1. What is a breast lift?

Breast lifts come in many different types, but all are aimed at reshaping the breast as well as repositioning the nipple. The results of age, weight loss, or breast feeding may cause a breast to droop with the nipple on the lower portion of the breast. It is also very common for a woman' s breast to develop this way without any confounding factors. Breast lift is sometimes combined with the placement of a breast implant to add more volume. A lift may involve a scar isolated around the areola and down to the bottom of the breast (lolly-pop pattern), or a full lift with an anchor type incision. The choice is based on the degree of lift needed. Recovery is about 1 to 2 weeks.


2. What happens when breasts start to sag?

If your breasts are starting to sag or already have significant sag (the medical word is breast ptosis), then you may have already noticed three things. First, you have probably started to lose fullness at the top of the breast. Second, the nipple and areola will change. They are likely to be lower than you would like them to be. They can also be elongated, enlarged, or may even point downward. Third, as your breasts lose fullness and they begin to sag, you may find that your cleavage is not as it once was, even in a bra. Breast lift surgery by Dr. Heistein can solve these and other aesthetic breast issues and concerns.


3. How do I know if I need breast augmentation with implants or if I need a breast lift or both?

Although many women who choose to have breast lifts are happy with the size of their breasts, some women choose to combine a breast lift surgery with breast augmentation (breast implants). If you are unsure if you would like a breast lift alone or a breast lift combined with breast implants, Dr. Heistein would be happy to discuss this with you at your consultation.


4. Will I still be able to breast feed after having breast lift surgery?

A breast lift does not typically affect breast function. However, because there are many physical changes that accompany pregnancy , you should discuss future pregnancy plans with Dr. Heistein during your consultation.


5. I have recently lost weight and I am working on losing more weight. Will weight loss affect the results of a breast lift?

Significant fluctuation in weight can affect the long-term results of your breast lift. For this reason, the best candidate for a breast lift is a woman of relatively stable weight.


6. Should I get a breast lift if I only have a little bit of breast sag?

For those with only a little breast sag, breast augmentation surgery, and not a breast lift, may be all that is required to remedy excess skin by lifting and tightening breast tissue. However, for many patients, breast implants do not correct all aspects of breast sag. In these cases, breast lift surgery is usually more appropriate. Dr. Heistein’s breast implant technique can provide fullness in the upper part of the breast and fuller cleavage. However, breast enhancement with implants will not change the position of the nipple and areola as breast lift surgery does. If breast implants are the proper treatment for your breast sag, you are likely to only have a small amount of excess skin. In this case, breast implants may successfully provide full, perky breasts. This will depend on the size of the breast implants you choose and the amount of extra skin you have. If breast implants are not sufficient to reduce your breast sag, breast lift surgery by Dr. Heistein may be the answer. By removing excess skin and lifting and tightening breast tissue, this procedure can help patients to achieve the look they desire. If you would like to discuss breast lift surgery and what it can do for you, contact our office today for a consultation.