What You Need to Know Before Getting a Breast Lift

A growing number of women are opting to reverse gravity by getting a surgical breast-lift procedure.

The prevalence of breast lifts has risen 70% since 2000 — twice the growth of breast implant surgery, according to new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

During a breast lift, excess skin is removed to tighten the breast envelope, repositioning the breast tissue and nipple-areolar complex higher on the chest wall.

Dr. Constance M. Chen, a renowned New York-based plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist, explains that as women age, it is typical for the skin to lose elasticity and for the breasts to drop.

Breastfeeding is a significant factor in breast drooping, but even women who did not breastfeed may experience sagging over time.

The transition into menopause also contributes to breast changes, as dense glandular breast tissue is replaced by softer and less firm fatty tissue.

If sagging breasts make a woman unhappy, surgery is the only way to fix it, as exercises to firm the chest muscles won't impact the breast tissue itself.

A well-fitted bra can provide temporary support and enhance appearance in clothes, but it won't reverse breast sagging.

In most cases, a breast lift doesn't change the size of the breasts, but it can make them appear fuller and rounder.

For women who desire larger or smaller breasts, a breast lift can be combined with augmentation or reduction procedures.

Dr. Brian Reagan of CosmetiCare in San Diego recommends waiting at least three months after breastfeeding to undergo a breast lift, as the breasts continue to change during this period.

Different mastopexy procedures are available based on the amount of lift required.

A 'crescent lift' removes a small crescent of skin from the top of the nipple-areolar complex to adjust the position of the nipple.

This procedure is suitable when the breasts are perky, and the woman desires a slight adjustment of the nipple-areolar complex.

A 'Benelli lift' tightens the skin using a doughnut-shaped incision around the nipple-areolar complex, which can also flatten the breast.

To improve breast projection, an implant may be utilized in conjunction with a Benelli lift.

A 'lollipop lift' repositions the breast tissue higher on the chest wall by removing more breast skin and reshaping the breast shape.

This method involves scars around the nipple-areolar complex and vertically to the fold below the breast, resembling a lollipop.

The 'anchor lift' is a traditional Wise-pattern mastopexy that adds a horizontal scar along the fold below the breast, allowing for tissue reshaping and repositioning.

All surgical procedures come with risks, and breast lifts are no exception.

Potential risks include decreased nipple sensation, tissue loss (including the nipple), and poor scarring.

Individuals who smoke or have medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes may not be suitable candidates for breast lifts.

Ideal candidates are healthy individuals without medical issues who have deflated, droopy breasts.

A breast lift is a personal decision that should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon.