While exercise and diet can lead to positive improvements in your body’s shape, they, unfortunately, do not restore the firmness and projection of breasts that have lost their structure. Breast lift – also referred to as mastopexy – is a cosmetic surgical procedure to address sagging breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the natural aging process. Breasts that are sagging, “deflated” on the chest can negatively influence a woman’s confidence and sense of feminine beauty.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery may be right for you if: 

  • You are in good physical and emotional health
  • You have loose or sagging breast skin
  • You have extra-large nipples and areolas
  • You have nipples that point downwards
  • You are concerned about the drooping appearance of your breasts
  • You are above the age of 18

Your Breast Lift Procedure

Your breast lift will start with Dr. Arroyo and his anesthesia team administering oral and IV sedation to increase your comfort level during the surgery. He utilizes a unique sedation method called Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Sedation.

By using this technique, patients can breathe on their own during surgery and require less intravenous medication. This method is generally considered safer and free from some of the common side effects of general anesthesia, including nausea and vomiting.

After anesthesia, he will create one of three different incisions depending on your breast anatomy and individual goals. The options are an incision around the areola, a lollipop incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, or an anchor-shaped incision. The choice of these would be discussed at the preoperative appointment and would depend on skin laxity and the amount of skin that would need to be removed to give you the best result. He will then remove excess skin and overstretched ligaments and reposition the nipple-areola higher up in the breast.

Once the desired aesthetic result has been achieved, Dr. Arroyo will close the incisions using advanced techniques to make the scar as undetectable as possible and then apply bandaging on the treatment area. This procedure takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete depending on the extensiveness of the surgery. Because breast lift surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, most patients can go home the same day as the surgery to begin their recovery.

Breast Lift Before & After

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Your Recovery

Dr. Arroyo encourages his patients to move as soon as they can after surgery to proper blood circulation. Most patients experience swelling and bruising on their breasts for a few days. He will prescribe pain medication to help with this discomfort. Patients can shower at least two days after surgery, but the surgeon will ask that you refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous activities during the first two weeks.

Attend all follow-up appointments and strictly adhere to Dr. Arroyo’s post-operative instructions. While the procedure’s outcome will be evident immediately after recovery, it may take up to 18 months for the scarring to fade away. Should you have any questions or concerns during recovery, Dr. Arroyo’s office will be available on call to provide the necessary guidance.

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Breast Lift FAQ

How much is a breast lift?

What is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?

Will there be scarring?

Does the procedure include nipple repositioning?

How long do results last?

How much is a breast lift?

The cost of this procedure varies from one patient to another, depending on the extensiveness of the surgery. Patients can expect to pay between $9,000 and $10,000. Health insurance companies typically do not cover breast lift because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure (and not a medical necessity). During your initial breast lift consultation, you will be provided with a cost estimate to help you plan financing.

What is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?

A breast lift entails removing excess skin and breast tissue to achieve a perkier, attractive appearance. In a breast augmentation implants are placed under the chest muscle or breast tissue to improve the breasts’ shape and volume. A breast lift is a perfect procedure for women who have sagging breasts, while augmentation is designed for women who want to increase breast size. Many patients suffer from sagging breasts and would also like to add more volume. For these women, there is the option of doing both procedures simultaneously, effectively raising the breast while giving a fuller breast shape.

Will there be scarring?

Scarring is an inevitable consequence of any surgery where incisions are made into the skin. During a breast lift, Dr. Arroyo utilizes advanced surgical methods to achieve the desired aesthetic results while minimizing the risk of scarring. He will also provide a comprehensive post-op scar management program to ensure that scars heal quicker and are as faded as possible. Keep in mind that it may take up to 18 months for your mastopexy scars to fade.

Does the procedure include nipple repositioning?

Nipple repositioning is a common practice during a breast lift. The surgeon will rearrange the areola to move it higher up on the breast, improving appearance and proportionality to the new breast shape. Dr. Arroyo will be keen to discuss this – along with other procedure steps – during one of your pre-op consultations.

How long do results last?

The results of mastopexy can be permanent. However, keep in mind that the natural process of aging, significant weight loss or weight gain, gravity, and lifestyle factors can alter the outcome and create the necessity for another procedure. In some cases, a phenomenon known as bottoming out (stretching of skin below the areola) may also create the need for a secondary procedure. Dr. Arroyo will recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle to get the best results out of your mastopexy.

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