. The nipples and areola are resized or repositioned as needed, and excess skin is removed. Excess tissue is removed, in the case of a breast reduction, or implants are placed, in the case of a breast augmentation.
The incision lines are often hidden in the natural contours of the breast shape, but that will vary from patient to patient.
Is A Breast Lift Right For You?
This is something your surgeon will help you decide, but there are general guidelines about who makes a good candidate for a breast lift. You will need to be a non-smoker with a relatively stable weight (weight loss or weight gain after surgery can alter the appearance of the breasts).
The procedure is right for you if you are fine with the size of your breasts, but unhappy with the shape. If the breasts are sagging or elongated, or the nipples point downward when unsupported, you may want to consider a breast lift. It can also be a useful procedure for correcting the position of one breast that is lower than the other.
Visit our breast lift page for more comprehensive educational information about the procedure.
If you’re interested in coming into our Northern Virginia plastic surgery practice for a consultation, call (703) 574-2588 or click here to set up a consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a breast lift do and how is it different from augmentation?
A breast lift removes excess skin, lifts sagging breast tissue to a higher position on the chest, and repositions the nipple and areola for a more youthful profile. It does not change the size of the breasts. Breast augmentation, by contrast, adds volume with implants but does not correct drooping or sagging tissue.
What are the signs that I might need a breast lift?
Key signs include nipples that point downward instead of forward, the nipple falling at or below the natural breast crease when unsupported, breasts that appear elongated or flattened, or one breast that sits noticeably lower than the other. These are all concerns that a breast lift is specifically designed to address.
Can I combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation?
Yes. Many women choose to have both procedures performed together to address both position and volume in a single surgery. A lift corrects drooping and repositions the nipple while implants restore or increase breast volume and cleavage, resulting in a more comprehensive and youthful transformation.
Should I wait until I am done having children to get a breast lift?
Yes. While breastfeeding after a lift is generally still possible, future pregnancies will cause the breasts to fluctuate in volume and can lead to sagging recurring, altering your results. Waiting until you have completed your family helps you get the most lasting benefit from the procedure.
What makes someone an ideal candidate for a breast lift?
Ideal candidates are non-smokers or those who have quit well before surgery, are at a stable weight they can maintain, are happy with their breast size but unhappy with the position or shape, and have realistic expectations for the outcome. A thorough consultation confirms individual suitability.