Breast Lift
MASTOPLEXY in Salt Lake City & Park City, UT
What is a Breast Lift?
No one wants saggy, low-hanging breasts. But the effects of gravity, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and general aging can cause the skin on your breasts to lose its elasticity. This results in breasts that lose their firmness and shape, and begin to sag. Fortunately, this downward trend can be rectified with a breast lift, clinically known as a mastopexy.
A mastopexy removes excess skin on and around the breasts to raise, reshape, and firm up the breasts. Nipples and areolae may be repositioned, and the areolae may also be reduced in size. A breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation if the patient also wants an increase in breast volume or size.
Call (801) 274-9500 to schedule your breast lift consult with Dr. Renato Saltz in our Salt Lake City. You can also dial (435) 655-6612 for our Park City office!
MASTOPLEXY in Salt Lake City & Park City, UT
What is a Breast Lift?
No one wants saggy, low-hanging breasts. But the effects of gravity, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and general aging can cause the skin on your breasts to lose its elasticity. This results in breasts that lose their firmness and shape, and begin to sag. Fortunately, this downward trend can be rectified with a breast lift, clinically known as a mastopexy.
A mastopexy removes excess skin on and around the breasts to raise, reshape, and firm up the breasts. Nipples and areolae may be repositioned, and the areolae may also be reduced in size. A breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation if the patient also wants an increase in breast volume or size.
Call (801) 274-9500 to schedule your breast lift consult with Dr. Renato Saltz in our Salt Lake City. You can also dial (435) 655-6612 for our Park City office!
Breast Lift
Procedure
A breast lift takes multiple factors into consideration, which you will discuss with Dr. Saltz during your consultation. These include your breast size and shape, the firmness of your breasts, the position of your areolae, and your skin’s elasticity.
Most incision points are made surrounding the areolae, either vertically or horizontally. The three most common patterns are shown here.
After the incision is made, Dr. Saltz will lift and reshape your underlying breast tissue. The areolae are then placed into natural, symmetrical positions, and finally, any excess skin is removed to keep firmness and restore the youthful appearance of the skin. Stitches are placed both deep within the tissue and on the skin to close the incision.
A typical mastopexy procedure takes about three hours.
How Long Does a Breast Lift Take?
Breast lift procedures are performed at an outpatient surgery center. The procedure itself takes between three and four hours. You can expect to be at the center for about five hours, however. This allows a period of time before surgery to get you prepared and to review your procedure details with you, as well as some time in the recovery room after surgery where you can be monitored as you come out of anesthesia.
What are the Benefits of Having a Breast Lift?
There are many reasons to consider having a breast lift, though the most obvious one is that you want to correct sagging that has occurred after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or simply getting older. More precise benefits include the following:
- More firmness. To lift the breasts higher on the chest wall, the doctor tightens the skin and connective tissue around the fatty breast tissue. As a result of this, your breasts not only look higher but firmer, as well.
- Improved nipple projection. It isn't just the shape of the breasts that affects appearance. The projection of your nipples also influences how perky the breasts appear. During the breast lift, the tightening of the skin over the breast mound can reposition the nipple. For more severe ptosis, the surgeon can also reposition the nipple and areola to a more youthful, forward projection.
- Improved breast shape. The breast lift is designed to correct sagging that creates a deflated shape and restore a rounder, perkier, firmer shape overall.
- More youthful appearance overall. You may be at your ideal weight and feel satisfied with your body shape but still look older as a result of sagging breasts. In this instance, the breast lift can restore a greater sense of harmony across the entire body.
- Reduced skin irritation. Breast ptosis involves contact between the bottom of the breast and the skin on the ribcage. Due to this continual contact, irritation can occur. This can include redness, a rash, or the development of skin tags or moles. A breast lift repositions the breasts to remove this contact, thereby alleviating further irritation.
Why Not Just Get Breast Implants Rather than a Breast Lift?
It's common to question why a breast lift would be necessary when breast augmentation is so popular. While there are great reasons to consider breast augmentation, you want to be fully informed about the objective of that procedure compared to the objective and potential outcome of a breast lift. Both procedures are performed to enhance breast appearance but they do so in different ways. Breast augmentation is primarily done to increase breast volume, resulting in larger, shapelier breasts. The breast lift can also give the illusion of larger breasts, but not as dramatically as breast implants do. Conversely, the breast augmentation procedure does not address anything more than mild sagging. Also, breast implants increase the weight of the breasts, which could then tug on skin and connective tissue. If these tissues are already stretched and loose, you might not get the degree of lift that you imagined. Dr. Saltz is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed many breast procedures. During your consultation, he'll carefully examine all characteristics that could influence your cosmetic outcome and will make an educated recommendation from his findings.
Why Choose Saltz Plastic Surgery?
At Saltz Plastic Surgery, we are committed to providing exceptional care and outstanding results. Dr. Saltz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast lift procedures. Our team prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction, ensuring a personalized and supportive experience from consultation to recovery.
Choosing Saltz Plastic Surgery means choosing a practice dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty with precision and compassion. Schedule a consultation today to discuss how a breast lift can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
For more information about breast lifts and other cosmetic procedures, visit our website or contact us directly. Let us help you restore confidence and feel your best with expert care and tailored treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What all does a breast lift involve?
A breast lift involves the removal of excess skin, tightening of surrounding tissues, and repositioning of the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful location. Unlike breast augmentation, which increases the size of the breasts with implants, a breast lift focuses on reshaping and elevating the breasts to restore firmness and contour without significantly altering their size.
Who is an ideal breast lift candidate?
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are individuals who:
- Are in good overall health and maintain a stable weight
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after the surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes
- Experience significant breast sagging or drooping
- Have stretched skin and enlarged areolas
How long will my specific procedure take?
The procedure typically takes about 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The specific technique used by Dr. Saltz will depend on the degree of sagging and the patient's individual anatomy.
Will a breast lift affect my ability to breastfeed?
While many women retain the ability to breastfeed after a breast lift, it may depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual's anatomy. It's essential to discuss breastfeeding plans with Dr. Saltz during your consultation.
Where will my scar be located?
Common incision patterns include:
- Around the areola
- Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
- Horizontally along the breast crease
After the incisions are made, Dr. Saltz will remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and the breasts are bandaged to support healing.
How long will the results of a breast lift last?
The longevity of a breast lift varies from patient to patient. Factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and significant weight changes can impact the results. However, many patients enjoy the benefits and appearance of their breast lift for many years.
Are there any risks associated with a breast lift?
As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries some risks, including infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry. Dr. Saltz will discuss these risks in detail to ensure you make an informed decision.
Any woman who longs for the breasts she had before children or weight gain and loss can be a perfect candidate for a mastopexy.
While most patients opt to have a breast lift to counteract the effects of time, pregnancy, or weight gain and loss, some patients use a breast lift to correct asymmetrical breasts without using implants.
If you are planning to have more children, Dr. Saltz recommends postponing your breast lift — future pregnancy is likely to stretch the breasts again, nullifying the results of your lift. In case you do get pregnant, however, a breast lift normally does not affect breastfeeding in most patients.
Before your consultation with Dr. Saltz, it’s a good idea to do some research about the procedure. This should include reviewing before-and-after photos in our extensive gallery. Look for women with a body structure similar to yours.
By the nature of the procedure, a mastopexy decreases volume in the breasts. Dr. Saltz will discuss this phenomenon with you during your consultation. You may opt to have breast augmentation performed during your breast lift to replace lost volume. This combination of the two procedures can effectively compensate for the “slipping” effect that can occur when implants are placed into sagging breasts.
After breast lift surgery, your incisions will be covered with bandages and dressings. You will be provided with a support bra or elastic bandage to support your breasts as they heal, as well as to reduce swelling. A small thin tube is often placed under the tissue to drain any excess fluids remaining after surgery. You’ll need prescription pain medication for the first day or two, and you’ll also receive an antibiotic prescription. Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for the first couple of weeks after surgery. This is normal! Your results won’t be 100% apparent until your swelling recedes.
Typically, a patient may return to work in seven days after breast lift surgery. We ask that you abstain from exercise and heavy lifting for six weeks after your surgery, as this allows scar tissue to reach its maximum strength.
The most important aspect of breast lift recovery is following Dr. Saltz’ post-operative instructions diligently. A post-operative visit will be scheduled following your procedure for the removal of your stitches and further instructions. Dr. Saltz is always available by phone should you have any questions or concerns following your procedure.
Any incision to the surface of the breast will leave a scar. However, these incision lines fade significantly over time, becoming unnoticeable.
Dr. Saltz is often able to preserve nipple sensation and sensitivity after a mastopexy. This will depend on your individual anatomy and the size of your breasts.
Dr. Saltz is able to maintain the ability to breastfeed in most cases. However, this does depend on the type of surgical procedure he performs, whether or not you were able to breastfeed before your breast lift, and specific anatomy of your breasts. It is best to postpone your mastopexy if you are planning on having additional children, as the changing size of your breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding will negate most of the results from your breast lift. Be sure to discuss the possibility of future pregnancies with Dr. Saltz during your consultation.
breast lift before & after cases
In Our
Clients' Own
Words
In our clients' own words
"I was very pleased with the results of the treatment. Dr. Saltz is thorough and definitely an “artist.” I was impressed with his willingness to spend as much time as necessary to do a great job. In addition, his nurse, Kara, was attentive and very knowledgeable."
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consult in Salt Lake City!
Saltz Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients from Salt Lake City, Park City and surrounding areas, including Evanston and Green River, WY. If you are interested in breast lift surgery, contact our Salt Lake City office at (801) 274-9500 or our Park City office at (435) 655-6612.
You can also connect with us by filling out our online Contact form here.
For more information on Breast Lift Surgery, visit our blog.
