Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) reshapes the breasts, raises their position, and addresses sagging for an appearance that’s more youthful and aesthetically appealing. The procedure can be an ideal option for women who have experienced unwanted physical changes as a result of aging, gravity, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Over their 20 years supporting San Francisco patients, our board-certified plastic surgeons have performed thousands of breast lift surgeries, with a focus on natural and attractive rejuvenation. Our doctors spend extensive time in consultation with patients so that they can tailor procedures around their needs and goals. They also use “rapid recovery” techniques that reduce healing time, improve comfort, and get patients back to normal activities as soon as possible.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
Many women are familiar with the challenges that laxity and drooping cause: pulling on their bathing suit so that their breasts look right, tucking and adjusting their breasts constantly, and feeling self-conscious in nightgowns or braless outfits.
Breast lift surgery helps to resolve these problems by:
Raising Position of Breasts
The procedure restores the breasts closer to their original, more youthful position.
Revising Shape of Breasts
Treatment can give San Francisco patients a more aesthetically appealing and symmetrical body contour.
In some cases, our doctors will advise patients to combine a breast lift with augmentation to restore fullness while reducing sagging. Our doctors will usually perform the two procedures at the same time, helping to limit a patient’s recovery time as well as her costs.
Before & After Photos
Candidates for a Breast Lift
Patients may want to consider a breast lift if they have nipples that point downward, if their breasts droop significantly below the inframammary fold, and if they are unhappy with their appearance. Women often explore the procedure when physical changes affect their overall body contour and self-image, limit them to a wire bra, and restrict their bathing suit options.
During an initial consultation at our San Francisco practice, our board-certified plastic surgeons will talk with patients about their goals with surgery. They will perform a thorough physical examination, discuss what’s possible with a procedure, and review likely outcomes using our many before-and-after photos.
Surgery returns the breasts to a higher, more youthful position by removing excess skin and, in some cases, with liposuction to the outer part of the breast. Incisions tend to be longer and placed in different locations than with a standalone breast augmentation. In the consultation, our doctors can discuss scar placement and management as part of post-operative care.
Breast Lift Recovery in San Francisco
Procedures typically take place in Plastic Surgery Associates’ AAAASF-certified facility under general anesthesia. On the day of the breast lift, our team will welcome patients, perform some pre-operative steps, and answer any questions.
After the anesthesiologist starts an IV, patients will sleep comfortably throughout their treatment. To reduce healing time and the appearance of scars, our doctors will limit the length of incisions where possible while ensuring proper support for the lift. Following surgery, patients will awaken in our onsite recovery room and then go home the same day.
For recovery:
Wear Compression Garment
Patients will usually wear a medical compression garment to help swelling subside.
Prescribed Medication
Our doctors will prescribe medications to reduce bruising, swelling, and inflammation.
Back to Work – 1 Week
Most patients with jobs that have minimal physical demands go back to work within a week.
Women should see the initial benefits of breast lift surgery within a few weeks. Their breasts should appear higher and younger-looking and — if patients have augmentation at the same time — should have natural-looking fullness.
Breast Lift Costs in San Francisco
The price of a breast lift can range from $9,000 to $15,000. Ultimately, the patient’s individual needs will affect the cost.
For example, some San Francisco women will have a circumareolar lift while others will have a vertical lift; these different types of incisions affect the complexity and length of the procedure. Patients may have a standalone breast lift or a surgery that combines lift and augmentation. In the case of the latter, the type of implant a patient receives can also impact the cost.
Transparency in pricing and treatment are priorities for our practice. Patients will have the time to learn about their options and compare their benefits so that they can choose their treatment with confidence.
Breast lift surgery restores the breasts to a higher, more youthful state. To schedule an appointment with Plastic Surgery Associates, contact us online or call our San Francisco office at (415) 278-7441.