Breast Lift in San Diego, CA

Over time, a woman’s breasts change shape and sag due to gravity, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process. A breast lift, or mastopexy, can provide a more attractive appearance to the breasts by reshaping and repositioning them higher on the chest. At Del Mar Plastic Surgery, Dr. Larry Pollack frequently performs breast lift surgery for women in the San Diego area, giving you a more youthful breast profile and restoring your confidence in your appearance.

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Just like on your face, the skin on your breasts loses collagen and elastin as you age. Between the breakdown of these structural elements and the decrease in the production of new collagen and elastin, the skin on your breasts gradually begins to stretch. Combine those factors with gravity, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you suddenly have breasts that sit much lower on your chest than you’d like.

A breast lift is designed to address sagging breasts, eliminating stretched, excess skin and repositioning them higher on your chest where they belong. A breast lift also reshapes and firms your breasts, giving them an overall more youthful appearance.

Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery offers several benefits, aesthetically and emotionally. Besides boosting your confidence and making you feel younger and more feminine, other benefits of a breast lift include:

• Dramatic improvements in the placement and appearance of sagging breasts
• More aesthetically pleasing nipples and areolas
• Rounder, shapelier breasts
• Firmer, more symmetrical breasts
• Reduced discomfort associated with excess skin

A breast lift can be performed alone or combined with breast augmentation, breast reduction, or as part of a Mommy Makeover.

Am I a Candidate For Breast Lift Surgery?

Good candidates for a breast lift procedure are women with some or all of the following conditions:

• Sagging or misshapen breasts
• Nipples that sag below the breast crease
• Areolas that are stretched
• Asymmetrical breasts

A breast lift is usually performed on women who are done having children and are seeking to improve the appearance of their breasts. While a breast lift does address the shape and firmness of your breasts, it does not impact their size or restore their fullness if you’ve lost volume. Women who want to address these concerns should consider adding a breast augmentation to their breast lift surgery.

What Are My Breast Lift Incision Options?

There are several incision techniques used in breast lift surgery; the type of incision used depends on the amount of sagging you have and the degree of correction necessary. Breast lift incision types include:

• Periareolar: Also called a “donut” lift, this incision is made around the areola, just outside the color, to minimize visible scarring. This incision type is used in cases of mild ptosis (sagging).
• Lollipop: A lollipop incision is used in cases of moderate breast sagging. One incision is made around the areola (identical to a donut lift). A second incision begins at the edge of the color in the center of the breast and extends vertically to the breast crease, which is where the breast attaches to the chest wall. The result is an incision that resembles a lollipop.
• Anchor: An anchor incision utilizes the same incisions as a lollipop lift but adds a third incision extending horizontally along the breast crease. Also called an “inverted T” lift, an anchor lift is used to correct severe ptosis.

What Can I Expect From My Breast Lift Consultation?

When you meet with Dr. Pollack at your initial breast lift consultation, he will review your medical history and conduct a brief physical exam. You will discuss your concerns and goals regarding your breast lift with him in detail, and he will offer recommendations according to your desired results. Once he has gathered all of the necessary information, he will create a customized treatment plan designed to meet your needs and provide optimal results.

How Is a Breast Lift Performed?

A breast lift is typically done on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Pollack begins the surgery by making incisions according to the level of correction required for optimal results. He reshapes the breast tissue and repositions the nipples and areolas to ensure they are centered on your breast. He then trims away excess skin and tightens it across your firmer, rounder breast. Dr. Pollack completes the surgery by elevating your breasts to a more youthful position on your chest and carefully suturing the incisions closed.

What Can I Expect From My Breast Lift Recovery?

After surgery, you will need to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Your breasts will be wrapped in bandages, and a compression bra will be worn to provide support and help minimize swelling. You will have some swelling and bruising, but this is expected and will dissipate over the coming weeks. Any discomfort as you heal can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers.

Most patients can return to work and regular daily activities about a week after breast lift surgery. However, you should continue to take it easy and allow your body to heal for at least three weeks. You can gradually work up to light exercise, but anything strenuous should be avoided for at least six weeks or until approved by Dr. Pollack.

It is essential that you follow Dr. Pollack’s postoperative instructions to ensure a safe and effective recovery from your breast lift. Following these instructions will help ensure you receive the best results possible with the least downtime.

When Will I See My Breast Lift Results?

You will be able to see some results of your breast lift immediately after surgery. However, it generally takes around three months for the majority of the swelling to disappear and for your breasts to settle into their new shape and position on your chest.

Patients are typically delighted with the final results of their breast lift surgery. They feel more confident in themselves, knowing that their breasts look more youthful and attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery

Can I still breastfeed after a breast lift?

Your ability to breastfeed after a breast lift often depends on the extent of correction you require, as milk ducts and nerves may be damaged during surgery. Additionally, the changes to your breasts due to pregnancy and breastfeeding can negatively impact your breast lift results, so it is recommended that you wait to have the procedure until after you are done having children.

Are my breast lift results permanent?

Breast lift results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and wear a supportive bra. However, you may experience minor sagging over time, as gravity and the natural aging process will eventually impact the position of your breasts.

How much does a breast lift cost in San Diego?

The cost of a breast lift in San Diego depends on several factors, including the complexity of your surgery and whether you choose to undergo additional cosmetic procedures. The average cost of a breast lift in San Diego ranges between $13,000 and $15,000, but you will receive your expected cost at your breast lift consultation. Financing is also available.

Does insurance cover breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery is not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, the procedure may be covered in the case where a breast lift is combined with a breast reduction to correct problems associated with overly large breasts.

What are the risks associated with breast lift surgery?

As with any surgery, there is the risk of postoperative complications such as infection, abnormal scarring, or permanent numbness in the nipples. Following Dr. Pollack’s postoperative instructions will decrease the possibility of complications after surgery and help ensure a safe and healthy recovery.

Interested in Learning More About Breast Lift Surgery in San Diego?

Dr. Pollack is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is dedicated to providing his patients with safe, effective procedures that result in stunning transformations. He has over 35 years of experience as a plastic surgeon and looks forward to meeting you to discuss your aesthetic goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Pollack to learn more about breast lift surgery, please call our office at 858-450-9100 today or complete the online contact form.