A breast lift, or mastopexy, lifts a woman’s breast and areola for a more youthful and flattering appearance. Importantly, a breast lift on its own does not increase the volume of the breasts. It gives the breast a more conical, youthful shape, in contrast to the flattened shape of a sagging breast.  This makes the procedure ideal for patients who want to improve their breast shape and attain a more youthful, perky look. For other women, breast augmentation with a breast lift may be the best choice to transform the shape, size, and volume of their breasts.

Breast procedures in general boast very high satisfaction rates, but your choice of a provider is crucial. As a leading board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven J. Varkony has performed breast procedures on countless patients from throughout Greater Los Angeles and beyond with consistently outstanding outcomes.

Most women who wish to improve the shape of their breasts and who have breast sagging can undergo a breast lift. Medical clearance from a family physician will be needed, along with an EKG for patients 45 and older.

Before surgery, with the patient standing upright, the breasts are measured and a skin marker is used to outline the incisions to be used and the amount of excess, loose skin that will be removed. The new sizes and positions of the areolas are also outlined. In surgery, these markings are used as a guide and the patient is sat up multiple times to check the shape and symmetry of the breasts.

The placement of all incisions will be discussed with the patient during the consultation phase. Whenever possible, incisions will be placed inside natural folds or creases so that any scarring is as inconspicuous as possible.

If the patient opts for breast augmentation with her breast lift, either silicone or saline implants will be inserted before the incisions are closed. In these cases, the doctor will also discuss the choice of implants, and whether to place them under or over the pectoralis major muscle, at the initial consultation.

The procedure is performed in our outpatient, state-of-the-art operating room with a board-certified anesthesiologist in attendance for maximum safety and comfort. Breast lifts generally take between two to three hours. If a patient is undergoing both a breast lift and breast augmentation, the procedure will take some additional time. Patients will need to be driven to and from their procedure, usually by a close friend or family member.

Minimal swelling, bruising, and general discomfort are to be expected following plastic surgery, all of which can be handled with medication and home care. Bandages are applied in surgery and changed regularly in the office. Most patients return to work three to four days after surgery.