What Is a Breast Lift?

A mastopexy, more commonly known as a breast lift, can correct these troublesome flaws, recontouring the chest and repositioning the nipple for a stunning new look that is firm, supple, and naturally youthful. If the patient also requires greater breast volume for ample cleavage, a breast augmentation with implants may be in order. A mommy makeover is also a popular procedure that combines restoration of the abdomen with breast enhancement, such as a mastopexy, breast augmentation, or breast reduction.

Intro media

Why Should I Choose PPSD For My Breast Lift?

At PPSD, we are what’s called “patient-centric,” meaning that we do not perform generic breast operations aimed at achieving a certain signature or celebrity “look.” Rather, each of our caring, detailed, board-certified surgeons focuses on customizing their treatment plan to the patient’s unique anatomy, wishes and goals for a gorgeously natural outcome. Consummate training, experience, and skill are coupled with a compassionate and friendly approach, and this is true for every member of our team, from our plastic surgeons to our dermatologists to our RN’s.

Whether you visit one of our comfortable offices in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities you will receive a private, informative consultation with your doctor that will give you a comprehensive overview of what to expect from your breast lift at every stage. Your plastic surgeon will measure your breasts, review prior surgeries and medical history, go over before and after photos, and answer any questions or concerns.

Meet Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

Banner media

A Good Candidate For A Breast Lift…

  • Has sagging or pendulous breasts that have lost their shape
  • Has nipples positioned below the breast crease
  • Is physically and mentally healthy
  • Seeks improvement rather than perfection
  • Is a non-smoker

To learn more about mastopexy, please enjoy the following video:

Contact us media

Details Of The Procedure

Your breast lift will be performed in one of our immaculate AAAASF-accredited operating facilities where you will receive general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. You can expect the surgery to last from 2-3 hours. The surgeon will decide upon one of several breast lift techniques, as outlined below.

  • The Bennelli or Peri-areolar Lift: One of the most popular techniques used by plastic surgeons, the Bennelli lift, involves a circular incision around the areola, through which the nipple areolar complex can be elevated to a more pleasing position. This approach is typically combined with breast augmentation and is most effective for smaller breasts with minor sagging. While the scaring is more limited than some other approaches, it cannot be used successfully for all breast types.
  • The Lollipop Lift—Vertical Mastopexy: As its name suggests, this type of lift requires a circular peri-areola incision that extends downwards in a straight line to the breast crease. The breast tissue is recontoured and the nipple elevated for a perkier, more youthful breast appearance. This approach is also often combined with breast augmentation and can be used for a wide variety of breast types.
  • The Standard Lift—Wise Pattern: With the standard lift, the incision used for the peri-areolar lift is combined with an incision that runs along the inframammary fold. The resulting scar is in the shape of an anchor. This is the best option for women who suffer from severely downward-facing nipples, excessive ptosis, and unwanted extra skin.
A woman in a bra leaning against a wall

Breast Appearance and Self-Esteem

Many women who have saggy, droopy breasts also feel a diminished level of self-esteem. Whether the condition is due to age, heredity, childbirth, or a combination of factors, the look of your breasts can eat away at your natural confidence. Your attitude about yourself is important, and can impact home life, social life, and your confidence in the workplace. Issues such as emotional well-being and social functioning can be difficult for a woman who is not happy with the appearance of her breasts. Once a breast lift is completed, many patients experience a pleasant and powerful resurgence of natural self-confidence.

What Can I Expect During Breast Lift Recovery?

Patients receiving a breast lift in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities. can expect to wear bandages or a surgical bra after the procedure, as these should help ensure a swift, safe recovery. Breasts may be tender from bruising and swelling for several days, but your doctor will offer you the option of receiving pain medications to ease any discomfort.

After the first few days, the dressings will be replaced by a gentle support bra that should remain in place for one to two months. A skin moisturizer can be applied to keep breasts feeling soft and supple. We will also advise you and the proper agents to apply to your incisions to minimize scarring. 

Remember that heavy lifting and/or vigorous sports should be avoided for 2-4 weeks following your surgery. As always, if you have any questions or concerns post-procedure, do not hesitate to call. Both your doctor and the entire PPSD team is available to you long-term as you enjoy your outstanding results.

Breast Size: What’s Right For You?

Your body has a specific balance, and if you are planning a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation, you may have questions about choosing the size of your new breasts. Once breasts have begun to droop, whether through age, childbirth, or both, many women are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave once youthful, full, firm breasts looking stretched, saggy, and deflated.

In many cases, a more attractive outcome can be achieved by a breast lift in conjunction with implants to regain the plump, firm appearance of youth. The size of the implants placed is an important issue, and one of our plastic surgeons in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities can help you come to a decision if you have decided upon breast augmentation. Some patients who choose a breast lift are dealing with a genetic issue, with droopy breasts even in their teens. A breast lift, with or without augmentation, can restore full, firm breasts with a visually pleasing appearance.

Banner media

Breast Problems Resolved By A Breast Lift

A breast lift, with or without augmentation or reduction, can resolve a range of aesthetic issues including:

  • Drooping breasts
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Nipples that point downward
  • Large nipples
  • Lack of symmetry: uneven breast size
  • Stretched breast skin from pregnancy and/or breastfeeding
  • Saggy breasts after extensive weight loss
  • Out-of-proportion breasts, too large or too small

Maintaining Your Breasts After a Breast Lift

Once the breast lift recovery is completed, you want to do all you can to maintain the youthful, plump, appearance. As you have now essentially “reset the clock” and your breasts are in the condition they were during your teen years, or they have been enhanced, you want them to stay that way.

Your breast lift will create a change that lasts for many years, and taking care of your body after the procedure is helpful. Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet and do all you can to maintain a healthy weight.

Some issues can affect your breast lift, including getting pregnant after the procedure or extensive weight loss or gain. If you are planning to have more children or plan to start a weight loss program, your breast lift surgery should take place after these events.

Breast Lift Scars

Your breast lift will involve incisions and the subsequent scars. These are noticeable at first, but as time passes, they fade and diminish. The incision site is usually in the crease of the breast, and cannot ordinarily be seen. You want your scars to heal quickly, and fade, and you can do certain actions to make the process proceed better, including:

  • No smoking
  • Eat a healthy, nutritious diet
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid over-consumption of alcohol
  • No tanning (use sunscreen on your scars)
  • Scar treatments as your doctor prescribes
Banner media

Can I Exercise After A Breast Lift?

If you have a normal exercise routine, you probably want to get back to it as soon as you can. It is important that you are sufficiently healed before you attempt any strenuous activities, including exercise programs such as yoga, Pilates, running, or other program. After about a month, and with your surgeon’s approval, you can once again begin your exercise regime, but start slowly. Initially, low impact, low activity exercise is advised.

Any high-intensity activity could damage your surgical site and increase swelling, potentially leading to complications and slowing the healing process. Every person’s recovery is slightly different, and if you have any questions about what physical exercise is safe in your case, speak with your surgeon before you start. Exercise on a stationary bicycle can be safe after breast lift surgery, but as every case is different, speak with your doctor.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY!

At Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we recognize there is now a “new” normal, and we want you to know we’re here for you.

We are offering all services and procedures but now with enhanced safety precautions.

MASKS ARE NOW OPTIONAL AT OUR OFFICES.

Our procedure rooms are fully decontaminated between procedures and all staff have sufficient PPE protection. If you choose, you can also wait in your car until we’re ready to see you. Please call to inquire about a telemedicine visit, available at some of our offices. You can trust in our board-certified physicians and staff to ensure that your safety is our top concern.

Embark on your Aesthetic Journey Schedule a Visit

Contact Us
Contact us media

Choose one option below

View All Locations

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 704-542-2220.
Contact Us