What Is a Breast Lift?

Beverly Friedlander, MD

A breast lift is an outpatient procedure that restores the breasts to a more youthful appearance. A breast lift is intended to improve sagging, drooping breasts caused by pregnancy, weight changes, heredity, and hormonal fluxes (menopause).

The skin stretches as a result of these conditions and loses some of its elasticity. With a breast lift New Jersey patients have their breasts restored to a more youthful appearance by adjusting the nipple height and tightening the breast skin and tissue. In addition, the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) is frequently reduced in size during a NJ mastopexy. The breast volume does not change with a lift by itself, but it can be increased if the surgery is performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.

Breast Lift

What are the benefits of a Breast Lift?

Beverly Friedlander, MD

Dr. Friedlander's NJ breast lift can profoundly impact a woman’s self-image and ability to wear her preferred styles of swimwear and clothing. Without sagging breasts getting in the way of their self-esteem, many patients report more confidence and satisfaction during intimacy and feel more like themselves after having children. With a breast lift NJ patients can also have ptotic nipples corrected by repositioning the areolas higher on the breast mound and reducing the size of large areolae. When it comes to Dr. Bev's breast lift New Jersey patients of hers are likely to experience these additional advantages as well:

Perkier breasts
Enhanced confidence
Looking younger and more shapely
Fitting better in clothes, swimsuits, and brassieres

Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

If you are healthy, have a positive outlook on life, and have finished having children, you are likely a good candidate for breast lift surgery.

To further determine if you are a candidate, Dr. Friedlander will consider the size, shape, distribution, and droop in your natural breast tissue before making any recommendations. If you have any of the following, her NJ breast lift may be for you:

Breasts that droop or sag
Nipples that point downward
Breasts that are of different sizes
Breasts that are elongated or pendulous
Breasts with a lot of loose skin that look empty or flat
Nipples or areolas that are located below the natural breast crease
Breast shape and size that has been affected by nursing or pregnancy

She is mindful of all of your concerns, such as desired shape and size, scars, and lifestyle issues, and will review your options and explain the benefits of each with you.

Your Incision Options for a Breast Lift

If desired or needed, a breast implant can be inserted with any of these approaches. A breast lift is considered when the nipple and areola have drifted down below the natural crease. Dr. Friedlander will review her technique during your consultation. She will discuss the variables, including the size and shape of your breasts, the location of the incisions, and your skin condition. There are several types of incisions that can be used for a breast lift:

Lollipop

The lollipop incision is a good approach for moderate sagging and permits the redistribution of breast tissue to the upper portion of the breast. This is a novel approach that Dr. Friedlander refers to as auto-augmentation as it helps to restore some of the fullness to the top of the breast without using an implant.

Periareolar

The periareolar incision is best used for small breasts with minimal sagging. It will not correct moderate sagging or loose skin.

Inverted T (Anchor)

The inverted T approach remains an excellent technique for large amounts of drooping in breasts, and it offers excellent control to the procedure. If the breast appears to sag, but the position of the nipple and areola are correct, a condition known as pseudoptosis is present. This condition is frequently caused by pregnancy and nursing or significant weight loss. With pseudoptosis, the nipple is located above the crease, and only an implant is needed. This distinction can be confusing and will be reviewed by Dr. Friedlander if necessary.

New Jersey Breast Lift patient in white top

What if I want fullness, but I don’t want an implant? (Auto-Augmentation)

For New Jersey Breast Lift patients who desire fullness without an implant, Dr. Friedlander offers auto-augmentation. All women want to look and feel their best. For some, that means wishing to have perkier, fuller, and rounder breasts.

Over time, the breasts naturally lose fullness above the nipple and areola, usually because of pregnancy and nursing or from fluctuations in weight. The best way to restore this fullness is with a lift and implant. Women who do not want an implant but desire more fullness are candidates for auto-augmentation. The breast tissue below the nipple and areola is then redistributed to restore some of the superior fullness. Additional fullness can be achieved with fat transfers if desired. These procedures can help to restore your confidence and sexuality.

Breast Lift Procedure

Dr. Friedlander will draw markings on the breast while you stand upright in the anesthetic bay. Once you are in the operating room, her anesthetist will administer local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia so you will have no memory or sensation during your procedure. Next, Dr. Friedlander will make incisions on the breasts using the surgical markings as a guide. She will then remove the excess skin while retaining as much of the underlying glandular and fatty tissues as possible. Upon closing the incision and grafting the nipple-areola complex onto its new position on the breast mound, giving the breasts a more lifted, firm, and rejuvenated appearance.

Combining a Breast Lift with Other Procedures

Many women have several aesthetic concerns following pregnancy, nursing, or extreme weight loss. Dr. Friedlander can safely combine procedures for these patients to create a more youthful, harmonious appearance overall. Areola reduction and breast augmentation are two of the most popular procedures that can accompany a breast lift. She also routinely performs mastopexy as part of Mommy Makeovers and body shaping procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks.

Breast Lift Recovery

Even though you feel good, you can hinder the healing process by returning to an active lifestyle too soon. Most women feel well enough to return to light activities the day after surgery, especially after a shower. However, everyone is encouraged to use their arms for routine daily activities such as blow-drying their hair and light household chores.

You will need to refrain from strenuous activity or working out for one month. Returning to the gym or treadmill prematurely can result in swelling, or worse, bleeding. Everyone experiences some swelling and light bruising, which disappears in a few weeks. Dr. Friedlander believes in an enhanced recovery after surgery and recommends Gabapentin, Celebrex, and Tylenol- non-narcotic medications after surgery. Narcotics are offered for backup pain relief. You may resume driving if you have not taken any pain medication for 24 hours, and you can comfortably turn to the side to look behind you. Most women return to the workplace after one week; although, you can begin to work remotely one or two days after the surgery.

Breast Lift Results

Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Beverly Friedlander

Brown haired woman after Breast Lift in New Jersey

It is recommended that you maintain your weight and lead a healthy lifestyle to achieve long-lasting results. The final results of your NJ breast lift surgery will become noticeable over the first few months as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into place.

As time passes, changes in your body caused by gravity and the loss of hormonal stimulation will occur, but these changes will be less noticeable as a result of your lift surgery. With a breast lift New Jersey patients get the boost in confidence you’ve been wanting, so you can show off your new, youthful breasts.

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Breast Lift Scars

Like all forms of surgery, a breast lift will leave a surgical scar. The scars are typically located on the breast mound and around the areola, or pigmented skin around the nipple. However, the exact incision pattern varies based on the type of breast lift. While Dr. Friedlander makes every effort to minimize breast lift scarring, these scars are inevitable. In most cases, it takes at least a year for surgical scars to lose pigment and fade to fine lines that blend in with the surrounding skin. Laser scar treatments and scar gel may expedite the scar healing process. Mature scars often lose the ability to tan.

Breast Lift
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks involved in Breast Lift surgery?

All surgeries carry risks; however, these risks are minimized when selecting an experienced board-certified NJ plastic surgeon such as Dr. Friedlander. Some risks may include scars (which fade with time), bleeding, infection, asymmetry.

Does insurance cover breast lift surgery?

Insurance rarely covers breast enhancement procedures as they are usually performed for cosmetic reasons alone. However, special financing may be available to help make the out-of-pocket cost more affordable.

Will there be scars after breast lift surgery?

Scars are inevitable after breast lift surgery. These scars usually take 12 months or longer to fade. Ideally, well-healed scars blend nicely with the surrounding skin, but they will always be visible if you look closely.

Is a breast lift painful?

Expect to feel some soreness and tenderness in the breasts immediately after the surgery. Most patients find any post-op discomfort is well-controlled with approved pain medications.

Is a breast lift permanent? How long do breast lift results last?

A breast lift has long-lasting effects, although it will not stop the aging process. Gravity, changes in skin elasticity, drastic weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can affect the results over time. Most patients enjoy perky breasts for ten to 15 years after receiving a breast lift.

How much does a breast lift cost in New Jersey?

Pricing typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fee. Prescription medications and additional aftercare needs may incur a separate charge. The type of breast lift technique and implants used can impact pricing just as much as the surgeon’s qualifications and experience. To receive a complete outline on the cost of a breast lift NJ area residents or visitors are urged to book a private consultation with Dr. Beverly Friedlander today.

Will a breast lift reduce my cup size?

Unlike reduction mammoplasty, the goal of a breast lift is not to decrease the size of large breasts. However, a small amount of tissue may need to be removed in order to elevate the sagging breasts to a more youthful position. Patients concerned about losing volume can opt for an auto-augmentation breast lift or a breast lift with implants.

Are there nonsurgical alternatives to a breast lift?

So-called ‘scarless breast lift’ procedures such as BodyTite cannot compare to the dramatic results of breast lift surgery. Those with extensive breast sagging see far better results than traditional breast lifts.

What is a good age to get a breast lift?

The best time to get a breast lift is when you are finished having children and have stopped nursing for approximately one year. There is no upper age limit for the surgery. So long as the patient is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia, a breast lift may be an option.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bev today.

Dr. Friedlander became a plastic surgeon to make a real difference in the lives of her patients. She started her practice in New Jersey three decades ago, and still treats some of her very first patients to this day! Experience the difference that comes from working with a true plastic surgery professional who cares about your results by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Bev.

636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 1A, Short Hills, NJ 07078

Breast Lift

Breast Lift Before & Afters

Reshape and Restore with a Breast Lift

What Is a Breast Lift?

Breast Lift

What are the benefits of a Breast Lift?

Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Your Incision Options for a Breast Lift

Lollipop

Periareolar

Inverted T (Anchor)

What if I want fullness, but I don’t want an implant? (Auto-Augmentation)

Breast Lift Procedure

Combining a Breast Lift with Other Procedures

Breast Lift Recovery

Breast Lift Results

Breast Lift Scars

Schedule a NJ Breast Lift Consultation

Breast LiftFrequently Asked Questions

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Breast Lift
Frequently Asked Questions