Women experience age-related changes in the breasts to varying degrees, with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause often exacerbating how youthful contours can diminish over time. A breast lift can be an exceptionally effective procedure to reshape and rejuvenate sagging breasts, thereby restoring a “perkier” and more projected look. Dr. Jared Garlick can tailor breast lift surgery to treat ptosis (drooping breasts) and make your ideal breast contours a reality. He utilizes special techniques to maximize your breast lift results, including using the GalaFLEX® Scaffold in certain cases to reinforce support for the breasts and extend the longevity of your rejuvenation.
What are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?
A breast lift remains steadfast as one of the most effective and lasting ways to regain more youthful breast contours. The procedure not only lifts and reshapes the breasts, but also corrects a stretched or “deflated” look caused by aging. Mastopexy can offer a myriad of potential benefits depending on your goals, including:
- Reducing ptosis (sagging) in the breasts
- Reinforcing support for the breasts to achieve long-term rejuvenation
- Addressing aesthetic changes in the breasts caused by pregnancy, weight loss, and breastfeeding
- Treating the effects of aging on the breasts after menopause
- Restoring a natural breast shape after implant removal surgery
Although a breast lift can rejuvenate the positioning and projection of the breasts, the procedure does not generally add volume to the bust. If your goals include restoring volume and achieving a rounder, fuller breast shape, you may consider combining mastopexy with breast augmentation to address volume loss and breast sag simultaneously.
Is a Breast Lift Right for Me?
Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift is popular among patients who have had children, previously breastfed, or undergone significant weight loss. Breast lift surgery is typically most successful for healthy patients who are near their ideal weight and who are bothered by:
- Mild to severe breast sag
- A flat, stretched, or “deflated” look
- A loss of shape and projection in the breasts
- Nipples that point downward or droop below the breast fold
The best way to confirm whether a breast lift is the right procedure for you is through a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. During your consultation, Dr. Garlick will thoroughly discuss your concerns, previous medical history, and overall goals to develop a customized treatment plan to achieve your goals. If you have several aesthetic concerns in the breasts and body that you would like to improve, a breast lift can be performed as part of a comprehensive Mommy Makeover to address multiple areas at once.
How is the Breast Lift Procedure Performed?
Mastopexy is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Depending on your goals and the anatomical indicators unique to you, incisions may be placed either around the perimeter of the areolas, within the natural crease of the breast fold, or using a combination of both methods. In any case, Dr. Garlick places incisions discreetly whenever possible and any scarring should be easily concealed underneath a bra or bikini top.
After incisions are made in a pre-determined location, Dr. Garlick will then remove loose, excess skin and lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. Underlying tissue is then reshaped to tighten and firm the breasts. If necessary, the nipples can also be reduced and repositioned according to your goals. In these cases, the nipples typically remain attached to the breasts. For certain patients, the bioresorbable GalaFLEX® Scaffold and internal sutures may be placed along the lower fold of the breasts to help support the soft tissue. This additional support can remain in place after sutures and/or GalaFLEX® dissolve, often lessening the risk of your newly lifted breasts “bottoming out” in the future.
“I had an amazing experience with DR. Garlick. I loved my experience from consultation to post op appointments. My recovery was smooth. He was very attentive, has great bed side manners and makes you feel very comfortable.”
What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period After a Breast Lift?
After breast lift surgery, feelings of tenderness, bruising, and swelling should be expected and will subside as your healing process progresses. Patients should receive plenty of rest during their recovery, but Dr. Garlick also encourages light ambulation (walking around the house, etc.) to promote blood flow as soon as you feel well enough. Over-the-counter and prescribed pain medications, as well as ice packs, are generally enough to manage any discomfort. Patients can usually return to non-strenuous work within one week; however, more physically demanding jobs may require 10 to 14 days of recovery. Heavy lifting and exercise are prohibited for six weeks or until Dr. Garlick instructs otherwise. He will monitor your recovery through periodic follow-up appointments, and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions regarding activity restrictions, incision care, and what you can expect during the healing process.
How Long Do Results From a Breast Lift Last?
Results from a breast lift can generally last at least 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on each patient’s genetics and lifestyle. While nothing can stop the natural aging process, those who received a breast lift will always have more youthful breast contours than individuals of the same age who did not undergo surgery. There are certain preventive measures that can help maximize the longevity of breast lift results as much as possible, including:
- Opting to undergo a breast lift only after there are no future plans for pregnancy and nursing, as these factors can increase skin inelasticity and exacerbate breast sag
- Pursuing mastopexy only after you’ve reached your goal weight
- Living an active, healthy lifestyle to minimize weight fluctuations
- Avoiding smoking, artificial tanning, and unprotected sun exposure
At your consultation, Dr. Garlick will also show you before-and-after photos of previous breast lift patients to help you gain a better idea of what to expect from the outcome of mastopexy.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
In Utah, breast lift costs are generally much more manageable and affordable when compared to other regions, such as New York City and Los Angeles. That said, the cost of each procedure is personalized according to the individual details of a patient’s treatment plan. Factors that may influence the price include the size and type of implants chosen, the surgical technique used, and the overall complexity of your procedure. Your cost estimate will also include the expenses typically associated with cosmetic surgery, such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, and hospital facility fee, among other variables. Surgery costs also vary based on your geographic location and the experience of your plastic surgeon.
Ultimately, Dr. Garlick and our team will be able to provide you with a personalized quote after evaluating your needs in a consultation. Plastic surgery financing through PatientFi® or Mountain America Credit Union is available for qualified patients, if desired. Please call our office for more information about the cost of breast lift surgery.
Questions? If you are interested in breast lift surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice to speak to a friendly member of our team or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jared Garlick.