Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Charleston, SC
What Is A Breast Lift?
The shape of a woman’s breasts depends on:
- A balance of the strength of skin and ligaments against the pull of gravity
- Skin and ligaments lose some of their elasticity with age
- Life events like weight gain and loss can stretch skin and ligaments
- Smoking is particularly damaging to skin elasticity
This means breasts can sag or lose shape with age. If the sagging of your breasts makes you feel self-conscious or unattractive, a breast lift may be an option for you.
Girl in gray shirt
A breast lift (or mastopexy) is a technique for reshaping a woman’s breasts to reduce sagging and give them a youthful shape and fullness. It is a good technique for women whose breasts have begun to sag due to age, weight loss, or childbirth. In a breast lift procedure, excess skin is removed from the breasts, and the nipple is repositioned higher. The breast is reshaped to restore a more youthful contour.
A breast lift can:
- Raise sagging breasts to a higher, more youthful position
- Tighten loose skin
- Reposition your nipple and areola higher on the breast for a more youthful appearance
- Restore a youthful breast shape by bringing together breast tissue that has spread out
For many women, breast augmentation with implants provides enough uplift and reshaping with less scarring than a breast lift. Sometimes breast implants are used in combination with a breast lift procedure (augmentation mastopexy).
How Much Does A Breast Lift Cost in Charleston?
The cost of a breast lift varies between patients, as there are differing requirements to meet each patients’ desires and physical needs. You’ll be told the cost of the procedure during your consultation. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. Financing is available to assist patients in covering surgical costs.
What To Expect After A Breast Lift?
Woman in white dress
Swelling is to be expected following surgery. Surgical dressings will be removed about three days after your breast lift. Dr. Widenhouse may place drains during your breast lift to aid healing. Drains will be removed five to seven days after surgery. Within one week, most patients are cleared to continue normal, non-laborious activities.
As you recover, sensation will return to the nipples and areolas. This signals the end of the recovery process is near, and you’ll no longer require a support bra. Swelling will decrease in the months following surgery, allowing the breasts to assume their natural position.
Will I Have Scars After Getting A Breast Lift?
With proper postoperative care, the scars from a breast lift will generally be faint. All scars from a breast lift are at or below the nipple and will be concealed in swimsuits and low-cut clothing.
When Will I See The Results?
You will begin to see the results of your breast lift as swelling subsides in the months after your surgery. Swelling should be completely resolved, and your breasts settled into their natural positions around six months after surgery.
What Are Possible Complications Of A Breast Lift?
There are possible complications associated with undergoing a breast lift, including:
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Temporary or long-lasting change in nipple and/or breast sensation
- Irregularities in the breasts’ contour and shape
- Asymmetry
How Long Will The Results Of A Breast Lift Last?
A breast lift’s results do not have a definitive lifespan. With proper care, repeat procedures may not be necessary. Maintaining a steady weight, not becoming pregnant, and caring for one’s skin properly can help the breasts remain taut and lifted.
Benefits of A Breast Lift
- Breasts appear more youthful
- Breast symmetry, shape, size, and position are improved
- Self-confidence improves as breast issues resolve
Who Is The Ideal Candidate For A Breast Lift?
Girl in a white bra
A breast lift can benefit you if your breasts are sagging but have enough volume to make a pleasing breast size and shape. Sometimes a breast lift might need to be combined with breast implants (augmentation mastopexy) to give the results you desire.
The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for a breast lift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse.
What Do I Need To Do Before A Breast Lift?
Prior to your breast lift, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Widenhouse. He will perform a physical evaluation, review your medical history, and discuss your issues and expectations for the procedure while answering any questions. During the consultation, Dr. Widenhouse will develop a treatment plan which addresses your unique anatomy in order to achieve the best results through surgery. Age, breast volume, breast shape, and skin condition will be considered, as well as your desires.
It may be decided that breast implants could help you achieve your goals. If so, Dr. Widenhouse will advise you regarding the different breast implants available and discuss nipple and areola repositioning, while giving you an idea of what the final outcome will look like.
What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Breast Lift?
A breast lift procedure is performed under IV sedation. There are several different types of incisions used in breast lift procedures. The one used depends on the amount (or degree) of ptosis (sagging) in your breasts. The most common is the anchor incision. It is used when a woman needs the most lifting possible. The incision begins above the nipple, extends past the nipple down to the breast crease and along the crease. It leaves what is known as a “lollipop scar,” which goes around the areola and down to the breast crease. The incisions allow for the nipple to be repositioned higher on the breast into a natural, youthful position. The areola can also be reduced if it has become stretched.
How Long Does It Take To Perform A Breast Lift?
For most patients, a breast lift takes approximately three hours to complete. This may vary either way depending on your unique treatment plan. Following surgery, you’ll wake up and recover at our facility before being released to go home.
Breast Lift FAQs
How long does a breast lift last?
The results of your breast lift have the potential to last for up to 10 years or longer. It’s important to remember that receiving a breast lift will not stop signs of aging from appearing as you mature. To maintain the results of your breast lift for the long run, Dr. Widenhouse and his team recommend wearing a well-fitted bra throughout the day in addition to leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
How painful is a breast lift?
The breast lift procedure itself is not very painful. This is because Dr. Widenhouse uses anesthesia throughout your breast lift to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible throughout your surgery. Following your breast lift procedure, you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the chest. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities including work and mild exercise within two weeks of surgery.
What is a lollipop breast lift?
A lollipop lift is a surgical breast lift technique that Dr. Widenhouse may use provided you have mild to moderate sagging you wish to address. During a lollipop breast lift, incisions will be made around the areola and down the center of the breast to the breast’s natural crease creating the shape of a lollipop. This popular breast lift technique allows for the removal of excess skin around the breasts while maintaining their natural shape and appearance.
What age should I get a breast lift?
There is no perfect age to get a breast lift. While we typically see patients between ages 35 and 45 come in to receive a breast lift, patients as young as 18 and as mature as 55 who are in good general health are great candidates for a breast lift. Dr. Widenhouse and his team typically recommend patients receive a breast lift if they’re unhappy with the sagginess or droopiness of their breasts but do not wish to reduce their overall breast volume.
Do you lose a cup size with a breast lift?
No, you will not lose any volume throughout your breast lift procedure. Unlike a breast reduction which removes breast tissue and fat from the breasts to reduce their size, a breast lift simply involves removing excess loose skin from around the breasts to give them a more lifted and youthful appearance. While you may find that your bras fit better following surgery, the actual size of your breasts does not decrease.
Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!