Costs

Costs for this procedure vary, depending on the doctor, the location, and the difficulty of the specific case. Please call our offices at 310.575.1500 for an exact quote. Our prices are very competetive and you can be sure that you're getting the very best surgeon with Dr. Cheski. Our on staff surgical consultants can best help you to determine the cost for this procedure.

The Procedure

Also known as mastopexy, the breast lift is performed on women who have experienced sagging or drooping of the breasts. This procedure may be done in conjunction with breast implants (see breast augmentation for additional information). The breasts sag because the skin envelope has become larger than the contents of the breast, either because the skin has stretched out, or because the breast tissue has shrunk, or both. Thus, increasing the size of the breast volume or decreasing the size of the skin will raise or lift the breast. In some cases, a combination will give the best results.

How is the breast lift done?

Several different techniques can be used to correct this condition depending on the degree of sagging. Surgery consists of removing excess skin from around the areola, and possibly also from the bottom of the breast, with shifting of the skin of the breast to tighten the skin envelope and insertion of additional volume such as an implant for added projection and smoothing of the skin. In doing so, the position of the nipple and areola can be elevated to a more youthful position.

How safe is it?

Breast lift is fairly safe, but no procedure is completely risk free. There are several concerns regarding breast lift: the surgery itself, the implants if used, breast cancer, and like all cosmetic surgery procedures, the major risk is from anesthesia. The risks involved with breast lift with implants have received a lot of attention, but it is very unlikely that you would get breast cancer or arthritis solely caused by the breast implants. More common problems have to do with the surgery and the implants themselves.

How long will the procedure take?

Usually the breast lift surgery takes approximately from 2 hours to 5 hours depending on the options or technique that you and your surgeon have decided would be optimal for you.

Do I have to stay in the hospital?

Breast lift may be done as a same day surgery which involves going into the surgical facility, procedure done, and recovery period done the same day which allows you to spend the night in the comfort of your home. Sometimes, it is necessary to spend an evening in the hospital due to a large amount of tissue removed therefore, requiring your body to rebuild itself in a short time and you may be required to be monitored by a medical staff. This usually is discussed at the time of consultation with your surgeon.

Results and After Effects

The surgery is designed to minimize scarring, and although scars are possible, the surgery generally results in faint lines where the surgical incisions were made. After surgery, a support bra is utilized and routine activities can usually be resumed within a few days. Some patients who seek breast enlargement actually will need a breast lift for the most desirable result. Your cosmetic surgeon is trained to help you make the proper decision.

For more information about breast implants, see the section on breast augmentation.

This information is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. It should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor to guarantee the result. The best method of determining your options would be to consult surgeons who are accessible to you to answer all your questions.