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Scarsdale
495 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
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Breast Lift

As a natural result of the aging process, breast tissue may begin to lose elasticity and descend, and/or lose volume. These effects can also happen after pregnancy and breastfeeding or due to one’s genetics. If you struggle with breasts that sag or have lost their firmness, board-certified plastic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD, FACS offers breast lift procedures to patients in his Scarsdale office.

What are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?

Mastopexy can restore the youthful characteristics of the breasts, providing a greater sense of firmness, “perkiness,” proportion, symmetry, and shape after aging. While the improvements possible with a breast lift depend on your unique needs and motivations for surgery, the procedure offers the following benefits:

  • Firms and reshapes breasts that look elongated, stretched, or “deflated”
  • Lifts the breasts to a more rejuvenated, central positioning
  • Addresses excess skin and reduced skin elasticity in the breasts
  • Creates more definition in the breast contours
  • Resizes stretched or enlarged areolas to restore a more proportional look

A breast lift can reinstate support for the breasts that may have been lost due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, or the natural aging process. We invite you to explore our before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone mastopexy to see the beautiful outcomes possible with this cosmetic procedure.

What Is A Breast Lift?

Also known as mastopexy, breast lift surgery is performed to rejuvenate the positioning of the breasts while enhancing the breast shape and contour. In general, a breast lift can help to:

  • Reshape and reposition sagging breasts
  • Change nipple size and/or position
  • Restore firmness to breasts

The breast lift procedure is commonly pursued when patients exhibit one of the three grades of breast “ptosis”—a condition characterized by drooping tissue. The extent of your breast sag or ptosis generally influences which breast lift technique is ideal for your needs and goals.

Is A Breast Lift Right For Me?

As women age, their breasts may sag and often, a breast lift is one of the only ways to reshape the breasts. Aside from sagging breasts, women may also choose a breast lift to correct a downward-facing nipple, enlarge breasts that are relatively small, and add volume following pregnancy and childbirth or after weight loss.

Ideal candidates for this procedure should be non-smokers who are not planning a future pregnancy. Breast droop is typically categorized in three ways:

  1. A mild droop means the nipple is level with the breast.
  2. A moderate droop is when the nipple is below the breast crease.
  3. A severe droop means the nipple is at the lowest point on the breast, pointing down.

These assessments are used to determine the surgical technique for lifting of the breast.

Breast Lift Results
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What Breast Lift Terms Should I Know Before My Consultation?

Before a consultation with Dr. Goldberg, it is best to have a clear understanding of some of the most important terminology listed below. This can serve as an aid to generate any questions you may want to ask about the procedure itself, and what you may expect on the day of surgery.

  • Areola: the colored ring around the nipple
  • Breast augmentation: a surgery to increase breast size
  • Breast lift: to elevate, firm, or reshape sagging breasts through surgery
  • Excision: to surgically remove or cut
  • General anesthesia: anesthesia of the whole body, typically results in loss of consciousness
  • Intravenous sedation: injecting a fluid sedative into the blood through a vein
  • Local anesthesia: drugs that will take feeling away in a specific area that a doctor is working on
  • Mastopexy: another word for breast lift
  • Sutures: a strand or fiber used to sew parts of the body

Degrees Of Breast Ptosis

Ptosis, more commonly known as sagging, can be a natural effect of the aging process, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and genetics. Part of your evaluation will be determining the degree of ptosis you are experiencing so that the ideal technique can be used to address the issue effectively. Generally speaking, there are three grades of ptosis, beginning with Grade 1, the mildest, and ending with Grade 3, the most significant. Some women may also experience pseudoptosis, where the lower pole of the breast sags while the nipple remains in a higher relative position. And there is also parenchymal maldistribution, in which an unusual breast shape is present. Regardless of your concern, Dr. Goldberg can assist you in creating a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve your goals.

Types Of Mastopexy

During the mastopexy procedure, the breasts are reshaped and lifted through discreet incisions placed around the nipples and breasts. The exact pattern of your breast lift incisions will depend on the extent of your ptosis, whether implants are being placed, and your overall goals for surgery.

  • Periareolar: The most inconspicuous of the incision options available, the periareolar technique follows the natural change in pigmentation between the areolas and breast skin. As a result, scars often blend into the borders of the areolas once incisions are fully healed. This approach is only successful when patients want to correct relatively mild breast sag.
  • Keyhole-Shaped: The keyhole-shaped incision encircles the areolas with an additional small incision extending down towards the breast crease. Suitable for correcting moderate to severe breast ptosis, this approach can offer very discreet post-surgical scarring.
  • Anchor-Shaped: As the most invasive mastopexy technique, the anchor-shaped incision is usually placed when addressing large breasts and/or severe ptosis. This approach mirrors the keyhole-shaped incision, with an additional horizontal incision made along the inframammary fold.

If you would like to add implants to further enhance the fullness in your upper breasts — either at the time of your mastopexy or at a later stage — the best incisions for your procedure will likely be the keyhole- or anchor-shaped techniques. Dr. Goldberg will discuss all of these details with you, including the possibility of a combined breast lift with implants surgery, during your consultation.

What Can I Expect From The Procedure?

The breast lift procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can take between 1-3 hours to complete. The procedure can be performed with sedation or under general anesthesia, though for small incisions, based on the patient, a local anesthetic may be all that is necessary.

The incisions themselves can vary and may be made in a full or half circle around the areola, vertically from the areola to the breast crease or horizontally in the breast crease. Any combination of these incisions may be used. Once Dr. Goldberg has made the desired incision, excess skin is removed and the breast is reshaped. The surgeon will then reposition the nipple and areola and close the incisions with sutures.

In a procedure called a vertical incision breast lift, our plastic surgeon may choose to only make an incision around the areola extending down the front of the breast, which somewhat resembles a “lollipop” shape. If you undergo this procedure, scarring may be dramatically reduced.

What Can I Expect During The Breast Lift Recovery Period?

Taking time off from work after your breast lift will be essential in your recovery process. Allowing the body adequate time to rest can offer lasting benefits. It can also help reduce soreness as your breasts heal. When patients follow Dr. Goldberg’s recommended treatment plan, they can typically resume daily activities about one week after their breast lift. Initially, the incisions and dissolvable sutures will be covered with gauze or tape that is removed after one week. If discomfort arises, a prescribed medication from Dr. Goldberg can be taken to help manage any pain. You should expect up to two weeks for recovery and will wear a special bra for a time. Noticeable scars will fade and flatten over the following year and changes in nipple sensation are common.

As with other surgeries, some side effects are possible and may include infection, poor healing, uneven positioning of nipples and a possible permanent loss of feeling in the nipples or breast.

How Long Will Breast Lift Results Last?

The outcome of a breast lift typically lasts for several years, or even decades, depending on your genetics, lifestyle, dietary habits, and unique rate of aging. The procedure cannot stop the aging process, but there are several ways you can help preserve your breast lift results for as long as possible:

  • Avoid unprotected sun exposure: Artificial tanning or spending excessive time outside without sun protection can decrease skin elasticity, causing the skin to grow loose and lax over time.
  • Maintain a stable weight: A fluctuating weight can also reduce the skin’s ability to contract and adjust to changing body contours, potentially increasing the risk of breast sag or ptosis.
  • Pursue a breast lift only after plans for having children and breastfeeding are complete: The physical changes that result from pregnancy and nursing are considered primary reasons why the breasts tend to lose shape and volume over time.

The vast majority of patients are able to enjoy their rejuvenation for at least 10 to 15 years. Furthermore, patients who have undergone a breast lift will generally always experience a more youthful breast appearance than individuals who are the same age and who have not received surgery.

Will My Breast Lift Scars Be Noticeable?

As with any surgery, there will be some residual scarring after a breast lift procedure. Dr. Goldberg has trained at esteemed medical institutions and has performed numerous breast lift procedures, so you can rest assured knowing you are in capable hands. While there will be residual scarring, it should fade to some degree over time. Dr. Goldberg aims to place incisions in areas that can be easily concealed under clothing and swimwear.

How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost

The price of breast lift surgery at our practice, with all surgical costs included, can range from $9,500-$13,500. The final total will depend on several factors, and the cost can vary from person to person based on their needs and goals. Some of the considerations that play a role include whether you are including breast implants in your treatment plan, if you choose to add other procedures to your program, how complex your surgery is, and other potentialities. To ensure you have the best information to make your decision, we will provide a full estimate of anticipated costs, which will include the anesthesiology fee and the hospital facility fee. If you would like to consider plastic surgery financing, we work with a reputable agency and can assist you with finding a suitable payment plan.

Can I Breastfeed After A Breast Lift?

Dr. Goldberg typically recommends that his patients have their breast lift procedure after they have finished having children and no longer plan to breastfeed. During pregnancy and while nursing, the breasts may expand or droop as the body changes, which can have a pronounced effect on the results of a previous breast lift. With that in mind, it’s important to note that many women who had the ability to breastfeed before surgery should still retain that ability after the procedure, depending on the surgical approach utilized. There are certain techniques Dr. Goldberg can use during surgery that can reduce the chance of affecting one’s ability to breastfeed at a later date. Dr. Goldberg will be happy to talk with you about your concerns during the initial consultation.

Can Certain Exercises Lift My Breasts In A Way That Is Similar To Breast Lift Surgery?

You may have heard that exercise can tighten your breasts for a “natural breast lift.” Throughout his years as a professional in this field, Dr. Goldberg has never seen exercises achieve the same outcome as a breast lift procedure. Even targeted exercises cannot change the position or shape of the breasts. Push-up bras, good posture, and working out may help the breasts look somewhat more perky; however, a breast lift is often the most ideal way to address excess skin, while also creating a more lifted appearance.

The results from surgery are incomparable to any exercise results and can create a much smoother and firmer appearance to the breasts. Since working out cannot resolve loose, excess skin or descended breast volume—two of the primary factors that lead to the development of breast sag—exercises that claim to achieve a non-surgical breast lift are generally ineffective.

Complements to Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift can achieve beautiful results on its own; however, in some cases, the final outcome of surgery may be enhanced when the procedure is performed in conjunction with other treatment options. Popular procedures often paired with mastopexy include:

  • Abdominoplasty: A tummy tuck, medically known as a “tummy tuck,” is a procedure performed to remove loose, hanging skin from the abdomen. This can better define the abdominal contour and improve a patient’s silhouette. In many cases, good candidates for a breast lift can also benefit from a tummy tuck.
  • Post-weight loss body contouring: A breast lift is frequently incorporated into a larger treatment plan, such as body contouring after weight loss. Cosmetic procedures after massive weight loss can help remove excess skin from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and other regions prone to skin accumulation.
  • Breast augmentation: For patients who want to address lost volume in addition to sagging breasts, implants can complement the mastopexy procedure by increasing fullness, volume, and symmetry. In some cases, breast augmentation can be performed at the same time as a breast lift if desired.
  • Mommy Makeover: Women who have had children may consider a Mommy Makeover to restore their pre-baby figure, which involves combining multiple procedures — often including breast lift surgery — to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding.

After listening to your concerns, Dr. Goldberg can personalize your treatment plan to achieve the results you desire. Depending on your goals and individual needs, combined procedures may be performed at the same time or in different stages.

“I am profoundly grateful for your marvelous skill. You did a beautiful job, my breasts look wonderful.”
- J.C.

How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon For You


More often than not, the quality of your enhancement is dependent on your plastic surgeon’s ability to actualize your aesthetic goals. While the search for a Westchester plastic surgeon who is equipped to address your needs may seem daunting, our team has put together a brief primer on how to choose the best plastic surgeon for you: 

  • Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon — The best way to ensure you are receiving the highest caliber of care for your treatment is choosing a surgeon who has dedicated their career exclusively to aesthetic surgery. Plastic surgeons generally obtain better results the more they have performed a given procedure; therefore, selecting a facial plastic surgeon who has undergone the rigorous training and educational requirements to become board-certified by the ABPS can increase the likelihood of achieving an optimal outcome.  
  • Review credentials — Once you have considered a prospective surgeon’s board-certification in facial surgery, research their educational background as well as where they received their residency and fellowship training. Try to learn whether he or she frequently performs, or specializes in, breast lift surgery. 
  • Look at before-and-after photos — A plastic surgeon’s portfolio or patient gallery can serve as an excellent indication of their past work as well as an invaluable resource to take advantage of throughout the research process. Reviewing photos of patients who have previously undergone the surgery that you are considering can help you decide whether the outcomes achieved align with your expectations for the results. 
  • Read online patient reviews — Exploring testimonials and online reviews from a broad range of platforms, such as Google and Facebook, can give you insight into the surgical process and the type of care you can expect to receive. In addition to selecting a plastic surgeon who is highly skilled, you should also choose someone who offers an exceptional treatment experience and compassionate patient care. 
  • Schedule a consultation — Ultimately, feeling like you can confidently trust a plastic surgeon with your care should be the most important determining factor. There is often no better way to gauge your level of comfort with a surgeon than by scheduling a consultation. During your visit, be sure to ask how often he or she performs your procedure of interest, as well as any other questions you may have. Your prospective surgeon should be attentive to your inquiries, listen to your concerns thoroughly, and educate you without exerting pressure to pursue treatment. 

Additional Breast Lift FAQs

Do I Need An Implant In Addition To A Breast Lift?

Dr. Goldberg is able to use some of the excess descended breast tissue taken during a breast lift to augment the volume of the breast and transfer it to the upper half. This should help increase the volume of the upper breast; however, certain patients who are looking for more fullness may consider a breast augmentation with lift. Often known as a “breast lift with implants,” a joint breast augmentation and breast lift treatment plan is designed to achieve two goals at once: minimize breast sag by lifting the breasts to a more youthful positioning, and enhance the shape of the breasts by placing implants. In this way, a breast lift with implants can provide the benefits of both procedures in one surgical plan.

Keep in mind that Dr. Goldberg may perform a breast lift with implants in two separate surgeries depending on your needs. In some cases, divvying up your treatment plan may be able to help ensure the results persist for as long as possible. Dr. Goldberg will go over the most optimal surgical approach for your breast augmentation with lift during your consultation.

Should I Get A Breast Lift Or Breast Reduction?

The nature of a breast lift and breast reduction surgery are very similar, as both procedures involve removing excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue to redefine the breast contours. Deciding which cosmetic surgery is right for you depends on your overall goals. Do you desire a smaller, lighter, or more manageable breast size? Or do the stressors of having large, heavy breasts interfere with your happiness and daily life?

If the answer to either of the above questions is “yes,” a breast reduction may be better-suited to achieve your goals. Alleviating the burdens of an excessive breast size can be very rewarding, and Dr. Goldberg will listen to your concerns to help you come to a decision about the most ideal treatment for your needs. That said, if you simply want your breasts to look more shapely and youthful, mastopexy may be the best procedure choice.

Can Insurance Cover A Breast Lift?

Insurance does not provide coverage for elective cosmetic procedures like a breast lift and breast augmentation. Except for select cases of breast reduction, breast enhancement is usually not considered a medical necessity. However, many women turn to patient financing to help pay for their breast surgery and our office can help you learn whether you qualify for healthcare lending through CareCredit® or ALPHAEON™ Credit.

What Procedures Should Be Combined With Mastopexy?

If you want to improve your body contours in conjunction with rejuvenating your breasts, mastopexy is often incorporated into a more comprehensive Mommy Makeover. A Mommy Makeover aims to address areas of the face and body most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as stubborn fat accumulation, loose abdominal skin, and increased breast sag, among other aesthetic concerns. If you are seeking more extensive enhancement, Dr. Goldberg can discuss the Mommy Makeover process with you and create a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve all of your goals.

Will A Breast Lift Make My Breasts Smaller?

Although part of mastopexy involves removing excess tissue to improve a flat or “deflated” appearance, most women report that the procedure actually allows their breasts to look more youthful and rejuvenated. The nature of breast lift surgery may somewhat cause the lower breasts to lose volume, but the bust typically appears more “perky” and projected after surgery. If you’re concerned about having smaller breasts following mastopexy, implants can be placed to attain the volume and size you desire.

What Type Of Bra Should I Wear After The Mastopexy Procedure?

Dr. Goldberg will provide you with detailed instructions regarding aftercare and what type of bra should be worn to best support your recovery. In general, a surgical bra is worn at all times immediately following the procedure, after which Dr. Goldberg will advise you to switch to a supportive, non-underwire bra with clasps in the front.
Cosmetic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD treats patients from many communities. For more information about breast lift surgery, call our office for a consultation at 914-722-1600.

 

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