Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery takes usually 2 – 4 hours and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The timeframe of this treatment depends on the nature of breast size and sagging. The method used for a breast lift generally falls into two categories — these are based on the size, location, and nature of the incision. The vertical incisions (lollipop approach) is Dr. Vinyard’s preferred technique. Quite frequently the incision for a breast lift is made in a lollipop fashion around the nipple with a vertical incision below the nipple. Patients are typically concerned about having scars on their breasts, but once you are able to view “before and after” images, you will discover that they usually fade to a thin white line that is not noticed unless closely observed and the new improved shape of the breasts become the focus of your attention. Depending on your desires, Dr. Vinyard may suggest using a breast implant in addition to the breast lift to provide greater breast volume and fullness in the upper portions of the breast.

Once the loose, aged skin is excised along with breast tissue and fat that is not wanted. The skin will then be pulled tight and the nipple/areola complex is positioned higher and lifted to look healthier and younger. In many cases, the size and shape of the areola are reconstructed and reduced to match the new placement and shape of the breast. At this point, an implant can be inserted into the breast if this was agreed upon with Dr. Vinyard ahead of surgery. If a breast lift is the only procedure being performed and if size and shape are a concern, augmentation surgery with implants can be done at a later date. After the last suture is closed, you will be transported to our recovery room until discharge. You will return to the comfort of your own home the night of surgery unless you combine your breast lift with an abdominoplasty to have a mommy makeover. After surgery, you will be fitted with a support bra to diminish swelling. A thin tube will also be placed near the location of the incision to assist with excess fluid leakage that can sometimes occur after mastopexy treatment.

Most patients are ready to return to sedentary work in one week following surgery. You will need to continue to avoid repetitive motions and heavy lifting for three weeks after surgery as this can cause unwanted complications. You will be able to resume all regular activities within six weeks after your procedure.

Recovery for any type of breast lift is more lengthy than a surgery with implants only. Six weeks following your mastopexy or mastopexy augmentation, you will be very close to your end result. However, the breast will continue to change over the span of three months postoperatively in which you will notice that the lower part of the breast softens and rounds to reveal a beautiful, youthful breast. Dr. Vinyard employs the superior pedicle approach to a mastopexy and mastopexy augmentation. This creates more fullness in the upper portion of the breast. Gravity is always present and hard at work to try and return your breasts into the pre-surgical “droopy” position. These unwanted changes can be minimized by continuing to wear a supporting brassiere. Dr. Vinyard’s approach to breast lifts takes this into consideration and provides you with a longer-lasting lifted appearance to the breast.

The majority of the swelling following your surgery should resolve in six weeks. We will take your first official “after” photos at your three months post-op follow-up appointment. The post-surgical swelling usually goes away within about a week. Dr. Vinyard or a member of his team will provide in-depth, at-home incision care instructions to help with your healing process. Results following a breast lift surgery are noticeable after several months as your newly shaped breasts take their new position. Your breasts will feel and appear natural, and you will feel perkier and healthy overall.

In your initial consultation, Dr. Vinyard will listen to your needs and goals before developing your unique treatment plan. After that, he can estimate your costs. When done well, a breast lift can significantly improve your physical appearance, so it’s important to focus on having an experienced surgeon with extensive training, like Dr. Vinyard, over costs. To help make surgery easier to afford, VIPS can help you find low-interest financing through CareCredit. The cost for your mastopexy or mastopexy augmentation will include Dr. Vinyard’s professional fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, surgical brassiere, initial consultation with Dr. Vinyard, and all pre and post-operative visits. You will meet with the patient care coordinator who will explain your breast lift fees to you. This quote is designed based on the plan that you and Dr. Vinyard have decided upon together.

Whether you should get a breast lift, implants, or both will depend on your specific goals. In many patients, a breast lift can improve the shape and fullness of the breasts without implants. Dr. Vinyard will assess your physical condition and listen to your goals in your consultation, then decide whether you should get a lift, implants, or a breast augmentation with a lift.

Generally, the nipple/areola complex will be shifted up during the breast lift. If your areolas are overly large or stretched, Dr. Vinyard can include an areola reduction during your surgery. This can be discussed during your consultation so he can decide on the best incision pattern and technique to use during your breast lift.

With proper care after surgery, your results should last for many years. Your breasts will continue to age normally, so you could begin to see sagging and loose skin over time. Factors like significant weight gain or loss can alter your results, so it’s best to maintain a stable weight after your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding after a breast lift can also affect your results, which is why Dr. Vinyard recommends patients wait until they are done having children to get a breast lift.

A lift can improve asymmetry in your breasts if they are different in size, firmness, or varying degrees of sagging. Dr. Vinyard will assess the physical condition and appearance of your breasts during your consultation and discuss how a breast lift can help you. During your surgery, he will shape the tissue so your breasts are equal in size and position for symmetry.

Yes. A mastopexy is commonly combined with a breast augmentation in which breast implants are utilized to provide a fuller more rounded appearance to the breast. This may be performed during the same procedure or as separate or “staged” procedures. In addition, a breast lift (with or without the addition of implants) can be combined with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction to have a mommy makeover.