Breast Lift
Drooping breasts can be a source of dissatisfaction for many women. Aging, gravity, weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding are all variables that can negatively affect the skin elasticity of the breasts, leading to ptosis or sagging. A breast lift, or mastopexy, can help to lift and shape your breasts to restore a more youthful, balanced appearance and a newfound sense of self-confidence.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons are leaders in natural-looking breast enhancement surgery, including breast lift surgery. Together, they’ve performed over 1,000 breast lift surgeries with beautiful results.
We invite you to see for yourself why so many women like you have chosen The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry for breast lift surgery.
*ACTUAL PATIENT
Why Choose Us
- Experience is a key factor in ensuring top-notch surgical results. Our plastic surgeons have dozens of combined years of experience, and a majority of our staff have been with us for more than 5 years. Our anesthesiologists have been working with us since 2006.
- We put our patients first. We know that making the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery is an important one, and our focus stays on helping you make choices best suited to your unique needs.
- Our doctors offer a broad range of experience in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, as well as a commitment to keeping current on the latest innovations in the cutting-edge techniques and tools of their trade.
- An established presence in the Sacramento area, we’ve been serving patients in the community since 2006. We’re proud to be a trusted resource in the field of plastic surgery.
Best Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
Often, due to pregnancy, age, or genetics, the breasts lose volume and the skin loses elasticity, resulting in a “deflated” look. Women who experience breast sagging often feel self-conscious about their figures and resort to wearing uncomfortable, extended support bras or even hiding their breasts under baggy clothes.
Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery will be in good general health and would like to improve the shape or position of their breasts, reduce the size of their areolas and/or correct downward-pointing nipples. For most women, our surgeons generally recommend waiting until they have finished having children to have breast lift surgery, as weight fluctuations and breastfeeding can undo the results.
Exercise, diet and supplements may promise to rejuvenate the breasts, but surgery is the only way to truly reverse the effects of gravity. A breast lift, or mastopexy, can:
- Elevate and reshape sagging breasts.
- Reposition nipples to a more youthful, natural placement.
- Reduce the size of enlarged areolas (the circle of darker skin around the nipple).
Request Your Consult
Your Consultation
Before your breast lift, you’ll schedule a consultation at our Folsom office. During this visit, we’ll carefully review your needs and expectations. The consultation is an opportunity to specify your goals for treatment, in addition to discussing any other procedures you may wish to combine with your breast lift.
During your consultation, your surgeon will listen to your concerns and evaluate factors such as skin elasticity and breast size that may affect your final results. He or she will then discuss the best surgical techniques to achieve your goals and what you can expect from breast lift surgery, including the location of your incision and the new position of your breasts and areolas.
At The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry, we tailor incisions and techniques for each patient, depending on the size of the breasts and the desired lift. Together with your plastic surgeon, you can customize your breast lift procedure to best meet your aesthetic goals and personal preferences.
Breast Lift Techniques
While there are several breast lift techniques and incision locations, the two most popular options are the lollipop- and anchor-style breast lift.
- The lollipop breast lift incision involves a circular incision around the areola with a vertical line running down to the breast crease. This technique, which resembles a lollipop shape, can be ideal for women with moderate sagging and allows for reshaping while keeping scarring minimal and discreet.
- The anchor breast lift incision combines the lollipop incision with an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease, resembling the shape of an anchor. This method is often recommended for women with significant sagging or excess skin, as it allows for the greatest ability to reshape and lift the breasts.
Our plastic surgeons have decades of experience among them performing both of these common breast lift techniques. During your breast lift consultation, your surgeon will explain each incision type in greater detail and let you know which one is recommended for your particular situation.
Combining a Breast Lift with Other Procedures
In some cases, women choose to combine a breast lift with other cosmetic procedures in order to address multiple concerns or areas at the same time. A very common combination breast enhancement procedure includes both a breast lift and breast implants. Because a breast lift does not add volume and can, in some cases, make the breasts appear slightly smaller due to the tightening and removal of loose skin, the addition of implants can complement this procedure. If you are looking for both an increase in volume and a lifted, perkier appearance, a breast lift with implants may be right for you,
In other cases, women may wish to more significantly decrease their breast size while also achieving a lifted look and feel. For this, your surgeon may recommend breast reduction surgery, which includes a breast lift and also removes excess breast tissue to reduce overall breast size.
For women who wish to tighten loose skin on the breasts as well as other areas of the body, a mommy makeover may be recommended.
Preparing for Your Breast Lift
Before your breast lift, your surgeon will go over your health history, current medications and any prior surgeries to make sure the procedure is safe for you. You may need to stop smoking and temporarily pause certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding. Keeping your weight stable and following all pre-surgery instructions, including fasting the night before anesthesia, helps to set you up for a smoother surgery and recovery. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead for the first few days after your breast lift, arranging for extra help at home and limiting physical activity so you can focus on healing comfortably.
Your Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lifts are performed under general anesthesia as outpatient procedures, so you can plan on going home after your surgery is complete. Most breast lift surgeries take 2 to 3 hours, though the total time will depend on the specifics of your procedure and whether additional procedures are included with your lift.
During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will make precise incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the underlying breast tissue. The nipples and areolas are repositioned to a more youthful, elevated position, and the breasts are lifted to create a firmer, more contoured shape. If you are combining your lift with breast augmentation, implants are inserted at this time.
Once the desired results are achieved, the incisions are sutured and bandaged and you will be monitored while you wake up from anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after your breast lift.
Recovery after a Breast Lift
Recovery from breast lift surgery typically involves several days of downtime, followed by a week of lighter activity. You may experience swelling, bruising and mild discomfort, which can be managed with ice packs, prescribed pain medication and proper support from a surgical bra. It’s important to rest and allow your body to heal, gradually resuming normal activities as you feel comfortable.
Most patients are able to return to work within a few days if their job does not involve heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Physical exercise, lifting and high-impact activities should generally be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks or until your surgeon clears you. Following your post-op instructions, attending follow-up appointments and caring for your incisions properly will help to minimize complications, support healing and optimize your final results.
Your Breast Lift Results
While you will be able to see an immediate difference in the shape and position of your breasts directly after your breast lift, your full results will gradually develop over the next weeks and months as the shape and position of your breasts continue to become more refined. Full healing will reveal a shapelier, more youthful figure with firmer, uplifted breasts. While everyone’s experience will be unique, most women are able to enjoy their full breast lift results within 3 to 6 months.
Breast lift surgery can provide long-lasting results. However, variables such as weight fluctuation and aging can cause your breast to change over time. To support your results, be sure you are maintaining a healthy diet and exercising.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much does a breast lift cost in Sacramento?The cost of your breast lift in Sacramento will depend on the details of your procedure, such as whether or not you choose to include breast implants or other procedures. At the time of your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a personalized breast lift cost estimate, as well as explain our available financing options if interested. You are also welcome to contact our practice and we can provide you a narrow ballpark over the phone.
-
Does insurance cover breast lift surgery?Breast lift surgery is typically not covered by health insurance plans. However, in some instances where a breast lift is deemed medically necessary, such as when part of a reconstructive plan after a mastectomy, some plans may provide full or partial coverage. For specific information about your health insurance coverage, call the number listed on the back of your insurance card. Please note, we are fully out of network and it would be up to your provider to reimburse you.
-
How do I tell if I need a breast lift?If your nipples point down, or if they sit below your breast fold, you more than likely need a breast lift.
-
What is breast ptosis?Breast ptosis is the medical term for sagging or drooping breasts, usually caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes or gravity.
-
Do I need to wait until after I’ve had kids to get a breast lift?You do not need to wait until after kids to have a lift, however there is a possibility you may need a second one after kids. Lifts could also affect your ability to nurse.
-
How long does a breast lift last?A breast lift can last 10-15 years if you have no major changes in weight, new pregnancies, etc.
-
Will a breast lift make my breasts smaller?A breast lift can make your breasts appear slightly smaller due to the removal and tightening of loose skin.
-
Can you breastfeed after a breast lift?You are more than likely able to breastfeed after a breast lift, but the procedure decreases chances more than a breast augmentation alone.
-
Does a breast lift reduce areola size?Yes, areola size can be reduced from a breast lift if desired, which most patients do.
-
Are there risks associated with a breast lift?Like any surgery, a breast lift carries risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation and asymmetry. Our surgeons take every precaution to minimize risks and complications as much as possible.
Hot Topics on Breast Lifts
- Can Cosmetic Surgery Fix “Ozempic Breasts”? The recent rise in popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic has sparked an increase in requests for skin tightening procedures like breast lifts. Learn more about your options to address drooping breasts after weight loss.
- How Breast Enhancement Can Balance Asymmetrical Breasts: Breast asymmetry is a common cosmetic concern for many women. See how breast lifts and other breast enhancement options can help you achieve the more proportionate look you want.
- What Causes Sagging Breasts, Anyway? Learn more about what breast ptosis is, what causes it and how a breast lift can be the pick-me-up you’re looking for.
- How Soon After Massive Weight Loss Can You Have Plastic Surgery? Considering a breast lift after reaching a significant weight loss milestone? Read tips on getting the timing just right.
Meet Our Doctors
Our surgeons are dedicated to creating beautiful, natural results so you can look and feel your very best.
