Breast Lift
Perk Up Your Perspective
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA
When it comes to restoring youthful, perky breasts, experience, and artistic vision matter, at Plastic Surgery Associates, we offer unparalleled expertise in breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson, bring decades of combined experience and a refined aesthetic sense to every procedure.
Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson are seasoned plastic surgeons in Northern California who perform breast lift procedures at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa. For more information, call (707) 537-2111 or visit our contact page.
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Breast Lift Before & Afters
Breast Lift at a Glance
- Procedure: Raises and reshapes sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance
- Benefits: Improved breast shape, position, and symmetry; enhanced self-confidence
- Downtime: Typically 1-2 weeks before returning to normal activities
- Duration: Results can last for many years, depending on lifestyle and aging factors
- Candidacy: Ideal for women with breast ptosis (sagging) due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes
A Deep Dive into Breast Lift Surgery
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that restores the youthful shape and position of the breasts. Over time, factors such as aging, gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and sag. This can significantly impact a woman’s confidence and self-esteem. The results of this procedure make breasts look younger and healthier, allowing patients to redefine their breast silhouette.
About Breast Lifts: Incisions
Breast lifts are performed for women who have lost breast firmness, volume, and shape. They address breast sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. (1) They can also correct defects in appearance, such as downward-facing nipples and asymmetrical breasts.
The surgical technique used for a breast lift includes the following:
CRESCENT INCISION
The crescent incision forms a half-circle around the top of the areola. The surgeon makes this incision to perform breast lifts that address mild sagging in the breasts. It can also be employed to address nipple and areola size and asymmetry alone.
DONUT INCISION
The donut incision circles the entire areola. It is a common method for breast lifts that minimizes scarring and procedure time. A surgeon makes this incision to perform breast lifts that address mild to moderate sagging.
LOLLIPOP OR VERTICAL INCISION
The lollipop incision circles the entire areola and moves in a vertical line down the middle of the breast below the areola. It extends to the inframammary fold, which is the crease at the bottom of the breast. The surgeon makes this incision to perform breast lifts that address moderate sagging when the need for breast implants is not necessary.
INVERTED-T OR ANCHOR INCISION
The inverted-T incision circles the entire areola, extends down from the areola to the inframammary fold, and travels the length of the inframammary fold. A surgeon makes this incision to perform breast lifts that address severe degrees of sagging. It produces the most scarring of any of the breast lift techniques, so it is reserved for patients who will not achieve satisfactory results otherwise.
In most breast lift procedures, the nipple-areola complex will be moved higher up on the breast to accommodate their new shape. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, then our plastic surgeons can incorporate an areola reduction in your surgery.
Lift Your Spirits
What conditions does breast lift address?
At Plastic Surgery Associates, our expert surgeons tailor each breast lift procedure to address your specific concerns, ensuring beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your overall silhouette.
Breast Ptosis (Sagging)
- Condition: Breasts that have lost their youthful position and shape
- Treatment: Lifts and reshapes breast tissue, restoring a perkier appearance
Downward-Pointing Nipples
- Condition: Nipples that point downward due to breast sagging
- Treatment: Repositions nipples to a more forward-facing, natural position
Enlarged Areolas
- Condition: Areolas that have stretched over time
- Treatment: Reduces areola size for better proportion with the breast
Loss of Upper Pole Fullness
- Condition: Flattened or empty appearance in the upper part of the breast
- Treatment: Redistributes breast tissue to create fuller upper poles
Asymmetrical Breasts
- Condition: Breasts that differ in size, shape, or position
- Treatment: Adjusts breast tissue to improve symmetry between breasts
Pendulous Breasts
- Condition: Breasts that hang with nipples below the breast crease
- Treatment: Raises breast tissue and nipples to a higher, more youthful position
Stretched Skin
- Condition: Excess skin due to weight loss or pregnancy
- Treatment: Removes excess skin, creating a tighter, more contoured appearance
Post-Pregnancy Changes
- Condition: Loss of breast volume and shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Treatment: Restores a more youthful breast contour
Rise Up
What is the breast lift procedure like?
PREPARATION
To prepare for your breast lift surgery, there are a few baseline recommendations that will make your treatment safer and more effective. You should avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications for a week prior to your procedure. You should also stop smoking if you do. These precautions reduce your risk of bleeding and contribute to a speedy, healthy recovery.
We will give you personalized instructions on how to prepare as well. We may ask you to stop or start taking certain medications. We may also ask you to undergo certain tests, such as a mammogram so that we can perform your surgery knowing everything we need to know.
BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE
Our breast lift in Northern California usually takes two hours or less and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The duration of this treatment is dependent on the nature of breast size and sagging.
The surgeon first makes the incision and excises any excess skin along with unwanted fat and tissue. They tighten the breast tissue and position the breasts higher so they appear healthier and younger. In most situations, they reduce the size of the areola in proportion with the new placement and shape of the breast.
At this point, they could place an implant or conduct a fat transfer in the breast if this was part of the plan discussed with Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson ahead of surgery. When the breast lift is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions and our staff will monitor you as you begin your recovery. As soon as you are capable of leaving, you may go home.
CORRESPONDING & COMPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES
Here at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, we offer treatments that correspond with and complement a breast lift procedure.
Breast Augmentation with Lift
Our Breast Augmentation Lift procedure combines the redefining effects of a breast lift with the volume-enhancing benefits of breast implants. With this procedure, we can fix the sagging, stretched skin on your breasts while simultaneously making your breasts bigger and more beautiful than ever before.
Breast Reduction
Our Breast Reduction procedure can address oversized and sagging breasts by reducing their volume and removing excess skin. Sometimes, sagging of the breasts can be caused by excess volume. In this case, removing excess breast tissue and fat can eliminate this problem. If your breasts are overly large, this procedure may be more advantageous than a breast lift.
For more information about procedures at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, visit our blog.
Redefining Your Look
What are the benefits of a breast lift?
Breast lifts can change the shape and appearance of your breasts for the better. They have been demonstrated as a safe option for dealing with the effects that aging, weight loss, and pregnancy can have on the breasts. (2) The particular improvements that a breast lift can make on your breasts include:
- Raising your breasts to a higher point on your chest
- Making your breasts symmetrical
- Reducing the size of your areola and making them point forward
- Removing excess skin that has become stretched
- Making your breasts appear more round
- Reinforcing your breast tissue to make them perkier
While breast lifts do address the effects that a loss of volume can have on your breasts, they cannot actually make your breasts bigger. The procedure only changes the nature and structure of your breasts, which can increase their appearance of volume. If you want breasts that are bigger than they were before they began to lose their youthful shape, you may need breast augmentation surgery as well.
Restore Youthful Contours
Who is a candidate for a breast lift?
If you wish to address your breasts’ lack of firmness and their sagging appearance, breast lift surgery might be right for you. Breast lifts are best suited to people who are able to maintain a steady weight. If you lose weight after your treatment, you may experience the same loss of structure in your breasts. If you gain weight after your treatment, You may experience an increase in volume in your breasts that causes them to sag. It is important as well that you be in relatively good health so that your incisions can heal properly and you can recover quickly.
You may not be sure if the condition of your breasts warrants a breast lift. Here are some aesthetic scenarios that a breast lift could fix:
- Your breasts are flat and elongated, and pendulous
- Your nipples fall below the crease at the bottom of your breasts
- Your nipples point downward
- The skin on your breast is stretched or your areolas are oversized
- One of your breasts hangs lower than the other
Elevate Your Silhouette
Breast Lift Recovery
Remember, everyone's recovery is unique. Our team at Plastic Surgery Associates will provide you with personalized instructions and support throughout your healing process. Here's what you can expect and how to prepare:
Immediate Post-Surgery (1-3 days):
- Wear a surgical bra or compression garment as instructed
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities
- Arrange for someone to help you at home for the first 24-48 hours
- Take prescribed pain medications as needed
First Week:
- Continue wearing your surgical bra 24/7
- Avoid showering until approved by your surgeon (usually 48 hours post-surgery)
- Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated
- Begin light walking to promote circulation
Weeks 2-4:
- Return to work (if your job isn't physically demanding)
- Continue wearing your surgical bra
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds
- Start gentle stretching exercises as advised by your surgeon
Weeks 4-6:
- Resume most normal activities, but continue to avoid strenuous exercise
- Switch to a supportive sports bra
- Massage scars as instructed to promote healing
6 Weeks and Beyond:
- Gradually return to all normal activities, including exercise
- Continue to wear supportive bras, especially during physical activities
- Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled
Long-Term Care:
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve your results
- Protect your breasts from sun exposure to minimize scar visibility
- Consider using topical scar treatments as recommended by your surgeon
By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with us, you'll ensure the best possible results from your breast lift surgery.
The Uplifting Truth
Breast Lift Results
The aesthetic results of your breast lift surgery will appear after a few weeks as your breasts take to their higher placement on your chest. Your breasts should feel and appear natural, and they will appear more youthful.
With good care following surgery, your results can last for several years. Your breasts will still age normally, which means you could start to see loose and sagging skin in time. Various factors, such as significant weight loss or gain, can change your results. It is best to stay at a steady weight following your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding following a breast lift may also alter your results, which is why we suggest patients wait until they are done having kids to get a breast lift.
"The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."
Testimonials
Breast Lift
Frequently Asked Questions
Each breast lift is individualized to address each patient’s anatomy, tissue tone, and personal goals. The cost varies according to the complexity of the operation. This price includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthesiologist’s fees, the cost of the surgical center, and all follow-up appointments. Not covered in that price are out-of-office charges, such as prescription medications.
Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson aim to make your surgical experience as stress-free as possible. During your consultation appointment, the patient coordinator will go over all of your payment options, including healthcare financing through CareCredit. You will be given prescriptions ahead of time, and you will have plenty of time to review an information packet and ask questions before the day of surgery. To find out how much breast lifts cost at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, call (707) 537-2111 or contact us online.
Whether you should have a breast lift, implants, or both depends on your specific goals. Oftentimes, a breast lift will enhance the form and fullness of your breasts with no need for implants. Your surgeon will evaluate your physical condition and listen to your goals at your consultation, then make a decision about whether you would benefit from implants, a lift, or an augmentation plus a lift.
Generally, the nipple-areola complex will be moved up in the breast lift. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, then our plastic surgeons can incorporate an areola reduction in your surgery. This may be discussed during your appointment so we can choose the ideal incision pattern to use in your breast lift.
A breast lift may improve asymmetry in your breasts if they’re different in size, firmness, or level of sagging. Your surgeon will evaluate the appearance and condition of your breasts in your consultation and talk about how a lift will be able to help. During your breast lift surgery, we will adjust the tissue so your breasts are equal in position and size for symmetry.
References
- Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
- Qureshi AA, Myckatyn TM, Tenenbaum MM. Mastopexy and Mastopexy-Augmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(4):374-384. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx181
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