Over the years, breasts can lose their shape and firmness due to pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, and gravity. Breast lift (mastopexy) procedures at our Tallahassee, FL, practice help women from Destin, FL; Dothan, AL; Valdosta and Thomasville, GA; and surrounding areas reverse these changes and discover a renewed sense of confidence.
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A breast lift is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that restores the breasts to a more youthful, perky shape by addressing stretched skin and tissues. Additionally, if the nipple-areolar complex has become enlarged, it can be restored to a smaller size at a preferred position on the breast.
We sometimes perform a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation to correct sagging while enhancing volume. Some women choose to combine their lift with a tummy tuck and liposuction for a more comprehensive transformation.
While both are breast enhancement procedures, breast augmentation and breast lift provide different benefits. Breast augmentation adds fullness but does not correct sagging breasts.
| Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | Breast Augmentation (Implants) | |
| Purpose | Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue. | Increases breast size and fullness using implants (silicone gel or saline). |
| Best For | Correcting sagging due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss. | Adding volume or restoring fullness lost from weight changes or aging. |
| Results | Firmer, perkier breasts with improved contour—no increase in size unless combined with implants. | Fuller, larger breasts with enhanced volume and symmetry. |
| Scarring | More noticeable scarring around the areola and vertically down the breast. | Minimal scarring, typically hidden in the breast crease or around the areola. |
| Longevity | Long-lasting but affected by aging and weight changes. | Implants last 10–20 years, with possible future replacements. |
| Recovery Time | 2–6 weeks, depending on how fast you typically heal. | 2-4 weeks with restrictions on strenuous activities. |
| Ideal For | If you’re happy with breast size but want to correct sagging. | If you are looking to increase size, improve shape, restore lost volume, or improve symmetry. |
| Combination | Can be combined with augmentation for added volume. | Often combined with a lift to address both sagging and size increase. |
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A breast lift combined with augmentation can also correct breast asymmetry.
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A breast lift is performed while you are under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Your surgeon will carefully remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissues to create a more lifted and shapely appearance. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss incision locations and other factors during your consultation.
Knowing what to expect as you heal can make your recovery after a breast lift smoother and more relaxed. Even though the healing process varies from patient to patient, you can anticipate some common milestones.
Expect bruising and swelling to peak during this first week after your procedure. To manage your discomfort, you can take prescription or over-the-counter pain relief medication. Even though you should get plenty of rest, it’s also important to take brief walks periodically to promote blood circulation.
Continue wearing the postsurgical bra and avoid any strenuous activities. You should notice reduced swelling and bruising. Do not drive until you have stopped taking prescription pain medications.
You’ll start feeling more like your normal self and can increase your activity level while still avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Wearing a supportive bra helps reduce swelling and allows your results to heal smoothly and evenly.
You can resume virtually all normal activities, including light exercises that don’t put too much strain on the incisions. Once you’re cleared by your surgeon, you can start more strenuous activities.
The cost of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as a breast lift varies based on multiple factors, including the complexity of the surgery and the anesthetic used. We will discuss the cost of your procedure at your consultation. We are happy to offer third-party financing options to make your breast lift more affordable.
Our skilled physicans understand the profound difference even a small change on the outside can make on the inside. They are dedicated to providing high-quality care in a supportive, compassionate setting.
Yes, anytime a surgeon makes an incision, a scar develops. Scars vary depending on the surgical technique and how you normally heal. They typically fade in about a year and are not significantly conspicuous.
Breast lift results will last for many years if you maintain your weight and don’t become pregnant. Patients with good skin quality and a healthy lifestyle have longer-lasting results.
All breast lift techniques include an incision around the areola, which can impede some of the small nerves surrounding the breasts. This may lead to temporary changes in nipple sensitivity.
Breast augmentation typically costs less than a breast lift because it’s a less complicated operation, requiring less time in the OR. The cost of either procedure depends on several factors. We provide detailed price quotes to breast lift patients after their consultation.
In most cases, breast lift patients find that they wear bras about one cup size smaller than before the procedure. That’s because the procedure reshapes and repositions the breasts by removing lax and excess breast tissue.
As you might imagine, age is not a significant factor in determining when breasts begin to sag. Genetics can influence the appearance of the breasts, which may lead some younger women to seek a breast lift. Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can also stretch the breast tissue and skin.
If you are interested in meeting with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss breast lift options in Tallahassee, FL, please request a consultation online or call (850) 219-2000. Our cosmetic plastic surgery practice serves women from Destin and Lake City, FL; Dothan, AL; and Valdosta, GA.
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