Breast Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lexington, KY

Brest Lift Plastic Surgeons of Lexington

A breast lift is a procedure that elevates the breasts and nipples to correct droopiness by positioning them higher on the chest and removing stretched skin. Sagging, shapeless breasts can make you feel less attractive and unconfident. Over time, a woman’s breasts can lose skin elasticity and their perkiness due to changes associated with aging, gravity, exposure to cigarette smoke, having children, and weight fluctuations. Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, can restore the natural shape and position of your breasts to help you look and feel more beautiful and youthful.

Are you unhappy with the shape or appearance of your breasts? Learn how Plastic Surgeons of Lexington can help by calling us at (859) 276-3883 or using our contact form to inquire more. We serve patients throughout the Bluegrass region and all of Kentucky. Many of our patients come from the surrounding areas of Cincinnati, Knoxville, and Northern Kentucky.

Before and After Photos

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What to Know About Breast Sagging

Though several areas of the body can experience sagging skin (ptosis), the breasts are particularly vulnerable. Gravity is not the only cause of this cosmetic problem; hormonal changes, natural collagen degradation with age, having children, and weight loss can leave the breasts more deflated and descended than before. Beginning sometime between the ages of 35 and 40, the body decreases its production of rigid collagen fibers that help keep the breasts taut. (1) In fact, tissues called Cooper ligaments– can stretch and fail to provide tension over time. A breast lift is the only approach that can deliver comprehensive results that naturally recreate youthful breast contours. The techniques can “reverse the clock” in regards to aging by removing lax skin, tightening the breast mounds, restoring more fullness to the upper poles of the breasts, and repositioning the nipples to a more flattering location.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a breast lift are women who are in decent health with all conditions well-managed. Your surgeon will review all aspects of your medical history to ensure that they can perform the procedure without any safety concerns. A breast lift can produce transformative results for women who have previously breastfed and do not plan to have any more children. Though our surgeons require non-smokers, they will make an exception for those who commit and prove they have quit for 4-6 weeks to improve their recovery and help prevent complications.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your candidacy and speak with you about your goals for the breast lift. They will evaluate the extent of your breast sagging and outline a surgical plan that will properly address it. They will also provide you with more information regarding anesthesia, recovery tips, what to expect, and how to prepare. This first appointment is designed to help you feel confident about your decision if you decide to move forward with the procedure. We want you to feel excited and ready for your transformation!

To get in touch with one of our surgeons today, we invite you to call our office at (859) 276-3883 or fill out our contact form. A member of our staff will help you find an ideal date for your first meeting with one of our experienced surgeons.

Preparation

Following the best steps for preparation will promote a complication-free surgery and recovery. Firstly, you should follow all pre-operative instructions regarding which medications and supplements to avoid. In general, you should refrain from using any blood thinners for at least 2 weeks before your procedure. These substances can make you more prone to bruising or unwanted bleeding during your recovery. If you regularly smoke or vape nicotine, you will have to quit at least four to six weeks beforehand and four to six weeks after surgery to improve your circulation. Finally, your breast lift will be an outpatient surgery, so you will have to plan for a family member or friend to pick you up and help you with daily chores for the first 2 days.

Breast Lift Procedure Steps

Breast lift surgery reshapes and lifts the breasts by removing excess, sagging skin and reorganizing the breast tissues. The surgical techniques are highly personalized and are determined by your current breast size and shape, the size and position of your areolas, and your desired results.

Most commonly, surgeons make an incision around the areola that extends to the breast crease. This is the most used technique called the vertical lift, or “lollipop” lift. Women in need of more extensive surgical correction may also require a horizontal incision along the breast crease, making it an “anchor” lift, a different technique. (2) They will remove excess skin and tissue, and lift and reshape the breasts to improve their contour. They will also position the areolas higher on the breasts and resize them if they are enlarged. Excess skin and tissue are removed, and the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve its contour. Once they complete reshaping and repositioning, they will place absorbable sutures to close the incisions and complete the surgery. At Plastic Surgeons of Lexington, we also include liposuction of the axillas as part of your procedure.

Recovery and Results

After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some degree of bruising and tenderness in the area. Though you will notice an immediate improvement, your breasts will be more swollen than how they will look after healing fully. Your surgeon will give you a compression garment to both protect your incisions and encourage the swelling to go down as much as possible. They will prescribe medications to keep you comfortable, but you will likely be able to switch to OTC medications within just a few days. You will likely feel well enough to return to work within just 1 week of your surgery, so long as it does not involve heavy lifting or other strenuous activities. At each follow-up meeting with your surgeon, they will evaluate your healing progress. You will likely receive clearance to return to the gym at around the 6-week mark, depending on how your recovery is progressing. Though your breasts will appear more youthful and perky with reduced stretch marks, your breasts may lack fullness in the upper pole. To avoid this outcome altogether, you may want to consider a breast augmentation in addition to your lift.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Breast Augmentation with Lift

During a breast augmentation with lift, your surgeon will be able to insert an implant using the breast lift incision (anchor or vertical), forming a breast pocket for the implant to lie in, and continuing with standard breast lift techniques. This combination surgery allows women to restore both fullness and elevation to their breasts within the same procedure. Our surgeons offer a variety of implants and will review these options with you at your consultation.

Cost of a Breast Lift in Lexington

Your surgeon will calculate the total cost of your breast lift by taking into account anesthesia fees, surgical techniques, medications for recovery, follow-up appointments, and other fees that will help to contribute to your final result. You will receive a detailed quote during your consultation appointment at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington. If you are interested in more affordable options, ask us about our financing plans with CareCredit. We also have a blog if you wish to explore more of our life-changing procedures and the details about what they entail.

Find out if breast lift surgery is right for you by calling us today at (859) 276-3883 or filling out our contact form. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are proud to serve our hometown of Lexington and nearby areas of Kentucky.

FAQ

How do I know if I need breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery is an elective procedure, and it is not for everyone. If you are bothered by your condition of noticeable breast sagging, possibly associated with poor breast shape and downward-pointing nipples, you could be a candidate for breast lift surgery. Patients should be at or near their ideal weight, be able to maintain a stable weight, and have no serious underlying conditions that could impact their recovery.

What will recovery from breast lift surgery be like?

After breast lift surgery, patients should be prepared to rest and take it easy for several days. Many are ready to return to work within 1 week of surgery. All patients should avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks and follow their postoperative instructions to have the safest and most effective recovery experience.

Will there be pain associated with the breast lift procedure?

During the first few days of recovery, you may experience some discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication for your comfort. Some swelling and tenderness may last for several weeks.

How much scarring will I have after a breast lift?

Scarring after breast lift surgery varies from patient to patient. Factors that affect your scarring are mostly the techniques or incisions used and your body’s ability to heal. Patients who need more severe correction will likely require more extensive incisions, which can lead to more scarring. However, most scars fade over time, and most women feel that scars are worth the dramatic improvements to their breasts. Your surgeon can give you advice regarding scar massage and other scar reduction treatments to promote the best results.

How long will the results of a breast lift last?

Although this procedure cannot halt the natural results of aging and gravity, the results of breast lift surgery can be long-lasting. Women can best maintain their results by avoiding large fluctuations in weight and not smoking. The results of your breast lift surgery can help you look more youthful, feminine, and attractive for many years to come. Many women enjoy their results for more than a decade before noticing the first signs of aging.

What kind of anesthesia is required for a breast lift?

Your surgeon may recommend local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or order general anesthesia to perform your breast lift safely.

References

  1. Rousseaux I, Robson S. Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Using a Unique Novel Multisource Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Method. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(4):24-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404777/
  2. Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567792/
  3. Lotter L, Zucal I, Brébant V, et al. Intraoperative 3D Comparison of Round and Anatomical Breast Implants: Dispelling a Myth. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;11(1):149. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010149