What are some of the most common benefits of breast lift surgery?

The most common benefit is a rejuvenation of the breast to a higher, perkier appearance. Clothes fit better, especially low cut blouses and gowns. Many women use the opportunity to combine the lift with a small implant in order to restore shape in the upper half of the breast, and sometimes to increase the size of the breasts.

What is the recovery period like?

Usually about 7 days, depending on how extensive was the lift.

How long do the results last?

This varies on how droopy were the breasts and on the technique used. Usually around 5 - 15 years.

How much does breast lift surgery cost?

It depends on the extent of lifting needed, and whether an implant is used. Usually from $.7000 - 10000, including anesthesia and operating room fees.

What is Breast Lifting?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, restores the nipple to its youthful position, which is at or above the crease under the breast. Sometimes a breast lift includes reducing or reshaping the breast, and this may involve the placement of a small implant to round out the breast nicely.

How is breast lift surgery done?

In an operating room, the patient receives general anesthesia. The surgeon has already marked out where to make the incisions -- depending on the amount of droopiness, the incisions may simply be a crescent around the top of the areola, or it may be a complete circle around the areola, it may be a "lollipop " incision with an added vertical scar down the bottom half of the breast, and finally, the incision may look like anchor, with an added scar in the crease.

Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?

A woman whose nipple lies below the inframammary fold, or breast crease and is healthy, non-smoking, in good shape.

What will happen at the initial consultation ?

The initial consultation is a chance for the patient to assess the doctor and his or her staff, as well as for the doctor to assess whether the patient is a good candidate for the surgery. A lot of education occurs during this consultation, which goes both ways: The doctor educates the patient about the benefits and risks of the surgery, and the patient educates the doctor about what she is looking for. This is a chance for the patient to ask all of her questions and to get a sense of whether she trusts the doctor and his or her staff to be able to care for her before, during and after the surgery. In my practice, I use this consultation as an opportunity to assess whether other things in the patient's life need to be addressed, such as smoking cessation, weight loss, or stress reduction. The initial consultation ends with an appointment for a second consultation to further discuss the surgery and to go over the most important points.