June 27, 2024
Breast lift procedures, or mastopexies, have surged in popularity in recent years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lifts have made it into the top five most-requested cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. for the second year in a row. This rise is significant, especially considering the procedure never made the list before and has seen a massive 30% increase in popularity from 2019 to 2022.
Continue reading as we explore why more individuals are opting for breast lifts, what the procedure entails and answers to common questions to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering this prominent procedure.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened to create a more youthful breast contour. The nipple and areola are also moved higher on the breast to achieve a more natural, perky look. Unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift does not increase breast size; instead, it enhances the shape and position of the breasts.
Techniques Used in Breast Lift Surgery
Modern breast lift techniques have significantly evolved, making the procedure less invasive and more effective. The type of incision used depends on the patient’s breast shape and the degree of sagging. Common techniques include:
- Circumareolar or “donut” lift (for moderate sagging): Involves two concentric circular incisions around the areola that create a donut shape
- Vertical or “lollipop” lift (for more significant sagging): Uses a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision down the lower breast tissue
- Anchor or Wise-pattern lift (for extensive sagging): Combines a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision down the lower breast, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease
Why Are Breast Lifts Increasingly Popular?
Several factors have contributed to the growing popularity of breast lifts, including:
1. Changing Aesthetic Preferences:
Many women today prefer a natural, athletic look over larger breast implants. This shift in aesthetic preferences has led to an increased demand for breast lifts, as they offer a perky, youthful appearance without adding volume.
2. Postpartum Body Changes:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to significant changes in breast shape and firmness. Many women seek breast lifts to restore their pre-pregnancy breast appearance. The procedure helps address sagging and deflation caused by childbirth and breastfeeding.
3. Technological Advancements:
Improvements in surgical techniques have made breast lifts less invasive, reducing scarring and recovery time. Modern methods allow for more precise reshaping and repositioning, leading to natural-looking results.
4. Celebrity Influence:
Celebrities and influencers openly discussing their cosmetic procedures have helped normalize breast lifts. This openness encourages more individuals to consider the procedure.
5. Combination Procedures:
Breast lifts are often combined with other cosmetic surgeries to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Combining procedures can save time, lower costs and reduce overall recovery time compared to undergoing separate procedures.
Common combinations include:
- Mommy makeover: Often includes a breast lift, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction to address changes from pregnancy and childbirth.
- Breast augmentation: For those who desire both lifted and fuller breasts, a combination of a breast lift and implants can achieve the desired results.
- Breast reduction: For patients with overly large, sagging breasts, a breast reduction and lift can create smaller, perkier breasts.
- Inverted nipple reconstruction: Those with inverted nipples and drooping breasts can combine a lift with nipple reconstruction to restore uplifted, natural-looking breasts and nipples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery
What’s the Difference Between a Breast Lift and Implants?
One common question we hear is about how a breast lift differs from breast implants. The primary distinction lies in their purposes: breast implants increase volume and size in what is known as a breast augmentation, while a breast lift enhances shape and position without altering size. Breast augmentation involves inserting saline or silicone implants to achieve fuller breasts. In contrast, a breast lift focuses on removing loose skin and repositioning the breast tissue to create a more lifted, youthful appearance. For women experiencing significant sagging, a breast lift provides better results in terms of positioning and nipple placement.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
A good candidate for a breast lift is someone who is satisfied with the size of their breasts but not the shape or position. Candidates typically experience sagging due to factors such as aging, genetics, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, don’t smoke and have realistic expectations about what a breast lift can achieve.
Should I Wait Until I’m Done Having Children Before Getting a Breast Lift?
If you plan to have more children, we generally recommend waiting before undergoing a breast lift. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the results of the procedure, potentially necessitating another surgery to lift and reshape the breasts. We advise waiting at least six months after you’ve finished breastfeeding before considering a breast lift to allow your breast tissues to stabilize.
How Long Do the Results of a Breast Lift Last?
The results of a breast lift are long lasting but not permanent. Factors such as aging, gravity, weight fluctuations and subsequent pregnancy can affect the longevity of the results. Most patients enjoy the benefits of a breast lift for many years before considering any touch-ups. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy habits can help prolong the results.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and takes about one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s what you can expect:
- Incision: Dr. Hess makes the appropriate incisions based on the technique chosen.
- Reshaping: He removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue to achieve a more youthful contour.
- Repositioning: Dr. Hess moves the nipple and areola higher on the breast and, if necessary, resizes the areola.
- Closing incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, and the area is bandaged.
What’s Recovery and Aftercare Like?
The recovery period for a breast lift is relatively straightforward. Most patients can go home on the same day as the surgery. Post-surgery, you’ll wear a special surgical bra to support your breasts as they heal. While some discomfort and swelling are normal, pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications.
You can expect to resume light activities within a week or two, but it’s crucial to avoid strenuous activities, especially those involving the upper body, for about six weeks. Following Dr. Hess’s aftercare instructions will help promote a smooth recovery.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of a breast lift varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure and geographic location. During your consultation at Evolve Aesthetic Surgery, we will review all breast lift costs, including anesthesia fees, facility fees and any additional expenses you might expect.
Lift Your Spirits and Your Bust With a Breast Lift in San Diego
The increasing popularity of breast lifts reflects a broader trend toward natural aesthetics and personalized cosmetic solutions. Whether you’re looking to restore your pre-pregnancy shape, achieve a more youthful contour or simply feel more confident in your skin, a breast lift offers a versatile and effective option.
If you’re considering a breast lift, schedule your personalized consultation at Evolve Aesthetic Surgery in San Diego.