BODY CONTOURING

Breast Lift

Dr. Lee’s priority when performing a breast lift is to make the shortest incision for the most imperceptible scar while delivering the most aesthetic breast possible.

The Procedure In

Detail

Breasts subjected to significant weight fluctuations, multiple pregnancies, hormonal changes and aging’s effect on tissue integrity all conspire to create a sagging appearance. Though your breasts may look good in a bra, without one, they may droop and lack firmness or substance. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is designed to restore a higher position to breasts that may have dropped. It can be done with or without implants. By placing the nipple at a higher location, removing excess skin and tissue below the fold and reshaping the existing breast, a more youthful appearance is restored.

Because we are taking out tissue and loose skin, the overall breast size will be relatively smaller. A breast lift will elevate and reshape your breasts but will not add volume. This is primarily why most patients seeking a breast lift also want an implant, which gives the breast fullness. A lift with an implant creates a prettier breast mound, better position, more cleavage and an aesthetic shape. Patients may choose to forgo an implant but must be willing to accept breast tissue settling over time making the upper pole of the breast less full.

Surgical Notes

Without Implants

Anesthesia

General

Length of Surgery

2 hours

Outpatient / Inpatient

Outpatient

Adjunct Procedures

Liposuction

Recovery

2 days

With Implants

Anesthesia

General

Length of Surgery

3 hours

Outpatient / Inpatient

Outpatient

Adjunct Procedures

Liposuction

Recovery

2-3 days

Dr. Lee's Priorities &

Technique

After years of experience performing highly sophisticated breast surgery, Dr. Lee considers each patient a unique opportunity to deliver the best result while often using a short-scar approach. This “short scar” approach differs from the more common anchor incision in that it does not continue towards the middle of the chest.

The incision typically goes around the nipple and then down to the breast fold. Larger breasts may require an extension towards the side of the breast. Dr. Lee likens the procedure to tailoring clothes—the incision is commensurate with the degree of excess skin removed. Often Dr. Lee recommends an implant with a lift to replace lost volume where he sculpts and shapes the breast for an ideal outcome.

A CONVERSATION WITHDR. MICHAEL LEE

How do I know if I need a breast lift?

It is rare that a “virgin” breast would need a lift unless a congenital abnormality exists. However, the majority of women who have had children or have experienced significant weight loss usually require a lift for the prettiest result. During pregnancy and nursing, the skin and tissue stretch out, and doesn’t necessarily rebound. Nipples descend and breast volume decreases. A lift essentially raises the nipple and tightens the surrounding tissue. An implant will not lift a breast that has significant droop (ptosis.) Placing an implant in a breast that is droopy, with a nipple that is below the mammary fold will simply create a larger, droopy breast.

I heard there is a scarless breast lift available.

There is no such thing as a scarless lift. A lift requires surgery and surgery entails incisions. It is important that tradeoffs are discussed and agreed upon. My years of experience doing breast lifts gives me the confidence to offer a variety of lift options including minimal scarring techniques. Exercise, diets and creams will not change the position of your breasts. A breast cannot contract to its original size and shape without surgical intervention.

Do I have to get implants if I don’t want them?

There is a common misconception that a lift without an implant will not work. In fact, in most instances where size is sufficient, the lift will improve the shape even without implants. If a patient is satisfied with their breast size ad just wants more “perky” breasts, a lift is all that is necessary. A mastopexy will lift the breasts but will NOT add fullness or volume to to upper portion of the breast. If flatness or loss of volume in the breast is of major concern, implants need to be considered at the time of the lift for a more proportioned result.

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