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Dr. Chasan Discusses Breast Lifts on the Wellness Hour

A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a procedure that lifts the breast. It is not a “one size fits all” procedure. The degree of breast lift depends upon the patient’s unique anatomy, the severity of drooping, the quality of the skin, and the desired result.

A breast lift in San Diego can dramatically change and improve the shape and appearance of the breast and can also be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation. Of all the breast procedures, a breast lift requires the most skill and artistic ability from the surgeon. 

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, otherwise known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to rejuvenate and reshape the breasts. Over time, factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can lead to breast sagging. A breast lift involves the removal of excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to achieve a more youthful and uplifted appearance. This procedure can restore your confidence and enhance the overall aesthetics of your breasts. Dr. Chasan's expertise in breast lift surgery ensures that every patient receives a personalized approach, leaving them with stunning, natural-looking results.

Table of Contents

What are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?

  • Restored youthful appearance
  • Improved breast shape and symmetry
  • Enhanced self-confidence
  • Correction of sagging
  • Rejuvenated nipple positioning
  • Physical relief from discomfort
  • Expanded wardrobe options
  • Long-lasting results
  • Customizable to individual needs
  • Expertly performed by board-certified surgeons.

Breast Lift Before & After Photos

What Are My Breast Lift Incision Options?

When it comes to a breast lift, there are four incision options, each of which caters to a unique set of circumstances. These options are:

Circumareolar or “donut”

The scar is limited to just around the areola.

Vertical or “lollipop”

The scar goes around the areola and vertically down the breast to the inframammary crease.

Short Scar

Lollipop plus a short horizontal scar in the breast crease—this is the most common after Lollipop lifting.

Anchor

The scar (rarely used today), continues horizontally along the majority of the inframammary crease.

Breast lift incision diagram

A breast lift can dramatically change and improve the shape and appearance of the breast and can also be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation. Of all the breast procedures, a breast lift requires the most in skill and artistic ability from the surgeon.

In the Operating Room

Dr. Chasan Performs a Breast Lift
IN THE OR WITH DR. CHASAN - BREAST LIFT
Lollipop Breast Lift with Dr. Francis
Lollipop Breast Lift Transformation at Ranch and Coast Plastic Surgery!

How Does a Breast Lift Work?

A breast lift can take as short as an hour with the circumareolar technique and up to three hours for a more comprehensive technique. A common misconception is that the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is removed from the breast and put on the back table. The NAC is rarely detached from the breast at any time.

Preparing for a Breast Lift

Preparing for a breast lift is a crucial step on your journey to perkier breasts. Before the procedure, Dr. Chasan will meet with you to go over your goals and give you an opportunity to ask any questions and express any concerns. He asks every patient to share their complete medical history, including current medications and allergies. In the weeks prior to the surgery, Dr. Chasan instructs patients to quit smoking and avoid certain medications that could increase the risk of complications. Dr. Chasan will provide detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and successful breast lift procedure. Proper preparation helps patients feel confident and ready for their new figure.

What Will My Breast Lift Recovery Be Like?

Breast lift recovery depends on surgical techniques and whether Dr. Chasan performed additional procedures. Most women resume light work and other activities within a few days or weeks after a breast lift but avoid exercise and more strenuous activities for approximately eight months.

The recovery from breast lift surgery is similar to a breast augmentation in which there is mild to moderate discomfort for two to three days. If a breast lift is performed with a breast augmentation, there is no additional discomfort or prolongation of the recovery process.

5 Tips For Your Breast Lift Recovery

Here are Dr. Chasan’s five tips to help make your breast lift recovery as quick, comfortable, and easy as possible:

  • Rest is essential because if you start physical activity too early, you could risk opening your incisions or displacing the breast tissue
  • Be gentle with your incisions by keeping them clean, dry, and protected 
  • Use your compression garments as directed by Dr. Chasan
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to help your body heal faster 
  • Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which impede healing by reducing oxygen intake and restricting blood flow

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift in San Diego?

Breast lifts are best suited for mature women who are in good physical and mental health and who have realistic expectations for what the procedure can accomplish for them. You are very likely a candidate for a breast lift in San Diego if you:

  • Have breasts that naturally sit at two different heights, or:
  • Would like to correct or enhance the appearance of flat, elongated, or pendulous breasts.
  • Do not smoke, or can cease doing so for an extended period pre and post-surgery.
  • Feel you would attain an increase in personal confidence and/or sexual confidence from the procedure.
  • Have nipples and areolas that point downward, and that when unsupported, fall below the breast crease (inframammary fold).
Beautiful woman with perky breasts

The Degrees of Breast Sagging (Ptosis)

Grade 1 Ptosis (Mild):

  • Nipples are positioned slightly below the breast crease.
  • Minimal sagging with good breast fullness.
  • Often seen in younger women after pregnancy or weight loss.

Grade 2 Ptosis (Moderate):

  • Nipples fall further below the breast crease.
  • Noticeable sagging with some loss of breast volume.
  • Common after multiple pregnancies and aging.

Grade 3 Ptosis (Advanced):

  • Nipples are significantly lower than the breast crease.
  • Severe sagging with a substantial loss of breast fullness.
  • Typically occurs with significant weight fluctuations or aging.

Grade 4 Ptosis (Severe):

  • Nipples point downward, well below the breast crease.
  • Extreme sagging with significant volume loss.
  • Often seen in older women or after major weight loss.

Breast lift procedures are tailored to address these different degrees of ptosis, providing customized solutions to restore breast aesthetics. Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon helps determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Breast Lift Scars—What Will My Scar Look Like?

One of the most common objections to breast lift surgery is the resultant scarring. Dr. Most scars look their worst at two to four months and begin to improve dramatically after that. He further states that one of the biggest disparities he sees is the patient’s preconceived ideas of a “scar” and the ultimate outcome of a mature, well-healed incision that is minimally detectable. Dr. Paul Chasan comments, “if patients only saw pictures of incisions that were eight months to one year post-operative, they would not have any reluctance to undergo breast lift surgery.”

Minimally perceptible incisions do not occur by accident. Our breast Lift surgeons do everything possible to take tension off the incision line. Placing multiple sutures in the breast and subcutaneous tissues makes the suture line free from any tension. Additionally, performing a “perfect closure” in which the skin edges are perfectly opposed without any gaps or irregularities improves scarring. These maneuvers take time, focus, and attention to detail but are worth it in the long run, resulting in a beautifully healed scar and a happy patient.

Post-Operative Incisions After One Year

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

A breast lift in San Diego can range in cost due to the variability of cases. Some breast lifts are priced higher depending on the level of surgical complexity. You can also check out financing options to assist you in reaching your aesthetic goals. 

Woman outside in bikini

Patient Testimonials

Why Choose Ranch & Coast in San Diego For a Breast Lift?

Paul Chasan, M.D., F.A.C.S, and Dr. Cameron Francis are master surgeons and are world-renowned for their sophisticated, effective procedures in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Our doctors specialize in aesthetic surgical procedures for the face, body, and breast in their state-of-the-art medical spa and surgery center, Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery, located in the heart of Del Mar Village. The doctors and our friendly, professional, and highly trained nursing and office staff provide the highest quality of skill, sophistication, and attention to detail while ensuring patient care and satisfaction are the number one priority.

Dr. Chasan measuring patient's chest

Breast Lift FAQs

Can I combine a breast lift with breast augmentation or reduction?

Certainly, breast lift surgery can be performed in combination with breast augmentation to improve both breast size and shape. Additionally, it can be combined with breast reduction to simultaneously reduce breast size while achieving a lifted appearance.

What are the different types of breast lift techniques available?

Common breast lift techniques include the crescent lift, periareolar lift, vertical lift, and anchor lift, each suitable for varying degrees of sagging.

Will a breast lift increase my breast size?

A breast lift primarily addresses sagging; it doesn't significantly change breast size. However, combining it with breast augmentation can achieve both lift and volume increase.

Are there any potential risks or complications associated with breast lift surgery?

Like any surgery, breast lifts carry risks such as infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and unsatisfactory results. Discuss these with your surgeon.

How long can I expect the results of a breast lift to last?

The results are long-lasting, but breasts may naturally sag over time due to aging. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing proper support bras can help preserve results.

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