Breast Lift in California

Breast Lift FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about breast lifts in California.

• What are the different types of breast lifts?

  There are four basic types of breast lift techniques, and a plastic surgeon may combine techniques to produce the best possible results. Your surgeon chooses the technique that is best suited for your anatomy and degree of aesthetic improvement that is needed from the procedure.

  Crescent Lift

  A crescent lift is ideal for correcting a minimal amount of sagging. The incision runs halfway around the edge of the areola along the top margin. This technique is usually only done when the breast lift surgery is being combined with breast augmentation. As such, it is not used very often.

  Donut Lift

  The donut lift (or peri-areolar lift) is a technique that produces a single small scar, and it is recommended for mild breast sagging. A circular incision is made around the areola. As with the crescent technique, a donut lift is usually performed in conjunction with breast augmentation. Your surgeon may opt for this technique if you want to reduce the size of your areola as part of the breast lift procedure. Expect some light scarring around the edge of the areola after the surgery. Due to the placement of the incision, though, the scar is not noticeable except upon close inspection. It blends very well with the natural pigmentation of the areola.

  Lollipop Lift

  The vertical or lollipop lift is the breast lift technique that is most commonly used for moderate sagging. It allows for more extensive reshaping of the breast. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the entire breast. The technique requires two incisions. The first incision is around the edge of the areola, and the second incision is made from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease. The incision pattern looks similar to a lollipop on a stick.

  Anchor Lift

  The anchor lift is used by plastic surgeons for women who have moderate to severe breast sagging. The incision pattern resembles an anchor shape or inverted T. This technique is often used for women who are having breast reduction with a breast lift. Three incisions are made for the anchor lift. An anchor lift starts with the same incision pattern as a lollipop lift – one incision around the areola, and a second incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. The third incision for an anchor lift is made along the breast crease. This technique does produce more scarring than other breast lift techniques, but the scars are still easily hidden by your bra or bikini.

• Do I need a breast lift?

  The best way to know if a breast lift is right for you is to discuss your aesthetic goals with an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in breast procedures. Prior to your appointment, you can perform a basic self-evaluation for breast lift surgery. Here’s what you can look for:

  • Downward pointing nipples: Excess skin on the breasts allows gravity to pull your breasts downward. Stand sideways in front of a mirror, and look for nipples that are not pointed straight out.
  • Nipple and areola position: Breast sagging lowers the position of your nipples and areola. When you look in the mirror, check to see if your nipples and areola hang lower than your breast crease.
  • Breast size when wearing a bra: Although a breast lift is not intended to enlarge your breast, they make look fuller because the tissue is surrounded by less skin. Check to see how wearing a bra changes the orientation and position of your breasts on your chest area.  
  • Asymmetrical or unusual breast shape: Some women have a natural asymmetry or tear-drop shape to their breasts, even at a young age. Breast lift surgery restores a more natural breast shape.
  • Pencil test: Place a pencil or pen under your breast along the natural crease. If the pencil stays in place, chances are good that you have sagging in the area. The breast will not hold the pencil in place if there is not sagging.

  
  

• How do I prepare for a breast lift?

  Your breast lift surgery starts with an appointment with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon reviews your medical history, checking in particular for a history of breast cancer, as well as any medications or past surgeries. The surgeon also performs a physical exam to determine the best treatment option for your aesthetic goals. After the medical history review and exam, the surgeon discusses your expectations of cosmetic surgery and makes the most appropriate recommendations for your treatment plan. Use the appointment to ask any questions that you have about breast lift surgery, such as the expected outcome, cost, aftercare, recovery time, and longevity of the results.

  Your plastic surgeon may require some imaging and lab tests prior to the surgery, such as a mammogram. You may also need to stop taking certain medications for a short period of time before the surgery, Discuss this with your primary care doctor.

  Make arrangements with a friend or family member to drive you to the surgical appointment, pick you up after you are released, and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after the procedure. Your plastic surgeon may also require you to stop smoking prior to the procedure. The reduces the risks of complications from the anesthesia and also helps your body heal properly after the surgery.

• What should I expect from the surgery?

  Breast lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure either under local (with intravenous sedation) or general anesthesia. A relatively simple breast lift for mild sagging takes one and two hours, but it can take longer if you are having a breast augmentation or reduction at the same time. 

  Most patients are released to go home the same day after a short recovery period at the surgical facility. The surgeon wraps your breasts in a compression bandage or garment to hold the tissues in place and minimize swelling.

• How long does recovery take after a breast lift?

  You may need a prescription pain medication after your breast lift, although some women only require a non-prescription medication for pain management. Your breasts will feel sore and tender, and there will be swelling in the area. The symptoms may last for several months. Full healing from breast lift surgery can take up to eight weeks.

  You may be able to walk and move around the same day as your breast lift, but this depends on the extent of the surgery. You may be required to rest for the first one to two days. Sleep on your back for at least the first two months. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach.

  You may be released to return to work after one week, but this will only be for light, sedentary activities. If your job requires strenuous activity and lifting, you may need to stay home longer. Limit your exercise to only walking for the first six weeks. Your surgeon lets you know when you can return to your normal activities and exercise regimen.

• Is a breast lift permanent?

  A breast lift is considered permanent, but any changes to your body, as well as the natural aging process, may cause sagging. On average, the results of a breast lift last for about 10 years, but you need to focus on maintaining a healthy weight. Even a small amount of weight loss or gain may affect the results of the procedure.

• How much does a breast lift cost?

  The cost of breast lift surgery varies widely, even within California. Factors that affect the cost include, but are not limited to, experience of the cosmetic surgeon, complexity of the procedure, type of anesthesia, location of the surgery, and medical support staff for the surgery. When it comes to plastic surgery, though, you should avoid bargain shopping. Breast lift surgery is not covered by insurance, but many practices offer financing options. Find a good balance between cost and quality of care and results.

• Are other surgeries combined with a breast lift?

  Breast lift surgery can be combined with breast augmentation and breast reduction. Breast augmentation with a lift is often recommended for women who have sagging due to pregnancy and want their breasts to be larger than what they had prior to pregnancy. Breast reduction with a lift is recommended for women who have breast tissue removed to reduce breast size, and the surgeon finds that there is excess skin in the area.

• Is a breast lift safe?

  Breast lift surgery has a low mortality risk, and it is considered to be safer than many other cosmetic surgery procedures. You can minimize the risks by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, specifically one who specializes in breast lift surgery, and by following all instructions from the surgeon before and after the procedure.

  The risks associated with breast lift surgery include:

  • Nipple, areola, or breast numbness
  • Damage to the nipple or areola if blood flow is compromised
  • Difficulty breastfeeding
• What are the alternatives to a breast lift?

  There are no non-surgical alternatives to a breast lift that will have the same results. Breast lift tape and topical creams are sometimes recommended, but neither is effective. Breast-focused exercises won’t significantly impact sagging skin and breast tissue. 

  Non-surgical fillers and fat removal procedures aren't going to offer the same full, permanent results as breast lift surgery. Non-invasive skin tightening treatments may help to some degree.

• How do I find a provider in California who specializes in breast lift surgery?

  A breast lift is a type of surgery, even though it is elective. As such, there are laws that govern who can perform the surgery, as well as where it can be performed in California. Work with a surgeon who is licensed to perform surgeries in California and has many years of experience in breast lift surgery. This is the best way to ensure that you have complete peace of mind and feel confident in your decision to have a breast lift.