Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Northern Virginia
Ready to get started?
Contact Uswhat is a Breast Lift?
Sagging breasts are one of the most common effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding, in addition to being a natural result of gravity and aging. Fluctuations in weight only make the problem worse. If your breasts have begun to sag, a breast lift surgery is a great option to restore your youthful, feminine contour. A breast lift or mastopexy is designed to restore a shapely and perky bust. The ideal candidate for a breast lift alone is a patient who is happy with the size of her breasts in a bra, but is not happy with the overall shape due to the droopiness of the breast, the nipple, or both. Call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA to make an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons to learn more.
should i get a breast lift?
During the initial consultation and after a thorough exam, we will help determine if a breast lift is the right surgery for you. Ideal candidates for this operation are women who:
- Have realistic ideas about what breast lift surgery can do
- Have breasts that sag or need a better shape
- Have breasts that hang, are stretched out, or are asymmetrical
- Have nipples that point downward or rest underneath the breasts
- Have lost skin elasticity with weight loss, pregnancy, or age
- Understand there will be scars on the breast to achieve a breast lift
Request An Appointment
how is a breast lift done?
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is considered an outpatient surgery. There will be many factors to discuss prior to the surgery, including where the incision will be placed. There are three commonly practiced incision points made in lift surgery:
- Anchor incision: final scar around the areola, vertically down the front of the breast and underneath the breast
- Lollipop incision: final scar around the areola and vertically down the front of the breast
- Circumareolar incision: final scar only around the areola
The incision usually chosen for breast lift is the anchor incision because it creates the best result. This procedure will produce surgery scars, but our plastic surgeons will do everything possible to make the scars less visible or easily concealed. We will also provide information on how to best care for your surgical incisions for more attractive results.
how long is recovery from a breast lift?
With breast lift surgery, individuals will see a lifted appearance of their breasts shortly after surgery but optimal results will be visible after the swelling subsides and the sutures relax. The lift is usually over tight initially with the expectation that it relaxes in the first several weeks.
The recovery will vary since many patients will have a breast lift in combination with another plastic surgery procedure such as a breast augmentation, breast reduction, or tummy tuck. For a lift alone, patients usually take off work for one week but only take pain medication for a couple of days.
Patients will be urged to do light activities such as slowly moving around the room, or spend a few minutes standing within the first 48 hours to stimulate blood circulation. There should be no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the first week, and patients can restart their normal activities within 2 – 3 weeks. The breast will continue to age normally after a breast lift, but the procedure effectively resets the clock.
Photos
Mommy Makeover
View PhotosAfter Weight Loss
View PhotosMommy Makeover
View PhotosMommy Makeover
View PhotosMommy Makeover
View PhotosView Breast Lift Results
View PhotosGet Back Your Perky Breasts!
You can have the healthy and youthful breasts you once had with breast lift surgery. We invite you to have a complimentary consultation with one of our plastic surgeons today to discuss if this surgery is right for you. Whether it is suggested to have just a breast lift or more, we can help you feel younger and fantastic.
Breast Lift FAQs
Do I need a breast lift or breast implants?
Whether you should get a breast lift, an augmentation with implants, or both will depend on your specific goals. Oftentimes, a breast lift can improve the shape and fullness of your breasts with no need for implants. A member of our experienced team of surgeons will assess your physical condition and listen to your goals at your consultation, then decide whether you would benefit from a lift, implants, or a breast augmentation plus a lift.
Will my nipples be moved?
Generally, the nipple-areola complex will be shifted up during the breast lift. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, then we can include an areola reduction during your surgery. This can be discussed during your appointment so we can decide on the best incision pattern and technique to use in your breast lift.
How long will my results last?
With good care following surgery, your results can last for many years. Your breasts will continue to age normally, so you might start to see sagging and loose skin in time. Factors like significant weight gain or loss can change your results; therefore it's best to maintain a steady weight following your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding following a breast lift may also affect your results, which is why we recommend patients wait until they are done having children to get a breast lift.
Can a breast lift fix asymmetry?
A lift can improve asymmetry in your breasts if they're different in size, firmness, or level of sagging. We will evaluate the appearance and condition of your breasts during your consultation and talk about how a breast lift can help you. In your lift surgery, we will adjust the tissue so your breasts are equal in position and size for better symmetry.