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Breast Lift With Mastopexy Specialists

The natural process of aging, weight fluctuations, and weight loss can lead to changes in breast contour and position over time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gravity also can have an effect on the fullness and firmness of the breasts. Other common concerns include nipples that point downward or breasts that hang below the breast crease. A breast lift (medically referred to as mastopexy), is a breast augmentation procedure that can help to address these concerns. The Las Vegas Breast Lift Surgeons at Hankins and Sohn are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons specializing in personalized breast lift surgery for beautiful breast enhancement with natural-looking results.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that will both raise and shape the breasts to achieve a more youthful appearance. There are many different types of breast lifts available including breast lift in combination with breast reduction, and our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience with the most advanced cosmetic surgery techniques available. Furthermore, they will tailor the procedure to suit you as an individual. During your initial consultation, they will analyze your breast shape, breast tissue, breast skin elasticity, and breast volume as well as the amount of excess skin. Depending on your anatomic needs and cosmetic goals, our surgeons may recommend a traditional lift or another approach. Patients who have lost volume or wish to increase their breast size may prefer to utilize breast implants in conjunction with the breast lift to obtain the desired shape and fullness, while those who desire more comprehensive body sculpting may opt for a breast lift as part of a mommy makeover.

If you have additional questions, our friendly and knowledgeable medical team can help answer them. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Types of Breast Lifts

Periareolar Lift

The periareolar lift, also known as donut mastopexy, involves creating an incision encircling the areola, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple. This method is specifically employed for modest lifting requirements and can additionally reduce the diameter of the areola, enhancing its aesthetic appearance.1

Vertical Lift

The lollipop mastopexy, also referred to as the vertical lift, is a frequently performed procedure at our clinic, enabling substantial reshaping and elevation of the breast. This technique results in a firmer, more shapely, and “perkier” breast appearance. Internal sutures are strategically placed and anchored to the chest wall to maintain the tissue in its lifted position. The incision is made around the areola and extends vertically down the breast, resembling the shape of a lollipop. Over time, the scars tend to flatten and fade, with the option for laser skin resurfacing to further minimize their visibility.2

Inferior Pedicle

The inferior pedicle, also known as the anchor technique or Wise pattern, is a surgical method typically reserved for larger or more pendulous breasts. It results in an anchor-shaped scar, with incisions encircling the areola and extending vertically down the breast, along with a concealed scar along the breast fold. Renowned for its effectiveness, both surgeons and patients favor this technique for its high postoperative nipple and breast sensation retention 3. Your anatomy and desired results will dictate whether this procedure aligns with your needs.

Lift with an Implant

If your breasts are smaller than you desire, a breast lift with implants can give you the additional volume you’re looking for, especially in the upper part of the breast 4. This is the area most affected by volume loss after nursing. It will also allow for increased projection and a shapelier, firmer bust. The implants are often placed below the muscle to allow good coverage over the implant and to help support it in the elevated position.

Breast Lift Recovery

Depending on the specifics of your treatment plan, the surgery typically spans one to three hours. You will receive general anesthesia and can expect to go home on the same day. Prescription medication will be provided to help manage any discomfort. Following the procedure, it’s recommended to rest and recuperate at home for approximately one to two weeks before considering a return to work and normal activities, based on your comfort level. If breast implants were inserted, refrain from lifting anything heavier than five pounds for the initial two weeks. Moreover, avoid engaging in strenuous activities for at least a month, or as advised by our surgeons 5. While some swelling may persist for several months or longer, you should notice visible improvements almost immediately 6.

Breast Lift Cost

To help you find all the information you need to make an informed decision, we want to touch upon the price of breast lift surgery. Every treatment plan is customized to suit the patient’s needs and goals. As a result, the cost of a breast lift will depend on the unique details of your program. Once you and your plastic surgeon determine the approach you would like to use, our medical team will review with you the expected total cost, including the surgeon’s fee, surgical center facility fee, and anesthesiology fee. Since breast lift surgery is an elective procedure, healthcare insurance will not cover the cost; however, many plastic surgery financing options are now available for individuals who would like to consider a payment plan. We are happy to assist you in finding the ideal reimbursement approach for your budget.

Planning Your Breast Lip Procedure*

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Average Procedure Time:
2 – 3 hours

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Average Recovery Time:
10 – 14 weeks

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Post-Op Consultation:
2 months

*Your treatment plan at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates will be customized to meet your needs and your individual experience will vary depending on a number of factors. All information provided on this page is an estimate of typical time and cost and does not represent an offer or guarantee of pricing or availability. Please schedule a consultation appointment to discuss which options may apply to you.

Breast Lift Scars

Many women are highly satisfied with the outcomes of their procedures, often unconcerned about the typically discreet appearance of healed scars. Nonetheless, it’s common for patients to express curiosity about the eventual appearance of their incisions post-recovery. While complete elimination of surgical signs is unfeasible, these marks should gradually diminish over time, becoming less conspicuous. Our surgeons meticulously ensure minimal and inconspicuous incisions, typically positioned around the nipples and beneath the breasts. During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the placement of these incisions with you. Furthermore, to further mitigate scarring, we provide laser skin resurfacing treatment, which can enhance the final aesthetic outcome.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for a Breast Lift

One of the pivotal decisions you’ll face is choosing the plastic surgeon to conduct your procedure. Besides ensuring that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Board-Eligible, it’s crucial to inquire about their expertise in performing breast lift surgery. At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates, our extensively trained plastic surgeons perform thousands of procedures every year, helping many women achieve their cosmetic goals and restore their confidence. We also recommend reviewing a practice’s breast lift before-and-after photos to see what can be accomplished and what to expect.

Ultimately, the consultation serves as the prime opportunity to familiarize yourself with a surgeon. Do they instill a sense of ease? Are they responsive to your inquiries and attentive to your concerns? Opt for a physician who not only instills confidence in your treatment but also furnishes the necessary information to facilitate an informed decision-making process7.

During your initial breast lift consultation, we will review your goals and discuss the possible ways of achieving them. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

FAQs About Breast Lift Surgery

These are some of the most common questions asked by our patients who are considering a Breast Lift procedure.

  • Am I a candidate for breast lift surgery?

    Candidates for breast lift surgery are women who have concerns with breast sagging, drooping, or deflated-looking breasts. Good candidates are those who are in general good health, who have realistic expectations, and do not smoke.

  • Will a breast lift surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?

    While a breast lift is a surgical procedure that does have the potential to impact the ability to breastfeed, our surgeons do everything possible to maintain the integrity of the nerves and ducts within the breasts to minimize any impact on breastfeeding.

  • Can I combine any other procedures with a breast lift?

    Yes, many women choose to include breast lift surgery as part of a more comprehensive body contouring and/or anti-aging treatment plan. This can include mommy makeover surgery or procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, and Brazilian Butt Lift as well as facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift or fat transfer to the face.

1 Healthline. Breast Lift Scars: What To Expect. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-lift-scars#different-techniques–different-scars

2 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Laser Resurfacing For Scars. Available at: https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/laser-resurfacing/laser-resurfacing-for-scars

3 NCBI. PubMed. Reduction mammaplasty by the inferior pedicle technique. An alternative to free nipple and areola grafting for severe macromastia or extreme ptosis. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/847026

4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of breast lift surgery? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/safety

5 American Society for Cosmetic Surgery. What results should I expect after breast lift surgery? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/results

6 American Society for Cosmetic Surgery. What results should I expect after breast lift surgery? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/results

8 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What should I expect during a consultation for breast lift surgery? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/consultation

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This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.