Women experience many physical changes throughout their lives that can cause breasts to sag. A breast lift can undo these effects and restore full, youthful-looking breasts. If you feel self-conscious about drooping breasts, a breast lift offers a solution that will bring back your curves, help your clothes fit better, and restore your confidence.
How Does a Breast Lift Work?
A breast lift (also known as mastopexy) is a surgical procedure used to reposition and reshape sagging breasts into a rounder, more shapely appearance. As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Leong understands breasts’ important role in a woman’s sense of self. She customizes each breast lift procedure to address your unique needs, using different incisions and techniques based on your anatomy and desired results. You can have a breast lift alone or with another breast procedure like augmentation or reduction.
What is Breast Lift Surgery Like?
Breast lift surgery takes place under general anesthesia. Dr. Leong will use an incision to remove excess skin and breast tissue, allowing her to create a rounder, younger-looking breast shape. During the procedure, she may also resize and reposition your nipples and areolas. When breasts sag, areolas often become pointed toward the ground. A breast lift returns them to a natural-looking position on your rejuvenated breasts. The procedure usually takes between two and four hours.
What to Expect After a Breast Lift
When Dr. Leong finishes your breast lift, you will go to the recovery area until you are discharged to go home. You may need someone to help you for a day or two, especially with any tasks that require lifting. You will have a special bra to wear while your breasts heal. Most of your swelling will resolve within a month. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Leong will assess your healing and determine when you can resume your usual activities. Your breasts can take several months to settle into their new size and shape.
Do I Need a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?
A breast lift combines well with other breast enhancement procedures to help you achieve your desired results. While a breast lift gives breasts a rounder, perkier appearance, it does not correct the upper pole of the breast (what most people think of as cleavage), which is often deflated. If cleavage is important to you, you may choose to have a breast implant augmentation, auto-augmentation, or fat transfer to give you more volume in the upper pole. Dr. Leong offers auto-augmentation to patients who want cleavage but do not want an implant. She uses your own breast tissue as an implant to fill the upper pole. Dr. Leong may perform breast augmentation and a breast lift together or separately.
Some women with drooping breasts also have more breast volume than they want. Breast reduction with a breast lift can help you achieve smaller breasts with an appealing shape and position. Many people who have breast reduction also choose to have a lift, since larger breasts often sag more than smaller ones.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of a breast lift varies widely depending on several factors, including:
- Your location
- The details of your procedure
- Your surgeon’s skill and experience
The cost of a breast lift can range from $10,000 to $18,000. This estimate may not include anesthesia, medication, lab tests, or other expenses. During your consultation, Dr. Leong will review all your potential costs and provide you with an accurate estimate.
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.