Now more than ever, many women are embracing cosmetic surgery with open minds to simply enhance or improve what they already have and feel more comfortable in their bodies. Breast lifts (or mastopexy) have also become more common and played a major role in helping women become more confident in their appearance.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin around the breasts, eliminating sagging by modifying the size, contour, and elevation of the breasts and tightness of the skin. Many patients choose to undergo this procedure to achieve a more youthful, perky appearance for their breasts.

Why Consider a Breast Lift?

Breast ptosis, or sagging, is characterized by nipples that have drooped below the inframammary fold (breast crease), and in some cases point downward. Some patients experience sagging due to the results of pregnancy or breastfeeding, major weight loss, or natural aging. Luckily, however, if you’re interested in eliminating the sagging or droopiness in your breasts, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Bidic and board-certified surgeon Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli perform breast lift surgeries (mastopexy) in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, to restore the natural, teardrop shape of the breasts and bring the nipple to a higher, more youthful position in line with the inframammary fold (IMF), or fold where the breast meets the chest.

What Is The Consultation Process Like?

At American Surgical Arts, we ensure that our consultations are all about you, and centered around your history, needs, and goals. Dr. Bidic, Dr. Gundlapalli and Dr. Sheck are known for spending a great deal of time with each of their patients. The surgeon will listen intently to your goals, concerns, needs, and expectations. He takes the time to make sure you feel knowledgeable and confident about your procedure.

During your consultation, you will discuss a number of options for your breast lift, including:

• Your incision: typically the "lollipop" incision or an "inverted T" incision
• The need for additional procedures: breast augmentation is often added to address the loss of tissue volume

The surgeon uses 3-D digital photography and imaging to help you evaluate your options and preview what you might look like after a procedure. This allows both you and the doctor to get a full visual understanding of your goals and to develop a surgical plan that achieves the outcome you envision.

Am I a Good Breast Lift Candidate?

Breasts, like the rest of the body, can show the effects of aging. Skin loses its elasticity, and gravity begins to cause sagging. Younger women can also experience sagging, particularly after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you're disappointed with the appearance of your breasts because of sagging, a breast lift can restore more youthful contours. Other general guidelines that make you a good candidate for a mastopexy:

• You are in good physical health. Healthy patients generally tolerate the recovery process very well.
• You don't smoke. If you are a smoker, you should stop at least six weeks before the surgery. Smoking is linked to an increased risk of complications and slows down the healing process.
• You are finished with childbearing and breastfeeding. Pregnancy after breast lift surgery will likely stretch the skin and may compromise your cosmetic results. It's usually a good idea to postpone cosmetic surgery until after you've finished having children.
• You have realistic expectations. Dr. Bidic, Dr. Gundlapalli and Dr. Sheck believe in being open and candid when discussing what kind of results each of their patients can hope to achieve.

How Is a Breast Lift Performed?

Mastopexy is an outpatient procedure that usually requires about an hour of surgical time. After you are under general anesthesia, Dr. Bidic will proceed with making the incisions agreed upon during your consultation. If possible for the patient, Dr. Bidic, Dr. Gundlapalli and Dr. Sheck prefer to make the marks on the patient the night before the procedure. They most commonly use 2 incisions:

• Lollipop incision: This method involves an incision completely around the areola and another incision from the bottom of the areola vertically down to the IMF.
• Inverted-T incision: Also called an anchor incision, this technique is like the lollipop incision but with an additional incision along the IMF. It is used when the areola is significantly below the IMF and the breast requires an additional reduction in redundant skin to produce the desired teardrop shape.

After the surgeon has made the incisions, he removes excess skin, allowing him to reposition the nipple higher and reshape the inferior pole (bottom) of the breast for a more desirable, youthful, and natural-looking appearance.

Many women choose to add breast augmentation to address atrophy or simply provide additional volume.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The price of breast lift surgery in New Jersey varies depending on several factors, including the techniques used and whether it's combined with breast augmentation. Cosmetic surgery costs also vary from region to region and depending on the surgeon's training and experience. At American Surgical Arts, a breast lift without implants (called mastopexy) typically costs from $6,000 to $6,500. Dr. Bidic, Dr. Gundlapalli and Dr. Sheck strive to keep their prices competitive within the region, and they offer financing options to help their patients achieve the results they desire.

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

Once you are awake, the cosmetic surgeon will examine you and, if you are cleared, allow you to go home. You will need someone to drive you. You'll be advised not to lift anything greater than fifteen pounds, to keep your heart rate below 100, and to avoid soaking the incisions for three weeks. Some light overhead exercises may be prescribed by the doctor. You can resume driving the day after surgery and can return to work after 48 hours, as long as you are able to observe the other restrictions.

How Long Will The Results Last?

In most cases, the results of breast lift surgery last many years. As a woman ages, though, her body continues to change, so some sagging may return in time. Significant shifts in weight, as well as pregnancies, can also cause the breasts to sag. However, if you remain at a stable weight, you will likely enjoy your results for many years to come.

Other FAQs

Do I need a breast lift or breast reduction?

A breast lift eliminates excess skin and moves the nipple to a more youthful position while also raising the breast mound, whereas a breast reduction also removes excess fat and breast tissue. Both will remove some volume, but a breast reduction aims to reduce the size of the breast by removing breast tissue. Learn more about breast reduction. The surgeon can help you decide which option will suit your goals.

Can I combine a breast lift with other procedures?

Yes. At our New Jersey practice, the surgeon frequently combines breast lift surgery with augmentation. Many women who have had children choose to get a mommy makeover, which typically combines cosmetic breast surgery (including a lift when needed) with a tummy tuck and liposuction.

Will a breast lift reduce the size of my areolae?

A breast lift involves incisions around the areola, so areola reduction can be part of the lift if you wish. Stretched areolae are common among women with sagging breasts. That said, if you are happy with the size of your areolae, the surgeon will not adjust them. Discuss your concerns during your consultation to ensure your surgeon understands your cosmetic goals.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Interested in learning more about breast lift surgery? Call 888-309-8892 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bidic, Dr. Gundlapalli & Dr. Sheck today! Our practice serves Mullica Hill, NJ & all nearby areas.

If you want to regain perky, youthful breasts with a breast lift and live in South Jersey or along the Shore, choose a surgeon with experience and abilities that exceed your expectations. Request your consultation online, or call (856) 362-8898 to schedule your appointment.