Breast Lift Overview
Typical Timing/Age
The typical age for a breast lift patient is anywhere between 35-60 years old. Pricing for a breast lift is around $6,150-$6,750
*This is an estimation & prices may vary.
Guide To Breast Procedures
Guide To Breast Augmentation
What I Wish I Knew
Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lifts are performed under anesthesia. Your doctor will make the smallest incisions possible, and then lift the breasts while tightening the skin. Breast lift surgery generally takes between one and three hours. Multiple incision patterns and subsequent scar patterns are used depending on the existing breast shape and degree of ptosis (droopiness). Small changes can be achieved leaving a scar only around the areola (circum-areolar, peri-areolar or donut). Most patients require at least a circum-vertical (lollipop-shaped) scar in order to achieve the desired amount of lift and reshaping. Many patients require the addition of a horizontal scar at the bottom of the breast creating an “anchor-shaped” or “inverted T” scar to achieve the desired amount of lift and reshaping.
Breast Lift Techniques
Goal
To improve breast shape. Most women will go down about one cup size after a mastopexy. For women to want to remain the same size or increase their breast size after a mastopexy, an augmentation-mastopexy may be a better option.
Facility
Surgery Center or Hospital
Preparation
Step one to planning a successful breast lift is working closely with your doctor and the staff at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery. Patients should always be honest about how much time they have to devote to surgery and recovery. This allows for the best planning and a realistic recovery timeline. Patients should be at a stable weight and cannot be using any nicotine-containing substances. There are several ways that patients can prepare for breast lift surgery. Your doctor provides patients with a preparation checklist, and it is vital that this list is followed closely. Patients should stop smoking prior to surgery. Some medications should be stopped prior to the breast lift, as drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium, and St. John’s Wort can cause dangerous blood-thinning during surgery. Patients should not be pregnant, breastfeeding or recently postpartum.
Anesthesia
IV sedation and local anesthesia or General anesthesia.
Recovery
Recovery from breast lift surgery is usually fairly fast. Most patients can return to work within a week, as long as they don’t have a physically strenuous job. For the first 24 hours post-surgery, it is important to have someone at home with the patient. After that, most patients can do the general light moving around the house on their own. No hospital stay is required for this procedure.
Assistance
You will be able to walk around, feed and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to care for others or drive a car.
Walking
You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Showering
After 48 hours you should remove your dressings and take a shower.
Inherent Risks & Complications
Hematoma, Infection, Poor scarring, Tissue necrosis, Need for revision, Complications related to anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I need a breast lift, breast augmentation or both?
Can an areola reduction be done during breast lift?
Is the breast scarring very noticeable after a breast lift?
Should I wait to have a breast lift until after having kids?
How much time off of work do I need?
Exercise
You should do mild/gentle stretching exercises immediately after surgery to prevent your arm and chest muscles from getting tight. Light exercise is ok one week after surgery with your new breasts well supported. No arm exercises (other than stretching) for three weeks. Following breast lift surgery, vigorous exercise should be completely avoided for a full six week period. Even moderate exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. Strenuous exercise can cause swelling and can inhibit proper healing. Light exercise is the best choice until fully healed.
Sex
Wait one week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period. After one week, sex is ok ONLY if your partner is able to resist touching your new breasts. You are the only person allowed to touch your breasts for the six weeks following surgery.
Work
Depending on your type of work you can resume light office work as soon as you feel you are able to do so. Most people take about one week off of work following a mastopexy.
Swelling
Usually, it peaks around three days and gradually goes away.
Bruising
If present should subside within 1-2 weeks.
Related Procedures
Nipple Reduction
Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia
Breast Implant Removal
Before & After Gallery
Procedures are performed by board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, and Dr. Patterson in Pensacola, FL.
Meet Our Team
At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we understand that the selection of a plastic surgeon is an extremely important decision for any prospective patient. We believe communication, education and individualized patient care are the foundation for creating a strong and trusting patient-physician relationship. Our entire staff is absolutely committed to providing compassionate, personalized, individual attention before, during, and after surgery. We work together to deliver the best possible aesthetic outcomes in a setting that embodies the standards and lifestyle you seek.
We Accept Financing
Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery offers a variety of payment options so that your cosmetic surgery will suit your budget. All major credit cards are accepted, and financing plans are available.