Breast Lift in Georgia

Services / Breast Procedures / Breast Lift

Women who are generally satisfied with the volume of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Breasts lose shape and firmness over time – usually the result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations or loss of the skin's natural elasticity due to aging– and a breast lift rectifies this problem. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed primarily to restore shapeliness and to lift sagging breasts, but can also be used to correct congenital breast asymmetries. Women who want to substitute lost fullness in the breast gland or who want to further enhance the shape of their breast, may also decide to have a breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift.


The overall size and shape also varies over time. The loss of glandular volume, the effects of gravity, stretching of connective tissues and reduction of skin elasticity will all weaken the biomechanical properties of the breast - thus diminishing the perkiness associated with youth and leaving the breasts increasingly pendulous. Ptosis is the medical term that refers to drooping or sagging of the breast. Breast ptosis is a natural process, though the rate at which a woman develops ptosis, and the severity, will vary and depend on many factors. Breast size is one such factor, with large and heavy breasts becoming ptotic faster than smaller breasts.


Several Possibilities For Breast Lift

The goal of the mastopexy is to provide long-lasting correction of breast ptosis by elevating the nipple-areola complex, restoring breast projection and shape, and tightening of loose skin. To this end a number of incisions are placed on the breast, to allow for redistribution of breast tissues and the removal of skin.

 

As breast shape, anatomy and ptosis vary considerably, a personalized approach is always required. As aesthetic outcome is of great importance, the ‘short scar’ and the ‘minimal scar’ breast lifts have evolved out of the necessity to reduce the length of incisions, to leave the shortest scars possible in relation to the degree of ptosis presented. As a rule of thumb, lighter degrees of ptosis (grade l - ll) resulting from age, breastfeeding and loss of breast fullness - can often be treated with either a short-scar technique that leaves reduced scarring on the front of the breast, or a minimal scarring lift- the most gentle of all techniques - that only leaves a circular scar around the areola. For pronounced or severe degrees of breast ptosis (grade lll), for example following excessive weight loss - conventional techniques with the inverted T-scar are the only ones that will provide a restoration of breast shape.


Traditional Breast Lift - Inverted T Incision Technique

A traditional breast lifting consists of three incisions, a periareolar component (around the areola), a horizontal component (underneath the breast), and a vertical component (in-front of breast) to link the two. This is known as the ‘inverted T’ configuration. This technique is common in breast reductions, and also efficient in treatment of grade ll-III ptosis, where long lasting and predictable results can be achieved.


Short-Scar Breast Lift - Vertical Incision Technique

Vertical breast lift is a technique that is designed to produce a scar shorter than the inverted T-scar utilizing two incisions: a periareolar incision (around the areola) and a vertical incision (in front of the breast). For women requiring a moderate breast lift, this technique represents a solution in between traditional techniques and the minimal scarring techniques.


Minimal-Scar Breast Lift - Periareolar Incision Technique

The periareolar approach results in the shortest possible scar pattern of any breast lift technique, placing only one incision around the areola. By placing the scar at the border of unpigmented breast skin and the pigmented areolar skin, significant scar camouflage is obtained.


Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

Many woman find it desirable to have breast augmentation at the same time as the lift to restore both shape and volume.

In addition, the combined procedure of breast augmentation and breast lift is especially efficient in adjusting breast asymmetries.

Breast Surgery FAQs

  • What is breast augmentation and how does it work?

    Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. It is typically done by inserting breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.


  • What are the different types of breast implants available?

    There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, while silicone implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel. Both types of implants have a silicone outer shell. The new generation of silicone gel implants are all “gummy bear” implants.


  • What is the difference between silicone and saline breast implants?

    Silicone implants tend to feel more natural and are less likely to ripple or wrinkle. Silicone implants feel lighter than saline implants. Saline implants are filled after insertion, which allows for a smaller scar. Saline implants tend to be less expensive than silicone implants.


  • How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?

    Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a week or two after surgery, but it can take several weeks for swelling and bruising to fully subside. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.


  • What is breast lift surgery and how is it performed?

    Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts. It is typically done by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The nipples areola complex is repositioned and areolas are made smaller. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.


  • What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?

    A breast lift and a breast reduction are very similar procedures. Both procedures will lift the breast and in both procedures breast tissue gets removed. The only difference is that more breast tissue gets removed during a breast reduction.

  • Are there any risks or complications associated with breast implant surgery?

    Like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications. There is also a risk of capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden and potentially distort the breast shape.


  • Can breast implants affect mammogram results?

    Breast implants can make mammograms more difficult to interpret, but specialized mammography techniques can be used to obtain clear images of the breast tissue. Patients should inform their mammography technician about their implants prior to the procedure.


  • How much does breast plastic surgery typically cost?

    At Lugo Plastic Surgery, we offer personalized consultations to determine an accurate estimate of the cost. A breast augmentation with Dr. Lugo ranges from $6500-$8000, depending on the types of implants used. A breast lift is around $8500 and a breast lift with implants is around $13,000. A breast reduction ranges from $10,000-$12,500.


More FAQs

Am I a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for breast procedures are those with relatively healthy lifestyles that refrain from smoking and are motivated to change the appearance of their breasts. If you’re tired of lacking confidence in your figure and want the best care and results, visit top board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lugo.