A breast lift can enhance contours and boost confidence by addressing sagging or loss of shape caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes. At his Lewisville practice, Dr. Stuart Lipton combines over two decades of surgical experience with advanced techniques to deliver natural-looking, beautifully balanced results. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and genuine patient care, Dr. Lipton tailors surgical procedures to complement each woman’s body and goals.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, may be an option when we are unable to perform a breast augmentation due to the excessive looseness of the skin. This is particularly common following pregnancy with breastfeeding and following weight loss.
Implants alone can improve loose skin if the nipple is at or above the underlying breast fold. If the nipple sags or hangs below the breast fold, though, placing an implant usually will not adequately raise the nipple. This creates an unfavorable outcome with the breast still hanging off the implant. In these cases, the skin is tightened and the breast reshaped to allow augmentation.
Types Of Breast Lift Procedures
Dr. Lipton performs a mastopexy on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and it usually takes 1 to 3 hours. Depending on the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the degree of sagging and the amount of excess skin, we will use one of the following incision types.
Crescent Lift
In a crescent lift procedure, Dr. Lipton makes a small incision around the upper half of the areola. It can be used with an augmentation procedure for a modest lift. Many women do not choose this lift technique (opting for only augmentation) because the incision at the top of the areola is (to many women) not worth the modest result.
Peri-Areolar “Donut” Lift
The donut lift tightens the skin around the breasts. Like the crescent technique, it can provide a more subtle lift.
The two incisions for a donut lift are made around the circumference of the areola and about ½ inch or so outside the circumference of the areola. The surgeon removes the 1/2 inch or so of the skin around the areola, then pulls the rest of the skin to your areola. This results in breast tightening, which can yield a modest lift. Individuals who desire more lift may be disappointed with the results of this approach.
Vertical Mastopexy “Lollipop” Lift
In a lollipop lift, the incision is made around the areola and vertically down to the crease beneath your breasts (hence the name “lollipop”). The lollipop lift can provide a nice, moderate lift that may be more robust than the donut lift.
One drawback of the lollipop lift is that it can stretch the lower breast skin because it lacks the additional support of the short incision beneath the breast crease. For most women, once the incisions are completely healed, they are nearly imperceptible. However, the stretching may result in the vertical incision healing slightly wider than the same incision with the anchor lift.
The lollipop lift can sometimes cause the nipple to peak slightly upward. When this occurs, some patients complain about their nipples peaking out of the top of a bikini or the top of their bra.
Complete Mastopexy Anchor Lift
The anchor lift, also known as the complete lift, typically delivers the full results many women seek from a breast lift. In the anchor lift procedure, the incision is the same as the lollipop, plus a virtually hidden incision in the crease under the breast. Many women who need a breast lift have excess skin from lower breast ptosis (drooping).
The anchor lift may provide more contouring and lift, as well as remove excess skin that the lollipop procedure may not remove. Like the lollipop procedure, for most women, once the incisions are completely healed, they are nearly imperceptible. The complete anchor approach is the most common and most predictable breast lift procedure, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It may also allow more lifting than the other procedures.
Who Are The Ideal Candidates For A Breast Lift?
To be a candidate for a breast lift procedure, the patient must be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. A woman who chooses to have a breast lift has one or more of the following:
- Sagging breasts
- Breasts that have lost shape or volume
- Breasts that are flat or elongated
- Nipples or areolas pointing downward
- One breast is lower than the other
Any woman who plans to have (more) children should not undergo the breast lift procedure because pregnancy and nursing can affect its benefits.
Questions? Call one of Dr. Lipton’s breast enhancement concierges at (972) 420-0023 to receive more information.
What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation Surgery and a Breast Lift?
Each procedure offers its own set of unique advantages. A breast augmentation focuses on the size and shape of the breast and will not correct drooping breasts. Unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift focuses primarily on breast position and will not increase the size of your bust.
Often, a breast lift is done in conjunction with breast augmentation so that the breasts can be restored to a more desirable position and size. Having a breast augmentation with a lift (also called an augmentation/pexy) will give you more upper breast fullness, along with repositioning sagging breasts and nipple areas.
Before your signature consultation with Dr. Lipton, your breast enhancement concierge will work with you via Zoom or FaceTime to demonstrate how to perform a simple test to determine whether you need a breast lift or just an augmentation.
Can a Breast Augmentation Be Combined With a Breast Lift?
Breast lifts are often combined with augmentations (implants) to help optimize results. Dr. Lipton and his staff will help guide you to the procedure that best fits your needs and desires.
Is a Breast Lift With a Breast Augmentation One Procedure or Two?
This can be either two procedures or one. Several factors influence this decision. Dr. Lipton will discuss this with you in your consultation.
What Results Can I Expect From Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift produces immediate results. As swelling subsides and incision lines fade, your breasts will continue to improve in appearance.
"Dr. Lipton and his staff are the best! I cannot begin to describe how satisfied I am with my results. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Everyone works very hard to make you feel comfortable and welcome. I really felt like Dr. Lipton listened to exactly what I wanted and made it happen. He is truly an artist and has surrounded himself with the best possible team."
Why Choose Dr. Lipton For a Breast Lift in Lewisville?
Dr. Lipton has practiced for more than 2 decades, refining his expertise in performing breast lift and augmentation procedures. In his practice, he provides a unique blend of wisdom and cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Lipton is very passionate about what he does. He loves every opportunity to help someone gain or regain confidence in their appearance.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Even more importantly, Dr. Lipton cares about his patients. He strives to make each patient’s experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. One way he does this is by using long-lasting local anesthesia during surgical procedures, which increases comfort for several hours after surgery to help your body heal faster. Many surgeons do not do this to shorten the time they spend on the procedure. However, Dr. Lipton’s top priority is your well-being.
FAQs
How Long Do Breast Lift Results Typically Last?
Can a Breast Lift Correct Breast Asymmetry?
Yes, a breast lift can help correct asymmetry by reshaping and repositioning each breast to achieve a more even appearance.
Dr. Lipton carefully evaluates size differences, nipple position, and skin laxity before surgery to create a customized plan. During the procedure, he can remove excess skin, adjust breast tissue, and reposition the areolas for improved symmetry.
For patients with significant size differences, a lift may be combined with augmentation or reduction on one or both sides. The goal is a balanced, harmonious result that complements your natural body shape.
What Is Recovery Like After a Breast Lift?
Most patients take 1-2 weeks off work after a breast lift, though recovery varies by individual. Light activities can resume after several days, but you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks. Wearing a supportive surgical bra also helps minimize swelling and support healing.
Most women see their final results within a few months as the breasts settle into their new shape.
How Noticeable Are Breast Lift Scars, and Where Are They Placed?
Breast lift scars are carefully placed in natural contours to make them as discreet as possible. Depending on the technique used, incisions may be made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes along the crease itself. These fade significantly over time with proper care.
Dr. Lipton uses refined surgical methods and precise closure techniques to promote smooth healing and minimize scar visibility. Most patients find that their scars fade and are easy to conceal, even in low-cut clothing or swimwear, once the healing process is complete.
Is a Breast Lift Right for Women With Very Large Breasts?
A breast lift can improve shape and nipple position in women with large breasts, but in some cases, combining it with a breast reduction results in better proportion, improved comfort, and long-term satisfaction. Excessively heavy tissue can cause continued sagging over time, even after a lift.
During your consultation, Dr. Lipton will assess breast size, skin elasticity, and overall goals to recommend the most beneficial approach.
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Lipton in Lewisville, TX, scroll to the bottom of the page to email or call us at (972) 420-0023. We look forward to helping you.
