Breast Lift and Augmentation

Breast lift procedures involve an array of techniques that can lift and improve the shape and appearance of the breast. In many cases, the breast may have a droop (ptosis) component from aging or pregnancy with extra skin and shrinkage of breast tissue. It is important to have a carefully detailed examination by a plastic surgeon to evaluate the best option for breast lifting.

As is true with all breast surgery, each patient has a unique shape and form that needs to be addressed individually in order to obtain natural appearing breasts with the smallest and fewest possible incisions. Breast lifting without an implant is usually reserved for patients with adequate breast volume but need to reduce the sagging skin and low nipple position. In the majority of cases Dr. Applebaum recommends the combination of breast lifting with the immediate placement of a breast implant. When lifting is involved additional incisions are necessary to obtain optimal results. Dr. Applebaum uses a breast lifting technique with limited incisions that was developed and popularized in France. The "Vertical Breast Lift" creates a naturally lifted breast with incisions placed around the nipple and a straight line down from the nipple to a point near the breast fold. Dr. Applebaum uses the latest techniques in closure of the incisions to obtain optimal. Future breast feeding is not disrupted and normal nipple sensation is usually expected following the recovery.

Commonly Asked Questions about Breast Lifting

Q: Does breast lifting have a long or painful recovery?

A: Generally, breast lift surgery requires less than one week recovery time, during which there is some discomfort which is not usually described as painful. The surgery involves tucking skin and breast tissue with no deep components that might cause a long or painful recovery.

Q: Will breast lift surgery effect future mammogram results or cancer detection?

A: There are no changes within the breast after lifting that will affect a mammogram result or detection of cancer by physical examination. As a routine test, a baseline mammogram is done prior to surgery in those patients over 35 years of age.

Q: How long will a breast lift last?

A: In most patients a breast lift has a life-long result. There are some patients who have further changes in the breast from pregnancies and/or weight gain or loss that may result in a restretching of the breast skin. But in general, breast lifting is a onetime procedure.

Q: Do I always need to wear a bra after a breast lift?

A: No. Part of the reason women undergo breast lifting is to look better when they are not wearing a bra. There are no medical reasons to always wear a bra after lift surgery, except in the early post-operative period for comfort and support.

What our patients say

"Dr. Applebaum not only created a youthful lifted breast, but with my breasts in a higher position everyone thinks I look thinner and more trim."
–H.K., a 42-year-old school administrator who always had droopy breasts. Her problem was solved successfully with a breast lift alone and no augmentation.

"It's such a pleasure to feel younger again and to be proud of my body. It was such a simple procedure and it's made such a big difference in my life."
–W. M., a 45-year-old advertising executive whose breasts drooped after she had lost weight.