If your breasts were once firm, pert, and youthful and now sag, droop, or appear deflated, breast lift surgery, a procedure medically referred to as mastopexy, can restore them. Your breasts are an important aspect of your femininity the aging process, gravity, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all take a toll.
Our team of board-certified, experienced plastic surgeons can deliver nuanced and natural-looking breast lift results, beautifully contouring the upper body, enhancing your self-image and providing you with exciting new wardrobe options.
Breast Lift Surgery in New Jersey
At our state-of-the-art, fully accredited surgical centers, you can expect a mastopexy to be performed with the highest patient safety standards, the most modern technology and equipment, and the latest surgical techniques. We make it easy for you to envision the changes we plan in a surgical breast lift by viewing the planned outcome of the procedure on our computerized imaging system.
Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery
- Breasts once again appear youthful, firm and shapely
- Breasts are relocated to a more youthful position on the chest wall
- Nipples, if they have stretched or are unsightly, are repaired to the perfect size
- Self-confidence in body image is restored
- Improved quality of life
What is a Breast Lift
Many women are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts and seek a way to restore a youthful, elegant aesthetic. A breast lift involves lifting and reshaping breast tissue, so your chest can once again appear firm, plump, and rounded. Breast lift surgery is an option for women who are seeking resolution for the following aesthetic issues:
- Saggy breasts
- Droopy breasts
- Stretched breast skin and tissue
- Breasts that appear flat or deflated
- Uneven breast size
- Overly large or stretched areolas or nipples
It’s important to note that while our breast lift surgery can beautifully elevate sagging breasts and restore the nipples to a more pleasing, youthful position, the surgery cannot address volume loss in the breasts that occurs with aging or pregnancy. In this situation, a combination breast lift and breast augmentation procedure is recommended, which can help to comprehensively reshape the chest and provide a balanced, attractive silhouette.
Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
If you constantly worry about the appearance of saggy breasts and feel inhibited about revealing them in intimate situations, you are probably a good candidate for breast lift surgery. As with most cosmetic procedures, we always ensure our patients are in good general health and will review your medical history and plan your procedure with great care—our goal is to create the youthful breasts you envision.
Cost of Breast Lift Surgery
The average cost of breast lift surgery is anywhere from $6,000 to $7,500. If you're looking to get a breast lift with implants, the average cost is $10,000-$14,000, however this depends on the type of breast implants you are looking to get. Prices vary because every person's body is different. To get your exact breast lift pricing, contact Associates in Plastic Surgery for your consultation.
Breast Lift Recovery
Since breast lift surgery is a major procedure, you will need to plan for your recovery and have someone stay with you at least for the first 24 hours. In the initial stage of recovery, it is normal to feel some discomfort and have some swelling and bruising. You will be prescribed oral pain medication that can help manage any pain or discomfort during the first days after surgery. You will be wearing a soft bra to keep your new breasts in place until the incisions have sufficiently healed and the restored breasts have settled into position.
Plan to take at least one week off work or other activities – you will need to rest so the body can heal. You should only perform gentle physical activities, typically walks. You will be restricted from lifting, raising your arms above your head, or other upper body motions for some days. We provide each of our patients with specific aftercare instructions, and closely monitor them throughout recovery.
FAQs About Breast Lift
How long does a breast lift procedure take to perform?
A breast lift is a customized procedure, and every woman has unique breast problems to resolve. For some, the problem is related to stretched chest skin, while for others, the extent of sagging is more serious as they have problems related to nipple position and size. In general, a breast lift takes about three hours to complete.
What does breast lift surgery entail?
The surgery involves placing incisions, removing some quantity of skin to restore the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. Many women may require elevating the nipple structure, so it is located in a youthful position, at the mid-point of the breast, and possibly reducing the size of the areola. The breast tissue and surrounding skin is then tightened and sutured.
How much skin will be removed?
The quantity of skin removed will vary, patient to patient, depending upon the extent of the sagging. In many cases, only an incision around the areola is required to remove excess skin and create a more youthful breast.
How much swelling should I expect?
Every person reacts slightly differently to surgery with regard to swelling, but your reshaped, lifted breasts will appear larger than they will once the swelling has receded. Generally, the swelling has greatly diminished in about a week to ten days.
Is there extensive bruising?
The bruising is typically light to moderate, but may require several weeks to totally disappear, with each patient healing differently, and varying surgical approaches, some of which create more trauma and more significant bruising. The bruising usually peaks at about 48 hours.
Will I have to sleep on my back?
As your new breast shape must settle into place, you do not want to affect shape by sleeping on your front or side. Keeping your head elevated will help in reducing swelling and pain.
How do I take care of the incisions?
You will be supplied with complete aftercare instructions. After any drains or bandages have been removed and you are given the okay to shower, you will wash the suture line carefully with an antibacterial soap, and ensure the area is completely dry. You may need to apply ointment to the incisions.
When can I wear an underwire bra again?
The most important point is to not wear a bra that could irritate or put pressure on the incision sites. If an underwire bra does not affect where your incisions are placed and is comfortable to wear (typically in a breast lift without an incision in the breast crease), you should be fine. If you experience discomfort, switch to a soft sports bra.
How are the nipples relocated in a breast lift?
The entire nipple structure is moved from a lower position and placed in a place at the front of the breast through an incision, and then carefully sutured into place. Overlarge areola's may be trimmed to a more attractive size.
Where are the incisions in a breast lift?
The incisions may be around the areola, on half of the areola, vertically down the lower section of the breast, and in the breast crease, depending upon what the patient needs.
How can I make sure my scars are as minimally visible as possible?
Caring for your incisions as directed has much to do with healthy healing, and minimal scarring. While genetic factors play a role in wound healing, scars typically appear as a thin white line once healed. Certain scar medications are helpful for many patients, which we can supply to you, or you can purchase on your own.
Will the scars show in a bikini or low cut top?
No. You will be free to show off your newly lifted breasts with no concern about visible scars. All incisions are placed so they are hidden, even while wearing revealing clothing and you will be provided with instructions for post surgical scar management including skin care to optimize your scar’s healing.
Will I need augmentation with my breast lift?
Many women choose to have breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants in conjunction with a breast lift. This may be necessary if you want to increase the size of your breasts, for example if your breasts have lost volume due to weight fluctuations or weight loss, after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If your breasts look deflated and you feel that you would prefer to have more volume, bounce, and more curves, these two procedures can be performed in the same surgery. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation for breast lift surgery.
Will I be able to breastfeed in the future?
Probably. Breast lift surgery typically does not affect the ability to breastfeed in the future.
Can I combine other procedures with breast lift surgery?
Yes, in fact many of our patients choose to combine their breast lift with other body contouring cosmetic surgery procedures such as mommy makeover, tummy tuck, liposuction, or facial rejuvenation surgery like facelift.