Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Breast Lift Surgery
Sagging breasts are common among women of all ages. Young women can develop sagging breasts right from puberty. This can be due to genetics, poor skin tone of the chest, anatomically low-lying breasts, asymmetric conditions, or large breasts, which quickly respond to gravitational effects.
The majority of women do experience sagging of their breast tissues as they age from gravity, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and weight fluctuation. In addition, patients with stretchable tissues with poor tone and laxity will be predisposed to sagging. These skin types are characterized by loose, thin, relaxed and compliant tissues, and skin with stretch marks.
Whatever the cause, mastopexy, or breast lift surgery is an excellent way to re-contour, lift and tighten the breast.
The goal is perkier, shapely, natural looking breasts with increased superior pole fullness. If this procedure appeals to you, please call Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center at 702-260-7707 to discuss your options with our Las Vegas breast surgeon.
Goals of Surgery:
- To raise the breast and nipple, tighten the skin, and achieve a youthful, well-contoured breast
- Improved symmetry in appearance, volume, and nipple position. Perfect symmetry of breasts is not realistic, breasts are naturally slightly different
- Maximum yet natural increase in upper pole fullness
- Improved nipple size and appearance with centralization of the nipple and areola on the breast mound
- Smaller areola
- Superior and medial breast fullness, better cleavage
- Ability to wear swimwear, dresses, and attractive clothing styles that look good, fit well, and feel comfortable
- To be able to find bras that fit and are attractive
- To satisfy a woman’s cup size desires, whether it be a smaller or larger breast size (by the addition of an implant), or to maintain current volume
- A long-lasting result
Who are the Ideal Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery?
- Women of all ages with sagging (ptotic) breasts
- Women with loose skin, stretch marks, and volume loss after pregnancy and breast feeding
- Individuals after significant weight loss or weight fluctuations
- Individuals with large breasts who have experienced gravitational descent from gravity
- Women with breast or nipple asymmetry, enlarged areola, or degrees of tubular shaped or pointy shaped breasts
- Women with nipples that are on the lower aspect of the breast mound or point toward the ground
- Women who desire more upper pole fullness
- Women with breast implants who desire removal or downsize of their implants
- Healthy individuals who are non-smokers
"I had a breast lift done December 2021. I did a lot of research and had several consultations. From the first phone call all the way through my last post op appointment I’ve been extremely pleased with everyone at the practice. Raquel, Krystie and Stephanie are wonderful and welcoming. Alethea is so sweet and is amazing at what she does. Dr. Brown made me feel comfortable through the whole process. She explained what I could expect and answered all my questions. She made me feel at ease when I was nervous right before my surgery. This all made my decision to go with Dr. Brown a no brainer. My only complaint is that I didn’t do this sooner. Oh…and the results are amazing and so worth it! Thank you to Dr. Brown and her wonderful staff."
Breast Lift Techniques
There are various breast lift techniques available. Dr. Hayley Brown individualizes the surgical approach based on the degree of breast elevation required, also taking into account a patient’s overall breast size and inherent tissue tone. Patients with looser, lax tissues require more skin and tissue tightening in all dimensions.
Be prepared for the trade-off of permanent scarring on the breast from this surgery. There is no other way to effectively lift and tighten breast tissues without external scarring. The scars are acceptable for the majority of women, as they hide along natural breast contours, and fade to normal skin color over time.
The benefits of fitting into various clothing styles and bikini styles that look great and fit comfortably typically outweigh the presence of hidden and inconspicuous scars. Women feel confident, youthful, healthy, and sexy with perkier, firmer breasts.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction
There is a common misconception that breast lift surgery decreases overall breast cup size. Dr. Brown realizes that this is not desirable, and therefore specializes in breast lift surgery preserving all tissue, inclusive of skin, that is used for maintenance of current size.
Certainly, all bras fit differently, and an uplift of breast tissue changes shape so that bra size could change. Dr. Brown will evaluate the amount of natural tissue available while honoring your desires for final cup size. Surgery is performed to keep your breast size the same, decrease size if desired, or increase breast size if indicated with implants.
Procedure Description:
- The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia
- An incision is made partial thickness around the nipple areola complex, allowing size reduction if needed for ideal proportion on the breast mound. The nipple remains attached to underlying nerves, blood vessels, and ducts. Redundant skin is shaved of skin cells, tucked in, and  tightened. Breast tissue and skin can be removed if the patient desires a smaller cup size. For patients who want to preserve all tissue and maintain their current size, techniques which involve skin invagination (tucking-in) rather than resection are utilized. For patients desiring an increase in cup size, an implant may be added (see procedural section on Augmentation-Mastopexy)
- There are several types of Mastopexy procedures that Dr. Brown uses. Each surgery is tailored for the individual to provide maximal lift while minimizing scar lengths when possible. Periareolar breast lifting involves skin tightening around the nipple only. These candidates have low nipple positions with very minimal sagging. It works well for patients with tubular breast deformity or patients with enlarged areola. It affords very minimal lift, and the final scar around the areola tends to be quite visible. Vertical Mastopexy works well for small to moderately sized breasts with good overlying skin tone, and mild to moderate sagging. The final scar pattern is similar to the configuration of a lollipop. A full mastopexy works well for moderate to severe sagging, when maximal skin and tissue tightening is needed in all dimensions. It is also required in patients with poor skin tone. The final scar pattern is similar to an anchor shape on the breast.
- Both skin and gland are elevated and tightened
- Breast lift surgery involves the trade off of permanent scars on the breast. Skin take out and tightening requires incisions, and subsequent scars. They are well concealed along natural breast contours, typically around the nipple and down the lower half of the breast. Patients with more severe sagging may also warrant the addition of a scar underneath the breast or along the inframammary fold. Patients are most concerned about the central vertical limb scar which courses directly down from the nipple to the inframammary crease. However, this concern is generally unwarranted, as this scar limb almost always heals and fades the best over time, while the maneuver provides a powerful lift effect
- Small volume reductions may be recommended in larger breasts to decrease the chance of recurrent sagging over time
- Drains are used in approximately 50% of cases depending on the extent of the procedure
Postoperative Course:
- The patient goes home in a surgical bra with gauze
- If drainage tubes are used, they are removed in 4-7 days in the office
- Bra support with a comfortable sports bra and/or underwire bra is required to optimally shape the breasts as they are healing. The underwire bra recommended almost never affects the healing incisions.
- Long term normal bra wear is encouraged, to decrease risks for recurrent sagging which is more likely in larger breasted women with poor inherent tissue tone
- Expect unusual appearance of the breasts initially, which resolves in several months. Minor appearance changes occur under your clothing for up to 6 months
- Bra cup size cannot be guaranteed, as all bras fit differently
- Sutures are mostly absorbable. External suture knots are clipped in the office between 1-2 weeks.
- It takes 2-4 weeks for complete incisional healing
- Most patients take 1-2 weeks off work, and then return to non-physical work. No heavy lifting, fitness activities, or strenuous upper body exertion for 4 weeks
- No tanning of scars for the first year
- It takes at least one year for the scars to mature and fade
- Breast-feeding after any type of breast surgery cannot be guaranteed. About 30% of women may have difficulty breast feeding after surgical intervention
- Temporary sensation changes are common, either numbness or hypersensitivity. Nerves can take a full year to recover, it would be rare to experience a permanent change after one year
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
Cost of breast lift surgery: The cost of this procedure ranges between $15,000-$22,000 depending on your anatomy & complexity of surgery of each individual. During your consultation with Dr. Brown, she will make sure you know what factors influence the cost of this procedure. After you discuss a treatment plan with Dr. Brown, you will then talk to our office staff about your customized cost estimate. This procedure is generally not ever covered by health insurance, but we do accept cash and credit cards. We also accept various payment plans by CareCredit and Prosper. If you are interested in financing, we can describe how to apply for these plans.
Before & After:
Other Options:
- Addition of a breast implant at the same time for small breasted women, known as an augmentation-mastopexy
- Body contouring procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty
- "Mommy-makeover," is a term used to describe breast surgery in conjunction with body contouring after childbearing is completed, to restore pre-pregnancy contours
- Breast implant removal:  a breast lift can be combined with a breast implant removal to improve the appearance of saggy, stretched skin after the loss of breast volume
Is a Breast Lift Painful?
Breast lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Patients do not register any pain during their procedure. After anesthesia wears off, patients experience soreness and tenderness. Comfort is managed well with a prescription or over-the-counter medication taken as directed. The compression garment that is applied after surgery can also help to improve comfort to some degree.
Can You Combine a Breast Lift with Other Procedures?
Yes! Patients combine breast lift surgery with a number of different procedures. A breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation when there is a desire to improve shape, height, and volume. The lift can also be combined with liposuction, abdominoplasty, or other procedures that enhance the contours and proportions of the body. Dr. Brown customizes each treatment plan according to the patient's concerns and goals.
How Long Does it Take For a Breast Lift to Settle?
After mastopexy, the breasts can look quite high on the chest wall. They may also look firm or tight. This appearance usually lasts about two weeks. After that time, as swelling and inflammation subside, the breasts gradually drop into their final position. It can take several months for this change to complete itself, but patients generally have a good idea of their new breast shape within two months of their lift.
Can I Go Without a Bra After a Breast Lift?
It is imperative that patients wear their approved surgical or underwire bra for several months after having a breast lift. The point of continual wear during recovery is to prevent unnecessary strain on incisions as healing occurs. Most women who have large breasts know that when they lie down, their breasts flare out to the sides. Underwire bras, which rest below any incisions, are used to optimize a round breast shape and provide a close cleavage while you are healing, preventing them from flaring out to the sides. After the incisions have healed and swelling has subsided, wearing a bra continues to be integral to the shape of the breasts. Wearing a supportive bra can minimize unnecessary stretching of the skin and ligaments that support the breast mound.
What is Recovery Like?
Patients go home the day of their breast lift surgery after a brief stay in a supervised recovery area. Once at home, they should rest and sleep as much as their body requires. Someone should stay with the patient for at least 24 to 48 hours to help them get around the house, eat healthy meals, and take medication at regular intervals. A follow-up visit takes place 5 to 7 days after surgery. Provided that healing is progressing well, most patients can return to work at that time. Post-operative side effects including minor swelling, light bruising, temporary sensation changes, and small scabs along the incision may continue for 4-6 weeks. This does not interfere with light activities. However, patients should avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks.
What is the Best way to Maintain my Results?
The results of a breast lift are expected to last many years and a lifetime in certain cases. We suggest wearing a properly fitted bra, maintaining a stable weight, eating a healthy diet, and taking good care of the skin.
How Should You Prepare for Your Mastopexy Consultation in Las Vegas?
Preparing for a mastopexy consultation involves several steps to ensure that you and Dr. Brown can discuss your goals and concerns effectively. Here’s how to get ready for your consultation:
- Medical History: Gather any relevant medical records, including previous mammograms, breast biopsies, or surgeries. It's important to share your full medical history, including any medications you take.
- Expectations and Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve with a breast lift and be prepared to discuss these goals. Consider bringing photos of breast shapes and positions you admire as a visual aid for your desired outcome.
- List of Questions: Write down any questions or concerns about the breast lift procedure, recovery, risks, and results. No question is too small, and having a list will ensure you don’t forget to ask something important during the consultation.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to examine the breast area if necessary. A two-piece outfit is often recommended.
- Consideration of Future Plans: If you plan on losing a significant amount of weight or wish to become pregnant, discuss these plans with Dr. Brown, as they can affect the results of your breast lift.
By preparing thoroughly, you can have a productive consultation and make informed decisions about your breast lift surgery in Las Vegas.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Breast Lift in Henderson, NV?
While a breast lift can be a transformative procedure, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some factors that might make you an unsuitable candidate for a breast lift:
- Poor Health: Individuals who have serious health issues, such as heart problems or uncontrolled diabetes, may not be good candidates due to the increased risk of complications.
- Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Smokers must quit several weeks or months before and after surgery to mitigate these risks.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Plans: If you plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, it's advisable to postpone the breast lift. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can negate the effects of mastopexy by stretching the skin and altering breast tissue.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Understanding the limitations of what a breast lift can achieve is crucial. A breast lift can raise and firm the breasts, but it does not significantly change the size or round out the upper part of the breast.
Discussing alternative options or timing with Dr. Brown may be necessary if you fall into any of these categories.
What Are the Myths and Misconceptions About Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. Clarifying these can help set realistic expectations:
Myth: Breast Lift Will Significantly Change Your Breast Size
Reality: A breast lift repositions existing breast tissue to elevate the breasts and reduce sagging. It does not substantially increase or decrease breast size. For volume changes, augmentation or reduction might be required.
Myth: Breast Lifts Are Only for Older Women
Reality: While aging commonly leads to sagging breasts, younger women who have experienced significant weight loss or have had multiple pregnancies might also benefit from a mastopexy. Moreover, they can see long-lasting benefits to their quality of life.
Myth: The Scars Are Highly Visible
Reality: While scarring is inevitable, Dr. Brown employs advanced surgical techniques to minimize and strategically place incisions so that they are less noticeable. Additionally, scars typically fade over time with proper care.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Dr. Brown is a specialist in mastopexy surgery. She focuses on the creation of upper medial pole breast fullness and a beautifully attractive cleavage, using your natural tissue and avoiding the need for an implant. Women of all breast sizes are able to achieve attractive, perky and youthful breasts, which contributes to a healthy and fit-looking silhouette.
Please contact Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center online or call 702-260-7707 today to discuss your breast lift options with Las Vegas Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hayley Brown.
