Breast Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging breasts or breast ptosis. Over time, factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging can cause the breasts to lose firmness and volume, leading to changes in breast shape and nipple position. Breast lift surgery aims to restore a more youthful and lifted appearance to the breasts, improving overall breast contour and symmetry. The surgery can also be performed in conjunction with an implant, which will both increase breast size and improve droopiness or sag.
Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery offers expert breast lift procedures for patients in New Bern, NC and throughout the surrounding area, and we have experience performing hundreds of mastopexy procedures over the years.
For a comprehensive personal consultation with Dr. Zannis, contact us by calling (252) 633-1197.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Lifts
Breast sagging occurs when the breast tissues lose their elasticity and firmness, resulting in a drooping or downward position of the breasts. (1) There are several factors that contribute to breast sagging, such as:
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight Fluctuations
- Hormonal Changes
- Genetics
- The natural effects of gravity over time
Breast ptosis can affect women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Your breast lift surgery can be performed using a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:
- Your unique breast size and shape
- The size and position of your areolas
- Your degree of breast sagging
- Your skin quality and elasticity, as well as the amount of extra skin you have
Benefits of a Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery offers several benefits that can enhance both your physical appearance and self-confidence. By choosing Dr. Zannis for your breast lift procedure, you can look forward to the following advantages:
- Enhanced Breast Contour: Breast lift surgery can improve the shape and contour of your breasts by eliminating sagging and addressing issues such as stretched skin and drooping nipples.
- Restored Nipple Position: If your nipples have become downward-pointing due to breast sag, a breast lift can reposition them to a more youthful and aesthetic height.
- Enhanced Breast Symmetry: If you are bothered by breast asymmetry, a breast lift can help create more symmetrical breasts by addressing variations in shape, size, and position.
- Increased Self-Confidence: By restoring your breasts to a more youthful and uplifted state, a breast lift can boost your self-esteem and improve your body image.
- Improved Breast Firmness: Breast lift surgery can provide a firmer and more toned appearance to your breast tissue.
- Clothing Fit: With the improvement in breast shape and contour, you may find that clothing, such as swimsuits and tops, fits better and flatters your figure.
- Long-Lasting Results: The results achieved through a breast lift can be long-lasting, particularly if you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle.
- Combination Procedures: Breast lift surgery can often be combined with other complementary procedures such as breast augmentation or breast reduction to achieve an optimal outcome tailored to your unique goals.
Candidates
Candidates for breast lift surgery typically exhibit one or more of the following concerns:
- Sagging Breasts: If your breasts have lost their firmness and have a downward appearance due to factors like aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, a breast lift may be beneficial.
- Nipple Position: If your nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease, a breast lift can reposition them to a more aesthetic and youthful level.
- Breasts Lack Fullness: If your breasts have lost volume and appear deflated or empty, a breast lift can help restore fullness and rejuvenate your breast appearance.
- Areola Enlargement: Breast lift surgery can also address enlarged or stretched areolas by reducing their size and improving their shape and proportion.
- Breast Asymmetry: If you are bothered by significant variations in your breast shape, size, or nipple position, a breast lift can help create a more symmetrical and balanced look.
Candidates for breast lift surgery should be in good general health, with no significant medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with surgery. Smoking can impair both your healing process and your overall health, making it important to abstain from smoking before and after your surgery.
To determine if you are an ideal candidate for a breast lift, it is crucial to have a personal consultation with Dr. Zannis. He will evaluate your individual needs, assess your breast anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate surgical plan.
Personal Consultation
Choosing to have a breast lift procedure is a significant decision, and we understand that you may have questions and concerns. During your personal consultation with Dr. Zannis at our New Bern office, he will take the time to understand your needs, listen to your goals, and perform a thorough examination of your breasts. This consultation allows Dr. Zannis to provide you with detailed information about breast lift surgery and guide you through the entire process.
Dr. Zannis will review your medical history, previous surgeries, and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. It’s important to disclose any past or current medical conditions, allergies, or adverse reactions to medications to minimize potential risks during surgery. This information will allow Dr. Zannis to customize your treatment plan and make appropriate recommendations to achieve your desired outcome.
Preparation
Preparing for your breast lift surgery is crucial to ensure optimal safety and successful results. Dr. Zannis will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions tailored to your specific needs. Some general guidelines may include:
- Discontinuing medications: You may need to stop certain medications, including blood thinners and supplements, before your surgery.
- Smoking cessation: We strongly recommend quitting smoking before any surgery as it can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. You will be required to quit using all nicotine products at least 6 weeks prior to breast lift surgery.
- Preparing your support system: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you during the initial recovery period.
- Lab tests: In some cases, Dr. Zannis may request specific lab tests to ensure that you are in good health to undergo surgery.
- Fasting: You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before your surgery. This helps reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia.
Following these preoperative instructions diligently will help ensure a smooth surgical experience and enhance your recovery process.
Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lift (mastopexy) surgeries start with a small incision and then progress to the careful reshaping and contouring of the underlying breast tissue. The surgeon then reconstructs the breast and closes the incisions for a lifted, tightened, and more youthful appearance. Continue reading below for a more in-depth description of the breast lift surgery procedure.
Incision
The first step of a breast lift procedure is the initial incision. There are three common incision patterns:
- Around the areola
- Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease
You will consult with Dr. Zannis on which of these incision patterns will create the best results for you, based on your unique anatomy and your goals. About 75% of cases utilize the second option (often referred to as a “lollipop” incision) to create an excellent shape with little visible scarring.
Reshaping Your Breasts
After Dr. Zannis makes the initial incisions, he will lift and reshape the underlying breast tissue to improve breast contour and firmness. Then, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height. The nipple remains connected to its nerve supply and should maintain function and sensation. If necessary, he reduces enlarged areolas excising, or removing, skin at the perimeter. Excess breast skin is then removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.
An implant may be added at this stage for increased breast volume and upper fullness. Dr. Zannis prefers to do breast lifts with implants in one stage for an easier and better patient experience than two stages. For the right patient, augmentation mastopexy is a safe and effective treatment option. (2)
Closing the Incisions
After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed. Some incision lines resulting from the breast lift procedure are concealed in the natural breast contours. However, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases, they will fade and improve significantly over time.
To close the surgical incisions, Dr. Zannis layers sutures deep within the breast tissue to create a lifted contour and support the newly shaped breasts with a technique some people refer to as an internal bra. Sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.
Recovery
After your breast lift procedure is completed, we will apply dressings or bandages to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Pain medication prescribed by Dr. Zannis can help alleviate any postoperative discomfort you may experience. It is essential to avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and other physically demanding tasks for several weeks following surgery to allow proper healing.
As you recover from your breast lift procedure, you’ll be more and more satisfied with your new appearance. Your breasts will be restored to a more youthful, uplifted position, and the result will be enhanced self-confidence and improved body image.
Results
The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve itself, and incision lines will fade, and their appearance will be minimized within 6 to 12 months of your breast lift procedure.
Cost of a Breast Lift in New Bern
The cost of your breast lift will be based on your unique treatment plan laid out by Dr. Zannis at your personal consultation. It may range from $7,000-$9,000.
Are you interested in talking to the Zannis team about your goals for your breast lift surgery? All you have to do is contact us today or call us at (252) 633-1197 to schedule your consultation.
We’ll talk to you about what to expect, answer all of your questions, and guide you through the entire breast lift process, from start to finish and beyond.
FAQ
How long does breast lift surgery typically last?
Breast lift surgery usually takes approximately two to four hours, depending on the specific technique used and individual factors.
Will breast lift surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?
While a breast lift procedure does not directly disrupt the milk ducts or significantly impact breastfeeding, it’s essential to understand that individual results may vary. If you have concerns about breastfeeding after a breast lift, your surgeon can provide more information during your consultation.
Can a breast lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a breast lift can often be combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction, depending on your specific goals and physical characteristics.
Will a breast lift leave visible scars?
Breast lift surgery involves incisions, and consequently, some scarring is inevitable. However, surgeons use advanced techniques and strategically placed incisions to minimize visible scarring. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable. Many patients find that the benefits of a lifted and rejuvenated breast appearance outweigh any potential scarring.
References
- Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
- Qureshi AA, Myckatyn TM, Tenenbaum MM. Mastopexy and Mastopexy-Augmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(4):374-384. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx181