What is a Breast Lift?

Aging, weight loss, and pregnancy can stretch the delicate breast skin and underlying tissues, causing the breasts to sag onto the abdomen. As a result, the breasts appear flat, droopy, and in many cases, the nipple-areolas sit too low.

Women with deflated breasts often resign themselves to wearing underwire or push-up bras, which temporarily elevate the breasts to a more youthful position. However, they may experience less confidence during intimacy and find their clothing options are limited, even with the most supportive bras. A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that tightens lax breast tissue to restore a more lifted, perky look to sagging breasts. Depending on the patient’s clinical presentation and preferences, it may also entail nipple reduction, areola reduction, or breast implants.

Am I a candidate for a Breast Lift?

Clinical features such as breast sagging, an elongated or flattened appearance, ptotic nipples, enlarged or displaced areolas, and stretched skin are all correctable with breast lift surgery. The ideal candidates are healthy nonsmokers with realistic expectations. Women often seek to rejuvenate their breasts with a breast lift to remove excess skin, tighten the breasts, and reduce the diameter of wide areolas. However, it is important to understand that mastopexy will not add upper breast fullness. In this case, Charlotte breast lift surgeon Dr. Ferrari may recommend breast augmentation along with a breast lift.

Dr. Ferrari on Breast Lifts

Breast Lift Techniques

The type of breast lift you need depends on the grade of sagging and your preferences regarding scar location. Dr. Ferrari will go over each technique with you in detail and help you make the right selection.

Lollipop Lift

Also known as a vertical breast lift, this technique features incisions around the areola and a vertical incision on the central lower pole of each breast. The resulting scar resembles a lollipop. Most women who have moderate laxity are good candidates for this method of breast lifting.

Anchor Lift

The anchor breast lift is usually reserved for severe breast sagging or ptosis since it removes the most tissue. The drawback is that scarring is significant compared to other breast lift techniques. The incision pattern is similar to the lollipop breast lift with an additional horizontal incision along the inframammary fold.

Donut Lift

Formally known as the periareolar or Benelli lift, this method has an incision 360 degrees around the areolas, allowing your surgeon to remove a modest amount of lax tissue. This technique is best suited to patients with minimal grades of breast ptosis.

Crescent Lift

Patients that only need a minor lifting effect and those with areola asymmetry may be considered for a crescent lift. This method leaves the least scarring. The scars are located on the upper portion of each areola, through which a surgeon tightens the breast tissues.

Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

You will need a ride home as you may feel groggy for up to 24 hours after surgery. Most Matthews breast lift patients return to work one week later. However, strenuous exertion, heavy lifting, and nicotine use are off-limits for approximately six weeks. Much of the swelling, excessive tightness, and bruising will subside during the first few weeks post-operatively.

Dr. Ferrari may advise you to sleep on your back or side to avoid disturbing the tissues as they heal. Rest assured, you will receive personalized guidance from Dr. Ferrari at every step to promote a speedy recovery. While your breasts may look more lifted and youthful right away, it can take six months to a year to see your final results. During this time, the surgical scars will begin to fade and swelling will dissipate, allowing the breasts to relax and settle into their final shape and position. The surgical scars are permanent, but they should become less red over the next one to two years.

Dr. Ferrari

Why Dr. Ferrari?

Breast lift surgery requires years of advanced training to yield great cosmetic outcomes. There may be a higher risk of revision when an inexperienced surgeon performs the surgery. Dr. Ferrari is a board-certified plastic surgeon with two decades of experience in breast, face, and bodywork. He has performed thousands of breast lifts in his career and is well-versed in all breast lift techniques. He aims to keep his surgeon fee fair and reasonable so that a breast lift is within reach for women of diverse economic backgrounds. Though most of his patients reside in Monroe, Waxhaw, Matthews, Charlotte, and Weddington, Dr. Ferrari has helped women throughout the United States and South America achieve perkier breasts with mastopexy.

Breast Lift FAQs

Are Breast Lifts common?

Breast lifts are one of the most popular elective surgical procedures globally. Dr. Ferrari routinely performs the operation, which has allowed him to perfect his surgical techniques over the last 20 years.

Will a Breast Lift make my breasts smaller?

The procedure is not designed to reduce or increase bust size. Patients with good elasticity that are mainly interested in altering their breast size might consider breast implants or a breast reduction instead. Combined procedures are also a possibility.

Is Breast Lift surgery painful? What does it feel like?

You will not experience any pain during the operation. Discomfort afterward is to be expected. Dr. Ferrari’s pain management protocol will ensure your recovery is as comfortable as possible.

Is Breast Lift surgery safe?

Serious complications are rare, but agreeing to have surgery means you are accepting a certain amount of risk. Dr. Ferrari uses best-in-class techniques and safety measures designed to minimize complications such as infection, prolonged numbness, sensation changes, extensive bruising, hematoma, seroma, and scarring.

Is a Breast Lift permanent?

While the breast lift results are long-lasting, a breast lift won’t stop your breasts from aging, nor will it prevent recurrent sagging if you get pregnant, breastfeed, or lose weight in the future. Follow Dr. Ferrari’s aftercare instructions closely to maintain your results long-term.

Will there be considerable scarring following a Breast Lift?

The surgery leaves scars on the breasts. Most bras and swimsuit tops will conceal the scars. It can take a year or longer for breast lift scars to fade. While the scars will never fully disappear, they shouldn’t detract from your results.

Will I have to modify how I sleep after a Breast Lift?

Most women find sleeping on their back more comfortable than lying face-down or side sleeping for the first few weeks.

Will I have to wear support garments after my Breast Lift?

Dr. Ferrari may ask you to wear a surgical bra for several weeks after your operation to provide support to your breasts as they heal.

Will breast surgery affect my nipple sensitivity?

Most patients find sensation changes are temporary, although prolonged numbness and increased sensitivity have been reported.

Will I need to have someone drive me home following a Breast Lift?

A family member or friend will need to drive you home as your chest will be sore and you may feel mentally foggy after anesthesia.

Can I combine a Breast Lift with other cosmetic treatments?

Breast lifts combine well with other aesthetic procedures, including breast augmentation, fat transfer, liposuction, areola reduction, and tummy tucks.

How much does a Breast Lift cost?

A breast lift is a customized procedure, so there is no fixed price. The surgical technique and surgeon’s experience are the main factors that influence pricing. Experienced surgeons usually charge more than novice surgeons. Receive your personalized price quote by booking a consultation with Dr. Ferrari today.

Is financing available for Breast Lift surgery?

Low-interest financing is available for those who qualify. Be sure to visit our Specials page to view current promotions.

Breast Lift

Breast Lift Before & Afters

Breast Lift at Premier Plastic Surgery Center