Breast Lift

Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy) – Scottsdale & Phoenix, AZ

OVERVIEW

Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rozbeh Torabi and Dr. Radbeh Torabi, perform breast lift surgery, also known as a mastopexy, to transform sagging breasts by removing excess skin and elevating the breast tissue and possibly the nipple into a higher position. We use cutting-edge breast lift techniques and place incisions in areas of the breast that are less visible or easily covered. This will dramatically restore the suppleness and shape of the breasts, which may have been altered from natural aging, breastfeeding, pregnancy, or extreme weight loss.  We understand that you may want a more youthful bust line, and during your consultation, we will listen to your concerns and need to develop a unique treatment plan to best reach your cosmetic goals. Along with improving the fit of your clothes, a breast lift with advanced plastic surgery techniques can make you look and feel younger and more confident. During the initial consultation, we are happy to help you learn more about the differences between breast lift and breast augmentation and recommend which procedure is best for your goals. Every patient is different, so results may vary from patient to patient. Some patients may have a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift to get a fuller and perkier bust. Call and schedule a consultation in our Phoenix office today.

BENEFITS & RISKS

Benefits

The initial benefits of the breast lift can be seen in 6 weeks post-operation. It does take 4 – 6 months before the optimal benefits are clear. The patient should see uplifted, even breasts that are youthful without excessive skin. Unless a patient has a significant fluctuation in weight, the breast lift surgery results can last for decades.

Risks

Patients having breast lift surgery may have swelling, prolonged wound healing, an allergic reaction to anesthesia, scarring, infection, or bleeding. Some of the rare risks are changes in nipple sensation, damage to breast structures, hematoma, blood clots, or fluid buildup under the skin.

DO I QUALIFY?

Women with sagging breasts due to genetics, old age, large breast size, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss are good candidates for breast lift surgery. During your breast lift consultation, you will receive a thorough assessment where the surgeon will evaluate your current breast size and shape by taking measurements. During your consultation, the surgeon may also assess the breast symmetry, skin elasticity, and bone structure. Candidates for breast lift surgery should be non-smokers in good health who have at least one of the following concerns:
  • Large or lax breasts
  • Severe breast ptosis (sagging) 
  • Pendulous breasts
  • Asymmetrical breasts
  • Large or stretched areolas
  • Downward pointing nipples
  • Postpartum breast volume loss

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Breast lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, making the procedure pain-free for patients. Three different types of breast lift incisions may be used depending on your unique factors. Your surgeons may make one around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease. Your doctor will choose one or more incision patterns for your operation based on the current size and elasticity of your breasts and areolas.  Your Phoenix plastic surgeons will then eliminate excess breast skin and reposition your nipple and areola to a natural, more youthful height, improving your breasts’ projection. If you are unhappy with your breast size, your surgeons may perform a breast augmentation procedure with breast implants or fat transfer together with your breast lift surgery to achieve the breast size and shape you desire. After your breasts are reshaped, and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.   After your breast lift surgery, you will be wrapped in a sterile surgical dressing and a medical compression bra. In most cases, patients are discharged once the effects of anesthesia wear off. Some may require an overnight hospital stay to avoid complications and remain under adequate medical care. The patient has to wear a bandage for a few days following the breast lift surgery. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, and lack of sensation in the nipple area, are common temporary side effects experienced soon after the surgery.  Once the bandage is removed, the patient has to wear the support bra for several weeks to assist in healing and swift recovery and prevent blistering in the operated area. All patients are advised to take it easy in the first 2 – 3 weeks after surgery and avoid physical activities. A full recovery can take anywhere from 6 – 8 weeks. Please call our office immediately if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The patient should take the following precautions after having a breast lift surgery:
  • No shower for 24 hours
  • Keep the incision area dry and clean
  • Rest is recommended for a week
  • Avoid straining, bending, and lifting for six weeks
  • No excessive physical activity for six weeks
  • Avoid upper arm movement and pressure on your breasts for two weeks
  • Wear a support bra for 6 – 8 weeks
Most of the side effects dissipate within the first few days of treatment, and complete healing takes place in about six weeks. During this time, the patient must avoid strenuous exercise and lifting. Report any excessive pain or wound weeping to the plastic surgeon. Patients start walking within hours of the surgery, though it takes a few days to achieve a tolerable comfort level. Bandages and surgical drains are removed after 3 – 4 days, and patients can do restricted activities after a week’s rest. As the healing progresses, comfort goes up, and patients are encouraged to increase their activity level. Stitches are removed in about two weeks at a follow-up appointment, and the patient should return to unrestricted normal activities in 6 weeks.

RESTORE YOUR BUSTLINE

If you have drooping breasts that make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, consider how you will feel after breast lift surgery restores the appearance of your body. Please contact our office and schedule a consultation to learn more about the process of breast lift surgery and how a breast lift can benefit you.