Breast Lift

The mature but still youthful feminine form is a powerfully iconic image in cultures all over the world, having inspired art and religious worship throughout history. The image, though eternal in the mind, loses its suppleness all too quickly in the flesh. Time and gravity make breasts sag, robbing the skin of its elasticity and mammary tissue of its internal support. The result is often discomfort and a physical appearance that many women find less appealing. Dr. Richards believes that things don’t necessarily have to be that way. His clients who have sought breast enhancement through breast lift can attest to the power of that surgery. At Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute, our board certified plastic surgeon, Mark E. Richards, MD, can help you rediscover a more youthful and feminine look with breast lift surgery.

Dr. Richards has years of experience performing breast lift surgery, using it to restore youthful beauty. He also sometimes performs this procedure as part of a program of plastic surgery after weight loss for bariatric surgery patients. Dr. Richards’ status as one of the most progressive cosmetic surgeons in the country makes him especially well suited to perform this procedure, as newer techniques allow it to be performed with better results and less scarring.

His practice offers breast lift with or without breast implants. If you’d like to know more about this procedure, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richards, please contact us today.

*Individual Results May Vary

What Is a Breast Lift?

Mastopexy (the medical term for a breast lift) comes in a variety of styles and techniques. All of them aim to adjust one or more of the three factors that determine the shape of the breast: the excess skin of the breast area, the shape of the tissue inside the breasts, and the volume of the breast tissue. Breast enhancement is often possible by removing the structures and/or through secure repositioning of the tissue upwards. In cases where there is insufficient breast volume, breast implants are used in combination with a lift to add volume and achieve a more ideal shape.

The Breast Lift Procedure

When you arrive for your initial consultation, Dr. Richards will discuss your cosmetic goals and perform a thorough examination. He will then customize a treatment plan that utilizes the optimal technique for your needs and desired outcome. Some patients prefer breast implants, which can enhance volume as well as shape, while others favor a more natural approach with internal suturing of the existing breast tissue into a more beautiful shape. Dr. Richards will attentively listen to your concerns and guide you in your decision to achieve the best results possible.

A full breast lift involves making an incision around part of the areola, another at the bottom of the breast, and a third in between those two. This method, sometimes called the anchor incision, allows Dr. Richards the most freedom to sculpt the final breast shape. In addition to the anchor technique, there are options known as the “donut” and the “lollipop” breast lift methods. The anchor technique offers the best aesthetics for breasts that have too much vertical and horizontal skin excess. A modified breast lift can produce less scarring since it uses fewer incisions; however, this approach is ideally suited for smaller breasts with only a vertical excess of skin. Either way, breast lift incisions usually fade to be unnoticeable over time, though this varies among individuals. Recognizing that your needs and goals are unique, your plan will be tailored to give you the best possible outcome.

Recovery from Breast Lift

General anesthesia is used during breast lift surgery, and the procedure can take between two and four hours depending on the technique used and whether you receive breast implants. After the surgery, you should be able to return home the same day. Most patients take one week off from work to recover. Dr. Richards will let you know when you’re ready to resume vigorous activities. You will be prescribed medication to help you manage discomfort during the healing process, although pain should be minimal. We will also provide specific instructions on how to care for your new breasts and when and how to shower. You should also avoid high impact exercise for the first month.

Everyone’s healing rate is unique, and you should listen to your body when participating in activities. If something feels wrong, you may need a little more time before you can do it. Dr. Richards will provide advice and guidance throughout recovery to ensure your experience is as pleasant and effective as possible. Although you will begin to see the results of your procedure almost immediately, swelling can take up to a year to completely subside.

Complementary Procedures

A breast lift can improve the shape, fullness, and volume of the breasts when age, pregnancy, or genetic predisposition lead to drooping or sagging. These factors can also cause other unwanted changes in the body, and Dr. Richards offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments to help restore a more youthful figure. Breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery are two popular options that are often combined with a breast lift. We also have facial rejuvenation methods and non-surgical enhancements. Let us know what you would like to achieve and we can help you meet your goals.

If you have questions, or if you would like to find out if you may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery, please contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Richards.