Breast Lift Surgery

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning breast tissue. Unlike breast augmentation, which adds volume through implants, a breast lift focuses on improving shape, position, and firmness. The procedure is ideal for women who want to restore their breasts to a higher, more youthful position without necessarily changing their X Trusted Source Breast Lift American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source size.

The surgery addresses ptosis, a medical term for breast sagging, which occurs naturally over time due to gravity, aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations. By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, Dr. Broumand creates a lifted appearance that looks natural and proportionate to your body.

Why Women Choose Breast Lift Surgery

Women pursue breast lift surgery for various reasons. Some want to restore their pre-pregnancy breast shape after breastfeeding. Others seek to address the effects of aging and gravity. Many choose a breast lift to improve their overall body proportions or to feel more confident in clothing and swimwear. The procedure can also be combined with breast augmentation for women who want both lift and increased volume.

A breast lift can significantly impact self-confidence and body image. Many patients report feeling more comfortable in their own skin and more confident in social and intimate situations after surgery.

Ideal Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is an excellent option for women who meet certain physical and emotional criteria. Understanding whether you’re a good candidate is an important first step in your surgical journey.

Who May Not Be Ideal Candidates:

Breast lift surgery may not be appropriate if you:

Have active infections or uncontrolled medical conditions. Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Have unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes. Are unable to commit to the recovery process. Have significant psychological concerns about body image that surgery alone cannot address. Are smokers unwilling to quit before and after surgery. Have poor overall health or medical conditions that increase surgical risk.

Understanding Breast Ptosis Classification

Breast ptosis is classified into four grades based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold, the natural crease beneath the breast:

Grade 1 (Mild Ptosis): The nipple is at or slightly above the inframammary fold. Minimal sagging is visible.

Grade 2 (Moderate Ptosis): The nipple sits below the inframammary fold but above the lowest point of the breast. Noticeable sagging is present.

Grade 3 (Severe Ptosis): The nipple is significantly below the inframammary fold and points downward. Substantial sagging is evident.

Grade 4 (Severe Ptosis with Pseudoptosis): The nipple is well below the inframammary fold, and the breast tissue extends significantly below the fold. This represents the most advanced sagging.

Understanding your ptosis grade helps Dr. Broumand determine the most appropriate surgical technique and predict the degree of lift achievable. During your consultation, he will assess your breast anatomy and discuss which grade applies to your situation.

Breast Lift Surgical Techniques

Dr. Broumand offers three primary breast lift techniques, each suited to different degrees of sagging and aesthetic goals:

Crescent Lift (Minimal Incision)

The crescent lift is the least invasive option, involving a small crescent-shaped incision around the upper portion of the areola. This technique removes minimal skin and is best suited for mild ptosis with minimal sagging. The procedure provides subtle lift and is ideal for patients seeking minimal scarring.
Pros: Minimal scarring, shorter recovery time, less tissue disruption.
Cons: Limited lift capability, best for mild sagging only, may not address significant ptosis.

Periareolar Lift (Donut Lift)

The periareolar lift involves an incision around the entire areola, allowing Dr. Broumand to remove excess skin and reshape the breast. This technique is effective for mild to moderate ptosis and can also address enlarged areolas. The scar encircles the areola and typically fades well over time.
Pros: Moderate lift capability, addresses areolar enlargement, scar is well-hidden along the areolar border.
Cons: More extensive than crescent lift, visible scarring around areola, may not be sufficient for severe ptosis.

Anchor Lift (Inverted-T Lift)

The anchor lift is the most comprehensive technique, involving three incisions: one around the areola, one extending vertically down from the areola to the inframammary fold, and one along the inframammary fold. This approach allows maximum skin removal and tissue repositioning, making it ideal for moderate to severe X Trusted Source Reduction mammaplasty by the inferior pedicle technique Courtiss EH, Goldwyn RM Go to Source ptosis.
Pros: Maximum lift capability, addresses significant sagging, allows for substantial reshaping.
Cons: More extensive scarring, longer recovery period, more surgical trauma.
Dr. Broumand will recommend the technique best suited to your anatomy, degree of ptosis, and aesthetic goals during your consultation.

Combining Breast Lift with Other Procedures

Many patients choose to combine breast lift surgery with other cosmetic surgery procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Common combinations include:

Breast Lift with Augmentation: Adding breast augmentation with implants during a breast lift procedure allows you to increase breast volume while achieving lift. This is ideal for patients who want both increased size and improved position.

Breast Lift with Breast Reduction: For patients seeking both lift and relief from heavy or overly large breasts, combining a breast lift with reduction can improve breast shape, proportion, and physical comfort.

Breast Lift with Liposuction: Combining breast lift with liposuction of the flanks, abdomen, or back creates a more sculpted silhouette and improved body proportions.

Breast Lift with Tummy Tuck: Many patients undergoing body contouring after pregnancy or significant weight loss combine breast lift with abdominoplasty for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Breast Lift as Part of a Mommy Makeover: A breast lift is commonly included in a mommy makeover, which may also involve tummy tuck surgery and liposuction to address multiple areas affected by pregnancy and childbirth.

Breast Lift with Arm Lift: Combining an arm lift with breast lift surgery addresses sagging in multiple areas and creates a more cohesive body contour.

Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time compared to having separate surgeries and allows Dr. Broumand to create balanced, harmonious results across your entire body.

Scar Management and Appearance

Scarring is an inevitable part of breast lift surgery, but Dr. Broumand uses advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring. The location and extent of scars depend on the surgical technique used:

Crescent Lift: Minimal scarring along the upper areola, typically well-hidden.

Periareolar Lift: Scarring encircles the areola. The scar typically fades well and blends with the natural areolar border.

Anchor Lift: Three scars are created, but they’re strategically placed along natural breast contours. Over time, scars fade significantly and become less noticeable.

Scars typically appear red or pink initially, then gradually fade to white or light pink over 12-18 months. Several strategies can help optimize scar appearance:

Use silicone-based scar treatments as recommended by Dr. Broumand. Avoid sun exposure to the surgical area for at least one year. Massage scars gently once they’ve fully closed, as directed. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) over scars when exposed to sun. Be patient, as scars continue to improve for up to two years after surgery.

Most patients find that the improved breast appearance far outweighs any scarring concerns, especially as scars fade over time.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, breast lift surgery carries potential risks and complications. While Dr. Broumand takes careful precautions to promote safety and optimal outcomes, it’s important to understand the possibilities associated with surgery:

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, infection is possible and may require treatment with antibiotics or additional medical care.

Bleeding or Hematoma: Excess bleeding or blood accumulation beneath the skin can occur and, in some cases, may require drainage or further intervention.

Seroma: Fluid buildup beneath the skin is a possible complication and may resolve on its own or require drainage.

Scarring: All breast lift techniques result in some degree of scarring. Surgical methods are designed to place incisions as discreetly as possible, but visible scars are an expected part of the healing process.

Asymmetry: Minor differences in breast shape, size, or nipple position may occur. Some degree of natural asymmetry is common in the human body.

Changes in Nipple Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation are possible and may improve over time, though full sensation cannot be guaranteed.

Nipple or Areola Healing Issues: In rare cases, compromised blood supply may affect healing of the nipple or areola.

Changes in Nipple Projection: Alterations in nipple projection or positioning may occur following surgery.

Breastfeeding Challenges: While many women are able to breastfeed after a breast lift, some may experience difficulty. Patients who plan to breastfeed in the future should discuss this with Dr. Broumand during consultation.

Unsatisfactory Results or Need for Revision: While every effort is made to achieve balanced, natural-looking results, individual healing responses vary. Some patients may desire additional refinement, which could involve revision surgery.

Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia carries inherent risks, which will be reviewed prior to X Trusted Source Breast Lift Mayo Clinic Go to Source surgery.

Dr. Broumand will review all potential risks and complications in detail during your consultation and address any questions you may have. Careful surgical planning, patient selection, and meticulous technique are central to his approach.

Results and Longevity

Breast lift results are immediately visible after surgery, though final results emerge as swelling resolves over several months. Most patients enjoy their results for many years. However, gravity, aging, and life changes continue to affect breast appearance over time.

The longevity of breast lift results varies among individuals but typically lasts 10-15 years or longer. Factors affecting longevity include:

Genetics: Your genetic predisposition to sagging influences how long results last.

Aging: Natural aging continues to affect breast appearance over time.

Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss can affect breast appearance.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect breast shape and position.

Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can affect skin elasticity.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can accelerate aging.

Many patients are thrilled with their results for 15-20 years or more. Some choose revision surgery later in life if they desire further refinement, though this is not necessary.