Are you starting to notice that your breasts aren't as high or firm as they used to be? If your breasts have begun to sag due to pregnancy, weight loss—or simply the effects of gravity over time—a breast lift or mastopexy can help give you a more uplifted, youthful shape.

The photos below show an actual patient who had a breast lift with Dr. Sterry. For more examples, visit our photo gallery

Are you a candidate for a breast lift?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if your breasts:

• Lack substance
• Have lost firmness
• Hang excessively
• Have nipples that point downward

In many cases, women seek breast lift surgery to correct asymmetry. One breast may be firm and well-developed, while the other is not.

Breasts of any size can be lifted. However, the results are more long-lasting for women whose breasts are smaller and lighter. Women with larger breasts may do better with a breast reduction

Where are breast lift incisions made?

There are several breast lift surgery techniques:

• The Wise pattern—also called the anchor or the inverted T—allows Dr. Sterry to remove the most excess skin from below the nipple and reduce sagging to the greatest degree. There are three incisions: one is made around the areola, or darker tissue surrounding the nipple. Another incision runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the inframammary crease under the breast. The third is a side-to-side incision beneath the breast that follows the natural curve of the breast crease.

  After Dr. Sterry removes the excess breast skin and shapes the remaining breast tissue, he shifts the nipple and areola to a higher position. If the areola is stretched out, it can also be reduced in size. Skin that was located above the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. In some cases, Dr. Sterry may also use liposuction to improve the contour on the sides of the breasts.

  Because the nipples and areolae remain attached to the underlying mounds of breast tissue, breast sensation and the ability to breastfeed are normally preserved.

  
  
• The lollipop or vertical incision works best for breasts with mild to moderate sagging, where the nipple is near the breast crease. There are two incisions—one encircling the areola and the second extending vertically from the nipple to the crease beneath the breast.

  Dr. Sterry removes the excess skin from below the nipple and repositions the nipple-areola complex at a higher level. Then he brings together the remaining skin and sutures it.

  
  
• The periareolar technique, also known as the concentric, doughnut, drawstring, purse string or Benelli technique, works best for smaller breasts with mild to moderate droop.

  With this method, Dr. Sterry makes two round or oval incisions around the areola, one slightly larger than the other. Then he removes the doughnut-shaped area of skin between the two incisions. He raises the nipple-areola complex and pulls the remaining skin together around the areola.

  

  Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sterry

  This information is merely an introduction to breast lift surgery. To find out if you are an appropriate candidate, contact Dr. Sterry. In your personal consultation, he will evaluate you, listen to your goals for achieving more attractive breasts, and advise you on how you can achieve the look you desire. If you have had any breast health issues, you should let Dr. Sterry know at this time.

  To finish, Dr. Sterry stitches the skin together, pulling it closed as if tightening a drawstring. This technique works well for smaller breasts, but may have a flattening effect if used on larger breasts.

  
  
• The crescent technique involves a semicircular incision around the upper edge of the areola and removal of a small amount of excess skin above the nipple. This method offers the least lift of all the breast lift methods—and as such, is not commonly used. However, it may be right for you if you have small breasts with very slight drooping.

What is a breast lift?

“A breast lift is cosmetic plastic surgery to raise the breasts and create a fuller, more youthful appearance. This procedure can rejuvenate your figure by restoring the breast shape that is often lost over time. In medical terms, a breast lift corrects ptosis, or sagging.

“A breast lift procedure repositions the nipples and reduces the size of the areola, or the pigmented area that surrounds the raised nipple. Occasionally, breast implants may be needed if you have lost breast volume due to extensive weight loss or after pregnancy.”

Does a breast lift reduce the volume of breast tissue?

“No. Patients who come in for a breast lift consultation always ask, ‘You're not going to take anything away from me, right?’ A breast lift does just what the name implies—it simply lifts your breasts to a higher position.”

Will a woman's bra size change after a breast lift?

“No. With a breast lift, we don't want to take any volume away. And we're certainly not adding any, unless you opt for implants. What a breast lift does is take away skin and remodel the breast tissue itself to have a nicer presentation.”

Could implants alone get the same results as a breast lift?

“Sometimes, breast implants alone can give a wonderful result if it's a modest case of sagging—particularly in women who have given birth. There's a condition called pseudo-ptosis, where the nipples are still above the inframammary crease below the breast, but the breasts appear droopy because the upper part of the breast is somewhat flattened.

“Women with pseudo-ptosis might think they need a breast lift, but they don't actually need all the scars associated with that procedure. If we just put implants in, it will have the effect of lifting the nipple and volumizing the breast. And the woman's breasts will look much more like they did before having children.

“For a woman with grade 1 or even grade 2 ptosis, where the nipple is at or slightly below the breast crease, implants can sometimes help. It's all a matter of how big you want your breasts to be. The more lift you want, the larger the implant needs to be—and I don't like to make women's breasts look unnaturally large.”

Can you restore breast fullness above the nipple?

“Yes, but that requires implants. When I do a breast lift, I try to make it clear that I can get fullness behind the nipple. Sometimes women need a breast lift because their nipples are facing downward—or even straight at the floor. I can give you a nice lift with fullness behind the nipple. But above the level of the nipple, the breasts really not going to be full unless I put an implant in.

“At the time of a breast lift, the breasts may look very full post-operatively for a few weeks. But eventually, gravity always wins—they're going to get pulled down a bit. The breasts will still look very tasteful and very natural, but they're not going to have the same presentation as implants will. If you want fullness above the nipple, you need implants.”

Will insurance pay for a breast lift?

“No. Sometimes, an insurance company will cover a breast reduction, which removes excess breast volume. Before an insurance company will cover any plastic surgery procedure, you need to prove that it is medically necessary.”

Which breast lift surgery technique do you prefer?

“The techniques I use most often are the lollipop incision and the Wise pattern; it's a matter of tailoring the procedure to the patient.”

Does a breast lift involve reducing the size of the areola?

“In most cases, yes. But there are some women getting a breast lift who really don't need the size of the areola reduced.”

Can a woman still breastfeed after a breast lift?

“Yes. Since a breast lift takes away only skin, as opposed to glandular breast tissue, the volume of milk a woman produces after having the procedure shouldn't be any different. It's still a good idea to monitor your baby to be sure he or she is getting enough milk from the breast—and, if necessary, supplement with formula.

When is a good time to have breast lift surgery?

“In most cases, I advise women to wait until they're done having children before having a breast lift. Why? The effects of pregnancy can cause the breasts to sag—which could undo the results of a breast lift to some degree.”

Does breast lift surgery require a hospital stay?

“Breast lift surgery alone does not usually require a hospital stay. Your procedure may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite.

“However, if you have a breast lift as part of an upper body lift, you can expect to spend one night in the hospital.”

How long does breast lift surgery take?

“Breast lift surgery takes 1-2 hours.”

What kind of anesthesia is used for breast lift surgery?

“Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia; you will be asleep during the entire procedure.”

What should you expect immediately after a breast lift?

“When you wake up after the procedure, you will be wearing a surgical bra. You could have surgical drains in place, which will be removed the next morning. Although you will experience some soreness, most breast lift patients do not complain much about pain.

“You'll be taken to a recovery area where you'll be closely monitored for a few hours before going home.”

How long does it take to recover after breast lift surgery?

“Most patients recover from breast lift surgery in a few days or a weekend. You'll have some soreness, but nothing major.

“Two days after breast lift surgery, you will be able to shower, and you can return to work as long as it does not involve a great deal of manual labor.”

What results can you expect from breast lift surgery?

“Your breasts will look more youthful and uplifted and will feel firmer after breast lift surgery. The position of your nipples and areolae will be higher and your areolae will be more attractively proportioned.

“Although breast lift surgery leaves permanent scars, your incision lines will fade over time and the scars will be easily concealed under clothing—even under most swimsuits and low-cut tops.”