1. Are the results from a breast lift permanent?

The results from a breast lift or mastopexy are not permanent. The results vary based on several factors. Some techniques are more likely to be long-lasting than others. More importantly if the breasts are not adequately supported, the sagging is likely to recur over time. If there is a significant weight gain or weight loss (especially a gain followed by a loss), there is likely to be recurrence.


2. Why would I want a breast lift?

Most women seek a breast lift because they seek more youthful appearing breasts. Many women lose upper breast fullness after having children and a mastopexy can restore some of the loss of upper pole fullness, especially if an augmentation is also performed.


3. What should I expect during breast lift surgery?

There are various techniques employed to achieve a breast lift. Virtually all of them involve removing skin (and occasionally breast tissue) to tighten the "skin envelope."


4. Where will the surgery most likely take place?

The surgery may take place in a doctor' s office, an outpatient facility or a hospital. It is almost always done as an outpatient procedure regardless of the setting. I am fortunate to operate at a hospital which discounts the cost so that there is little, if any, difference in the total cost (remember office operating rooms and other facilities must also recoup their operational costs).


5. When can I return to work and strenuous activity?

Your return to work date following a breast lift is largely based on the type of work performed. Someone who works at a desk with no straining or lifting can usually return in 1-2 weeks, whereas someone whose occupation involves heavy lifting may need to take off for 4-6 weeks. I prefer my patients to avoid all strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks.


6. Will I require any blood transfusions during breast lift surgery?

It is extremely unlikely that you would require any sort of blood transfusion following mastopexy. I cannot recall ever transfusing any patient who underwent elective cosmetic surgery.


7. Is it possible to have my insurance cover my breast lift surgery?

It is also extremely unlikely that your insurance would ever cover a breast lift. There would have to be significant medical problems that would be corrected with a mastopexy to have it covered by insurance.