June 27, 2024
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, has become one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures in recent years. More patients are choosing this surgery to restore shape, improve breast position, and achieve a more youthful and natural appearance without necessarily increasing breast size.
At Evolve Plastic Surgery in San Diego, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Hess performs breast lift procedures with a focus on natural contouring, balanced proportions, and long lasting aesthetic results tailored to each patient.
What a Breast Lift Actually Does
A breast lift is designed to restore the position and shape of the breasts by addressing skin laxity and tissue descent.
This procedure can:
- Lift sagging breasts to a higher position
- Improve firmness and shape
- Reposition the nipple and areola
- Reduce stretched or excess skin
- Create a more youth breast contour
Unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift does not primarily increase size. It focuses on reshaping and repositioning.
Surgical Techniques Used in Breast Lift Surgery
The technique used depends on the degree of sagging and breast anatomy.
Common approaches 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
Each method is selected to achieve the most natural and proportionate result.
Why More Patients Are Choosing Breast Lifts
The rise in breast lift procedures in driven by several key trends:
- Preference for natural results over increased volume
- Post pregnancy and breast feeding changes affect breast shape
- Weight fluctuations leading to skin laxity
- Advances in surgical techniques with improved outcomes
- Increased awareness of body contouring options
More patients are prioritizing shape, position, and proportion rather than size alone.
Common Combination Procedures
Breast lifts are often performed alongside other procedures for more balanced results.
These may include:
- Mommy makeover procedures combining tummy tuck and body contouring
- Breast augmentation for added volume and fullness
- Breast reduction for heaviness and improved proportion
- Liposuction for overall contour refinement
Combination procedures can enhance overall balance and harmony.
Breast lift vs Breast Augmentation
These procedures address different concerns.
- Breast lift focuses on shape and position
- Breast augmentation focuses on size and volume
In some cases, both procedures are combined to achieve lift and fullness together.
Who Is A Good Candidate
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are concerned about sagging or loss of firmness
- Are satisfied with breast size but not shape
- Have stable body weight
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about results
This procedure is ideal for reshaping than enlarging.
Timing and Long Term Considerations
For Best results, it is generally recommended to:
- Wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete
- Allow breast tissue to stabilize before surgery
- Maintain a stable weight before and after the procedure
These factors help preserve long term outcomes.
Recovery and Healing Process
Recovery is typically straightforward.
Patients can expect:
- Same day discharge in most cases
- Mild swelling and soreness initially
- Support garment for healing
- Return to light activity within one to two weeks
- Avoidance of strenuous activity for several weeks
Final results continue to refine as healing progresses.
About Dr. Jason Hess
Dr. Jason Hess is a board certified plastic surgeon in San Diego specializing in breast and body contouring procedures.
His approach emphasizes:
- Natural looking results
- Balanced proportions
- Individualized surgical planning
- Long term aesthetic outcomes
Each procedure is tailored specifically to the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Taking the Next Step
Breast lift surgery continues to grow in popularity because it restores natural shape and improves breast position without necessarily increasing size.
If you are considering breast lift surgery, a consultation can help determine the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy and goals.
To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason Hess at Evolve Plastic Surgery in San Diego, contact our office today.