This incision circles the areola, runs vertically down to the breast crease, and extends horizontally along the crease. It is ideal for women with substantial sagging who are looking for a significant amount of lift.
Breast Lift
Weight loss, breastfeeding, gravity, and aging all affect the appearance of the breasts over time, causing breasts to droop and take on a deflated look. If you would like your breasts to have a more lifted, youthful appearance, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters can help with a breast lift.
At his New Orleans practice, a breast lift is a popular procedure for women who want the rounder, elevated breasts they once loved. On this page, you will find answers to all your breast lift questions, including how much the procedure costs, whether you should combine your lift with implants, how soon you can expect to return to work, and more. You’re on your way to perkier breasts and uplifted confidence.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a breast enhancement procedure that lifts and rejuvenates the breasts by trimming away loose skin and surgically tightening the remaining tissues to create a more youthful look.
Outstanding advancements in mastopexy techniques have made this aesthetic surgery so effective and successful that recent statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal nearly a 70% increase in demand since 2000.
Visit our photo gallery to see how real people like you have brought their aesthetic goals to life.
“My breast lift with fat transfer was executed flawlessly. From the initial consultation to recovery, my experience was incredibly comforting. The care I received was unrivaled. Without hesitation, I recommend Dr. Walters.”
-C., RealSelf
Ideal breast lift candidates include women who have lost breast firmness or perkiness and are experiencing sagging (ptosis) due to aging, gravity, weight loss, or pregnancy. You might also consider combining a tummy tuck and liposuction with a breast lift as part of a mommy makeover. If you have nipples that droop downward and your breasts sag significantly below the breast crease line, a breast lift can dramatically improve their appearance. Candidates contemplating a breast lift will ideally be in good health and at or near their ideal weight.
Some women come to Dr. Walters desiring a breast augmentation only to discover after a private assessment that a breast lift will provide a better outcome. The right approach depends on the amount of sagging present and whether you are satisfied with your current breast size. Typically, women whose breasts have lost a significant amount of elasticity need skin removal and tissue reshaping to reduce laxity and bring the breasts to a perkier position.
Dr. Walters’ goal is always to achieve your ideal results while minimizing scarring. The surgical technique used for a breast lift typically falls into one of several categories depending on the size and state of your existing breast tissue:
Inverted T (Anchor):
This incision circles the areola, runs vertically down to the breast crease, and extends horizontally along the crease. It is ideal for women with substantial sagging who are looking for a significant amount of lift.
Straight Line (Lollipop):
This popular incision option is similar to the inverted T but does not include the horizontal incision along the breast crease.
Concentric (Donut):
This technique uses 2 concentric circles around the areola to remove a strip of skin and tissue, resulting in a single circular scar disguised along the border of the areola.
Crescent:
Ideal for those with minor sagging who primarily want to lift the nipple and areola to a higher position, this technique uses a crescent-shaped incision just above the areola.
A combined breast augmentation and lift is ideal for those who are looking to both lift their breasts to a more youthful shape and restore or enhance their breast volume. Although implants are typically the best approach, in many cases, a surgical lift combined with fat transfer is all that is needed to achieve an attractive shape and size. As a specialist in the latest methods, Dr. Walters will work with you to choose the appropriate technique to create your desired results.
Our goal is to empower you during the consultation process by providing all the tools you need to make informed decisions on your aesthetic journey. To that end, we take a two-step consultation approach:
Dr. Walters draws from his exceptional training, experience, and skill to create beautiful, natural-looking results. He is board certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery, and completed extensive training in both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
His memberships include:
His credentials, integrity, and patient-centered approach make him one of the best-rated plastic surgeons in New Orleans.
A breast lift typically takes at least 2 hours and is performed while you are under general anesthesia. Dr. Walters performs most breast lifts at the AAAHC-accredited Houma Outpatient Surgery Center.
Using your selected incision placement, Dr. Walters excises any loose skin and reshapes the remaining tissues. He tightens the skin and positions the breasts higher on the chest so they appear younger and perkier. In most cases, Dr. Walters reduces and repositions the nipples and areolas to be symmetric with the new placement and shape of the breasts. At this point, Dr. Walters may place a breast implant or perform fat transfer if desired before suturing your incisions closed.
Most people need about a week to return to desk work and light daily activities after a breast lift. After the procedure, we will send you home in a post-operative bra to keep you comfortable, protect your incisions, and minimize swelling. Dr. Walters may insert a thin tube near your incision to help with excess fluid leakage that can sometimes occur after a breast lift.
Most swelling and bruising subside within a week or so after a breast lift. Dr. Walters or a member of his team will provide in-depth home care instructions to help with your healing process. Your naturally perkier and rejuvenated breasts take shape over a few weeks as the breasts heal.
You will need to wait about 4 to 6 weeks to resume your full workout routine. In the meantime, you can take short walks beginning the day after your surgery and work your way up to light, low-impact cardio exercises.
Our care for you continues long after you leave the office. Your recovery experience includes:
It is normal to experience some soreness during the first week or so following a breast lift. Dr. Walters will prescribe you pain medication to manage this, which you can pick up ahead of time so you have it as soon as you arrive home. Most people can comfortably transition to over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen after just a few days.
Your breast lift scarring will vary depending on the technique performed. In all cases, Dr. Walters prioritizes keeping scars as inconspicuous as possible; however, you will likely have some visible scarring. We offer multiple therapies to minimize this, including scar gel, scar sheeting, and laser treatments.
No procedure can stop the effects of gravity and aging on the breasts altogether. However, a breast lift is an excellent way to turn back the clock and restore your breasts to the way they looked years ago. Many women enjoy their breast lift results for well over 10 to 15 years.
If you would like to discuss your breast lift options with Dr. Walters, please request a consultation online or call (504) 517-6200.
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