Breast Lift Bellevue
Breast lift also known as Mastopexy is a common procedure performed that involves removal of excess skin and sometimes breast tissue in order to achieve a lifted breast to a more aesthetic position. The breast appears more youthful with a higher nipple position, more projection and better overall breast shape in the upper pole. The procedure can be performed with breast implants or fat transfer in combination or just by itself. A breast reduction can also be performed if required at the same time. Breast lifts are needed if the breast has sagging or ptosis or if the nipple position is too low on the breast mound. Patients that have had children, breastfed or have had significant weight loss may be candidates for a breast lift. With age the breast becomes softer and tends to sag more with loss of skin elasticity. Age is not the only factor contribute to sagging, genetics play a role and lifestyle choices. Whatever the reason may be, a breast lift can restore that youthful look and perkiness with a drastic improvement in overall physique. Breast lifts can also be combined with tummy tucks in a procedure called “mommy makeover” in effort to rejuvenate the body to its pre-pregnancy state.
View Breast Lift Before & After Photos
Candidates for Breast Lift:
Breast Lift candidates are generally healthy and nonsmokers. Active smoking increases the risks of failure of wounds to heal and loss of nipple or skin. A patient that has quit smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery may be a candidate. Patients that have droopy breasts or low nipple position meaning the nipple is at or below the inframmamary (IMF) crease are candidates for a lifting procedure. Grades of drooping or ptosis are 1 to 3. With grade 3 being the most severe. There is also pseudoptosis or false ptosis. This is where the nipple is in good position but much of the breast tissue has descended down make the lower pole with full and no upper pole fullness.
Breast Lift Techniques and Scars
There are many different techniques used to lift the breast or nipple position. Some of these include periareolar lifts, vertical lifts or wise pattern lifts. These techniques result in different scar patterns. The type of lift you need depends on your surgeon and how much breast ptosis or sagging there is. This ptosis can be graded 1 to 3. Grade 1 being the lowest to 3 being large amount of ptosis. If a large amount of extra skin is present a wise pattern or anchor type scar is usually necessary to achieve the tightest envelope needed for a more aesthetic looking breast. Small lifts may require only a periareolar incision which is a scar around the nipple 360 degrees. Nipple movement can be based on different pedicale which include superior, superomedial, inferior, medial and lateral. This choice is dependant on your plastic surgeon and amount of distance the nipple may need to go up.
Breast Lift Cost
Cost of the procedure is based on 1. Anesthesia Fees 2. Facility Fees and 3. Surgeon Fees.
Range is from $8000 to $10000 USD for all combined charges. Prices may vary based on length of time and complexity of the case. Pricing includes all follow up appointments and care. There are no hidden fees.
Postoperative Recovery after Breast Lift and Scar Care
This is a same day procedure and the patient will go home that day after the procedure. After the procedure there may be some discomfort. Some swelling and bruising is normal. Overall recovery is not very extensive. Patients usually return to work after 2 weeks and may start light exercise after 4 weeks. Full recovery without restriction is around 6 -8 weeks. Showering may occur after 48 hrs. If there are any questions during the postoperative course we encourage patients to call immediately. Follow ups are close initially and will be spaced out farther with time.
Scars continue change over the course of a year. Dr. Parikh will discuss scar therapy options with you. Some of these options include silicone gel or sheeting or pressure.
Breast Lift Complications
- Wound dehsicence
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Nipple or Skin Loss
- Change in sensation
- Scarring
- Recurrence
With any surgical procedure complications can occur, but are generally low. We encourage that you ask about complications during your visit with Dr. Parikh. Dr. Parikh will ensure that your safety is first and discuss any concern in great detail that is tailored to your specific medical history.
