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Richmond Plastic Surgeons

What Exactly Is a Breast Lift?

Sometimes, the ligaments and skin in our bodies can begin to stretch, resulting in a sagging or drooping appearance. You experience this after an event like pregnancy, aging, or weight...or you might simply be dissatisfied with your breasts’ naturally low-hanging shape.

In either case, a breast lift can bring your breasts to exactly where you want them, restoring their appearance and boosting your body confidence in the process. Breast lift surgery doesn’t directly change their shape or size, but rather improves their position, resulting in a fuller, more shapely appearance.

doctor talking to a patient

Breast Lift Before & After Photos

What Are the Benefits of Mastopexy?

Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift will correct common issues that cause breasts to sag or point downward.

Our board-certified surgeons recommend breast lift surgery for:

  • Reshaping the breasts by tightening the skin and underlying soft tissue
  • Lifting the breasts so the nipples point pleasantly upward
  • Correcting stretched areolas

Dr. Sharline Aboutanos talks about Breast Lifts

Richmond Plastic Surgeons | Dr. Sharline Aboutanos talks about Breast Lifts

Am I the Ideal Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Breast lift procedures are recommended if you’re close to your ideal weight, are in good health, and don’t plan to have children in the near future — these factors will likely impact not only your breasts, but also the safety of the procedure.

woman in a black bra

Our breast lift can correct specific characters like:

  • Having one breast that hangs lower than the other
  • Pendulous, elongated, or sagging breasts
  • Downward-pointing areolas and nipples
  • Nipples that fall below the natural breast when unsupported
  • Elongated areolas
  • Stretched skin
  • Breasts whose shape and volume have changed

Some women benefit from a breast lift with implants, to both lift the breasts while also changing their shape and size.

What Should I Do Before My Mastopexy?

Breast lift surgery is designed to improve sagging breasts, and we ensure an optimal outcome by taking care to work with highly-qualified surgeons, and by utilizing the safest, most technologically-advanced procedures available.

We’ll work closely with you to ensure your comfort every step of the way, so you can feel confident in your surgeon’s experience and expertise. The first step will involve a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons, wherein we’ll evaluate your personal goals, working directly with you to bring you the results you’ve always wanted.

We’ll teach you everything you need to know, answering any and all questions you might have, and your surgeon will be available to you at any point in the future, should you have any questions or concerns after your procedure.

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What Can I Expect on The Day of My Breast Lift?

Mastopexy is performed with a variety of techniques. Your surgeon will determine the one that’s right for you based on things like:

  • The type of desired correction
  • The severity of any present sagging
  • The involvement of the areola and nipple in the procedure
  • The elasticity of the skin on your breasts

Once the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make incisions to access the breast tissues. These can be made:

  • In a “lollipop” shape, going around the areola and downward to the breast crease
  • Only around the areola
  • In a modified lollipop shape, requiring another incision along the breast crease

Based on your personal anatomy, your surgeon might do one of the following:

  • Reshaping your breast tissue
  • Reducing and reshaping your areolas
  • Repositioning your nipples

The final step for your breast involves removing excess skin and closing up the incisions. If you have a breast lift with existing implants, your surgeon will perfectly position the implants prior to closing the incisions.

How Long Will My Mastopexy Take?

Mastopexy usually takes between one and three hours. If you’re receiving breast implants along with your breast lift, the procedure will naturally take a bit longer.

What Can I Expect After My Breast Lift?

We’ll provide you with a comfortable compression bra after the surgery, which holds the tissues in place ensures that you heal properly and quickly. You’ll want to be sure to limit your activities for several weeks, to help this process along.

It’s natural to experience a bit of discomfort, bruising, and some tenderness after your breast lift. We’ll work with you to schedule a follow-up appointment, and keep close track of your progress.

Meet Your Providers

At Richmond Plastic Surgeons, we are focused on care and results. Each of our physicians has years of experience, countless successful outcomes, and board-certification in their respective specialty. Learn more about our providers. We are proud to provide possibly the best breast lift Richmond has to offer.

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FAQ

Will I Have Scars After My Mastopexy?

Yes, you’ll have some scarring after your breast lift. We find that scars around the areola blend best with your natural skin. The vertical scar from the areola to the breast crease will be visible, but not too obvious. The scar in your breast crease, on the other hand, is quite difficult to see. Scars tend to appear pink in color, before fading over the course of a year, but will never completely disappear.

When Will I Enjoy My Results?

Good news! You’ll see an immediate improvement in your breast shape and position right after your surgery, but keep in mind that some swelling will also be present. As the swelling goes down, final results will take shape over three to six months.

Are There Any Possible Complications from a Breast Lift?

As with any surgery, mastopexy carries a few risks and possible complications. Our board-certified surgeons take care to minimize these the development of post-surgical problems by taking care to use the safest and most advanced procedures possible. This helps us avoid issues like:

  • Complications due to the anesthesia
  • Bleeding and infection
  • Permanent of short-term changes in nipple sensation
  • Loss of fat tissue in the breast due to necrosis
  • Irregularities in the shape and size of the breast, nipple, and areola

How Long Will the Results of My Mastopexy Last?

Forever! The results of your breast lift are permanent, so long as you maintain your weight. Note that life events like pregnancy and aging can change the way your breasts look, so you might need revision surgery at some point in the future. Your surgeon will walk you through the possibility of needing future surgeries.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Richmond?

Breast lift surgery is elective, so it won’t be covered by your medical insurance. After a consultation, we’ll provide you with a cost breakdown, and schedule follow-up appointments. We accept several methods of payment, including financing through CareCredit®.

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If you would like more information regarding a specific procedure, or wish to have a member of our staff contact you, please fill out this contact form and let us know how we can best serve you!

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