Patients who desire a breast lift may have noticed loss of skin elasticity which leads to sagging breasts and sometimes nipples that point downwards. Gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding, as well as Father Time ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise them to their previous height, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. This may boost an individual's confidence and is often what leads people to seek breast lifts.

Breast lifts can range from incisions made only around the nipple to more standard breast lifts where the incision is similar to that of an anchor. There are three common incision options for breast augmentation. One incision is made around the areola and this is called a concentric lift. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast and is often referred to as a lollipop incision. The third incision runs around the nipple, vertically from the bottom edge of the areola and then horizontally beneath the breast. This is a standard or "anchor" lift. The type of lift is determined by the amount of sagging as well as the patient's expectations and desires. The incisions usually heal quite well and are hardly noticeable over time.

After your surgeon has removed excess breast skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed. All procedures are performed with general anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or pain.

Some patients may be unhappy that in addition to sagging breasts, they have also lost a significant amount of breast volume as well. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time that the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced. This not only helps to improve the physical appearance of the patient, but it can also restore self-confidence.

A breast lift is a highly personal decision in which your goals should be realistically determined and discussed with your surgeon. Together you and your surgeon will determine what specific procedures will be performed as well as which type of implant will be used if you are also having breast augmentation at the same time. Once your goals have been determined and realistic expectations have been discussed you will set a date for this procedure and will be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. A pre-operative appointment will be set up prior to surgery where we will go over your health history, take before photos, and have you sign consents and paperwork.

When the date for your breast lift has arrived, your surgeon will talk to you before taking you back to the operating room. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and may take several hours, depending on which type of breast lift you're having performed and whether or not it's done in conjunction with a breast augmentation. After the procedure, patients often experience soreness for a few days but are usually back to their normal lives within a few days and back to moderate exercise routines within a couple of weeks. Pain following the surgery can be minimized by medications prescribed by your doctor. All breast lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia to help minimize any discomfort or pain.

It is important to follow any instructions your physician may give you following your breast lift. Patients should be aware that soreness will be present after the operation and that moderate to heavy physical activity following the operation should be avoided for a period of time.