Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, at Spectrum Plastic Surgery removes excess skin and raises the breasts without the placement of breast implants (breast implants are part of a breast augmentation). In some cases, a patient might opt for a hybrid procedure called a breast augmentation with a breast lift. A breast lift can treat “breast ptosis,” or drooping of the breasts. Although it does not overtly increase breast volume, as no implants are placed, a breast lift often makes the breasts appear more voluminous because excessive skin is removed. A breast lift is designed to help breasts appear more youthful and perkier. Some women are able to confidently wear bras without an underwire or opt to not wear a bra after a breast lift because the results are firm, perky breasts that do not need support.

A breast lift is a common part of a “mommy makeover,” which is a suite of procedures that is completely customizable and often also includes a tummy tuck and liposuction in various parts of the body. Breast lifts may require the repositioning of the nipple in cases of moderate to severe sagging. When skin laxity of the breast is minimal, the nipple may not need to be moved. Liposuction may or may not be recommended during a breast lift.

There are numerous benefits to a breast lift, such as:

Breasts that look firmer, perkier, and more youthful
Nipple readjustment that allows nipples to “face” forward instead of downward
Addressing droopiness, sagginess, and skin laxity of the breasts
“Bra bulge” that is corrected, particularly when a breast lift is coupled with liposuction
Improvement of the breast profile and volume appearance
Women can confidently wear less supportive bras or no bra after their procedure

Breast Lift Photos

Breast Lift Gallery

Comparing Other Types of Breast Surgeries

Breast lifts are just one of many types of breast procedures available. In addition to breast augmentation, which includes the placement of breast implants, there is also breast reduction surgery, breast reconstruction, and gynecomastia surgery (a type of breast reduction for men). Breast reduction surgery differs from a breast lift because it involves the removal of breast tissue along with skin, or sometimes it is just the removal of breast tissue exclusively.

The goal of a breast reduction procedure is to decrease the size and mass of the breast, not necessarily to treat skin laxity and sagging. Breast reconstruction is designed to address the aesthetic concerns following a trauma, medical surgery such as a mastectomy, or a previous breast cosmetic procedure such as a failed breast augmentation. Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which men have excess breast tissue, which can be removed through a specialized breast reduction.

Frequenty Asked Questions

Will my breasts be a lot smaller after a breast lift?Lily2020-04-29T09:21:13-07:00

Will my breasts be a lot smaller after a breast lift?

It depends. A breast lift does not remove any breast tissue. A breast lift only removes excess skin from the breast. When liposuction is coupled with a breast lift, the adipose tissue removed is around the breast and further enhances the size and shape of the breast. However, women with excessive skin laxity may feel like their breasts are smaller or significantly smaller after a breast lift if ample amount of skin is removed. If this is a concern, breast augmentation with a breast lift may be a better combination procedure for you. Patients will know the estimated cup size of their breast during their consultation and all options for breast surgery can be discussed at this point.

What size will my breasts be after a breast lift and what will they look like?Lily2020-04-29T09:23:50-07:00

What size will my breasts be after a breast lift and what will they look like?

The unprecedented way to know what your breasts will look like after a breast lift is via simulation with the 3D Vectra Imaging technology. This technology is only available at selective practices like Spectrum Plastic Surgery. The Vectra 3D Imaging System takes a patient’s real images and allows for customized simulation so you can see exactly what your results will look like. The technology is able to show you expected results for a wide range of plastic surgeries, and is especially helpful if you are trying to decide between a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both.

Will scars show after a breast lift?Lily2020-04-29T09:22:13-07:00

Will scars show after a breast lift?

In cases of minor skin laxity, patients may not need nipple adjustment and will only require two horizontal incisions that are easily hidden in the inframammary crease. However, for those who require an anchor incision, there will be incisions made in the visible parts of the breast. These scars become thin, white, and blend in with the surrounding skin in time.

Is a breast lift the right breast surgery for me?Lily2020-04-29T09:22:51-07:00

Is a breast lift the right breast surgery for me?

A breast lift only addresses excess skin on the breast. For many women, this is the procedure that will yield the results if they are wanting perkier, firmer breasts with nipples that face forward. However, a breast lift does not enhance the volume of the breasts or provide reconstruction due to trauma or a failed previous surgery. You can discuss all of your options for breast procedures during a consultation.

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Reviews from real patients can be an additional helpful tool when choosing a surgeon for your breast lift. Below is a selection of third-party reviews for Dr. Geoghegan and Dr. Stutman:

“I am so pleased with the breast surgery I had performed by Dr. Geoghegan. I recommend her very, very highly. She is skilled and personable. Her staff is also wonderful — a staff member handled insurance issues for me efficiently and quickly.”

“[Dr. Stutman] is a surgeon of the utmost excellence. Thank you!”

“I had done a lot of research online and I had met with about five different surgeons in the east valley. Dr. Geoghegan made me feel the most comfortable. She was very informative, caring, and honest with me. A few of the other doctors emphasized on size and Dr. G emphasized on what I really wanted, to look as natural as possible. Three years later I have no regrets! I have had no complications during surgery or after. I am extremely pleased with the results and would highly recommend her practice.”

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Reviews from patients who underwent a tummy tuck by Spectrum Plastic Surgery surgeons can be a good tool when choosing a doctor to perform your procedure. The following reviews are from real patients.

“I am so pleased with the breast surgery I had performed by Dr. Geoghegan. I recommend her very, very highly. She is skilled and personable. Her staff is also wonderful — a staff member handled insurance issues for me efficiently and quickly.”

“[Dr. Stutman] is a surgeon of the utmost excellence. Thank you!”

“I had done a lot of research online and I had met with about five different surgeons in the east valley. Dr. Geoghegan made me feel the most comfortable. She was very informative, caring, and honest with me. A few of the other doctors emphasized on size and Dr. G emphasized on what I really wanted, to look as natural as possible. Three years later I have no regrets! I have had no complications during surgery or after. I am extremely pleased with the results and would highly recommend her practice.”

More Details on Breast Lift Surgery

There are many causes of breast ptosis, including genetics, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations, but the most prevalent cause is aging. The size and shape of the breasts change with age, but a breast lift can restore breasts to a youthful appearance. There are a number of incisions that may be required based on your breasts.

Peri-areolar lift

Peri-areolar lifts are also known as crescent lifts, and are involved in the least invasive approach. This technique uses a single, vertical scar extending from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary crease while allowing the nipple to be repositioned higher on the breast.

Short scar breast lift

A short scar breast lift is ideal for many women with moderate ptosis. The incision pattern is the same as the peri-areolar lift, but with an additional horizontal incision in the crease below the breast. Skin is removed from the lower half of the breast and near the areola, allowing for a decrease in areola size, too.

Wise pattern lift

A Wise pattern mastopexy is recommended for women with severe ptosis and is also popular with breast reduction surgery. Also known as an “anchor incision,” an incision is made around the areola, then a vertical incision is made from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary crease, and it ends with a longer incision made along the width of each breast crease. There is also a modified Wise incision that is similar, but features shorter incisions. The latter may be suitable for women with moderate to severe breast ptosis and allows for reshaping of breasts with less scarring.

Recovery times vary based on the type of incision made and the amount of skin removed. Most women can expect two weeks of rest before returning to some aspect of their daily lives, such as sedentary work. Full results can take a few months, and you can trust your Spectrum Plastic Surgery team to provide updates with each post-operative appointment.