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Breast Lift

What is Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy surgery, is a surgical procedure that lifts overly sagging breasts. It does not increase their size, though it is often combined with breast augmentation to provide larger, perkier breasts.

Why Breast Lift Surgery?

The effects of aging, weight loss, gravity, and pregnancy can profoundly affect the appearance of a woman’s bust by causing them to stretch. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their firmness and begin to sag. Dr. Hoefflin performs breast lifts for women looking to improve the both shape of sagging breasts as well as the position of their nipple-areolar complex (pigmented areas around the nipple), to be in a more youthful position.

Use of Implants

Sometimes, implants may be used during the procedure to improve both the volume and shape. After the excess skin and tissue is removed, the skin is tightened to give you a shapelier look. Lastly, improving the contour of your breasts can help improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Why Choose Dr. Hoefflin, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Surgeries are complex operations that should be performed by properly qualified and board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Hoefflin is a board certified plastic surgeon, who specializes in all aspects of breast rejuvenation procedures, including augmentations, lifts, reductions, and revision surgery. He has trained at UCLA, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Cornell and Columbia-Presbyterian Hospitals.

Keep reading to learn more about breast lift surgery, or contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hoefflin today.

About Breast Lift Surgery

Dr. Hoefflin performs a breast lift as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or under general anesthesia, as administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Breast lift surgery usually takes between two to three hours. All operations are performed within fully credentialed and state-of-the-art surgical facilities.

Because of his expertise in surgery, Dr. Hoefflin performs all techniques in achieving beautiful results, including the periareolar (Benelli, donut, round block), vertical or keyhole (anchor, wise) pattern techniques. He closes all incisions himself, and makes every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible.

About your Recovery

Patients are discharged home with light dressings and a comfortable, form-fitted bra. Soft bra support (without underwires) is encouraged for 4 to 6 weeks. Meticulously placed self-absorbing sutures are placed. Slight to moderate bruising and swelling are common for several weeks. A self-massaging protocol is initiated after several weeks to maintain both bust and implant softness.

Use of Anesthetic

Our patients are surprisingly free of discomfort due to the long-acting local anesthetic injections and nerve blocks. Pain after breast lift is unusual. Most patients tell us they feel much better than expected following their surgery and are able to return to work and social activities within one week. Light exercise can be resumed after several weeks and an unrestricted return to all activities within six weeks.

Possible Complications

When performed by a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon, the risk of serious problems after undergoing the surgery is rare. Most complications are minor, temporary, and can be easily resolved. Specific risks and the suitability of the procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.

Breast Lift FAQ

Am I a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Candidates for breast lift are those who have any of the below breast characteristics or any combination of the following:

  • Sagging breasts
  • Stretched breast skin and/or stretched areolas
  • Breasts that have lost their fullness or shape
  • Breasts that are flat or elongated
  • One breast sits or hangs lower than the other
  • Nipples and/or areolas point downward instead of forward

Other aspects to consider and discuss with your surgeon would be:

  • Whether you are planning on becoming pregnant as the pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding may alter the effects of any breast surgery done prior to becoming pregnant.
  • Whether or not you maintain a stable weight, as fluctuating weight will also affect the long-term results of the breast lift.
  • Your health in general, diet and lifestyle, as it is an invasive surgery that requires a fair amount of healing.

It is important to keep realistic goals in mind when discussing the desired outcome of a breast lift with your surgeon. There are many aspects to consider when developing a plan for breast rejuvenation as every body is unique. A breast lift also may not give the fullness or volume desired and in this case a breast augmentation should be considered. Conversely a breast lift could be combined with a breast reduction if the breasts are too heavy. Talk to our plastic surgeon about the best course of action in achieving your goals.


What are the Types of Incisions Used in a Breast Lift?

There are a few different types of incisions depending on the shape of the breast, the quality of the skin, the desired outcome, and whether or not the breast lift is being combined with a breast reduction or augmentation.

The three main incision types are:

  • Around the areola only. This would be considered for women with smaller breasts and little to no sagging.
  • Around the areola and down the front of the breast in the shape of a key-hole.
  • Around the areola and down the front of the breast as well as a semi-circular incision along the breast crease.

These incisions are decided upon before the surgical procedure depending on the amount of tissue being removed or repositioned. These incision sites are better for symmetry, as well as reducing the visibility of scarring.

The first step in the procedure is always anesthesia or IV sedation and then the incisions are made, and the tissue is expertly sculpted and shaped to replicate a more youthful, gravity-defying contour. Having a board certified plastic surgeon is a must in achieving optimal results.

These types of incisions are key for minimal visibility of scars after recovery and in the overall enhancement and restructuring of the breast tissue. The result is a youthful, perkier breast that gives you confidence in yourself and helps you feel great about wearing the clothes you love and showing off your new shape!


Is a Breast Lift Right for Me?

A breast lift is for anyone whose breasts have lost their shape or need to be reshaped to bring the nipples back to center and facing forward so as to have a more youthful, rounded, attractive contour.


What Does Breast Lift Surgery Entail?

Incisions into the breast tissue and restructuring the tissue to bring the nipples up and create a youthful shape and perkiness in the breasts.


Where are the Incisions Placed?

Incisions around the areola and potentially down the front of the breast or an anchor shape with an added half-moon incision along the breast fold.


Can I change the shape or size of my nipples and areolas?

Yes, the areola especially can be reduced in its surface area if it has become stretched. Their positioning can also be changed to make their appearance more appealing.


What About Nipple Sparing?

Nipple sparing keeps the nipple and tissue intact. This can be discussed further with Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin to ensure your procedure achieves the result you envision.


What Should I Expect the First Week After the Procedure?

Bruising and swelling are to be expected but pain and discomfort should be minimal. Arm movement may be restricted so having someone you trust to assist with bathing or child care is a must.


What Should I Expect Within the First Four Weeks After Surgery?

Bruising and swelling should dissipate, and you should be able to go back to work and/or resume an easy and gentle activity level.


How Long is the Recovery?

Every person recovers differently, from duration of recovery to sensitivity of the procedure site. Some numbness may occur but normally dissipates within the first few months.


What About Scarring?

The incisions are placed so as to be well hidden, so scars will be hidden from view when wearing clothing, a bra, or swimsuit. All scars heal differently depending on the skin.


Will I Like The Results of a Breast Lift?

Most women love the results of having a breast lift, they feel rejuvenated and have increased confidence in their appearance. Setting realistic goals with your surgeon is key!


What Should I Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon?

The plastic surgeon should be board-certified and have many positive reviews from patients, and an excellent gallery of before and after results. The best thing to do is to meet with Dr. Hoefflin and his staff – feeling comfortable and confident is important.


Is Financing Available?

Financing is available with payment plans to suit your budget and lifestyle. Talk to our friendly, helpful staff for more information about a plan that will work for you.

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