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.

Breast Lift
 Before & After Photos

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What Is a Breast Lift?

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.


Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Breast Lift?

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.

Types of Breast Lift Incisions & Scars

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.

Should I Combine My Breast Lift With Implants?

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.

Breast LiftBreast AugmentationBreast Lift With Implants or Fat Transfer
Increases SizeYes Yes
Addresses Sagging Yes Yes
Reduces & Lifts Areola Yes Yes
Corrects Asymmetry Yes Yes Yes
Improves Breast Shape Yes Yes Yes

What To Expect During Your Breast Lift Consultation

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:

  1. Your Phone Consultation: You will start with a phone consultation with our patient care coordinator to help you get the most out of your in-person consultation with Dr. Walters. Our coordinator will help you uncover questions to ask the doctor and provide more information on pricing, scheduling, recovery, and treatments that may be right for you.
  2. Your In-Person Consultation: You will meet with both Dr. Walters and our patient care coordinator in our beautiful office space for your thorough in-person consult. Dr. Walters will evaluate your concerns and show you a 3D simulation of what the procedure can accomplish. The goal is for you to be well informed and one step closer to attaining your cosmetic goals. We want to help you feel and look amazing.
Woman's breasts

“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
Jules Walters, M.D.
Meet Our Surgeon

Jules Walters, M.D.

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:

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Louisiana Society of Plastic Surgeons, President
  • American Medical Association

His credentials, integrity, and patient-centered approach make him one of the best-rated plastic surgeons in New Orleans.

Meet Dr. Walters

Credentials You Can Trust

Dr. Walters credentials

Credentials You Can Trust

Dr. Walters credentials

Exceeding Expectations Daily

Selected Reviews of Dr. Walters

After months of breast feeding, my breast were like flat and hung low. My midsection always looked pregnant and didn’t respond too well to exercise (or healthy eating) even at my ideal weight. I’d have to be at an unrealistic weight for it to be anywhere near flat. My shape was always boxy and I wanted curves. After PS consultation, I decided to get a breast lift with fat transfer and liposuction. The procedure went very well. I had no bruising at all (surgeon had good technique), but did have swelling which is expected. My pain was manageable, but felt better after I stopped the narcotics. I took one week off, but in hindsight, 2 weeks would’ve given me more time to rest. I loved the compression garment and still occasionally wear a lighter 2nd phase garment because I like the feel after so many weeks in the compression garment. At 2 months out, I still have some swelling, but can still see the wonderful shape I now have. I would definitely recommend taking before pictures to track your progress as time goes on. I wish I had photographed my journey. As soon as I can post some good comparison photos I will.

RealSelf
psywoman76

Last endomology treatment was today! Glad that this is over cause it just means one more step to being completely healed. The ridges from the back flank lipo have smoothed out. My “problem area” has completely healed — just working on the little scar now with scar gel. I’m feeling back to my old self and have returned to the gym, the garden/lawn and all other activities. Never in my life have I felt more comfortable being shirtless, but I’m a bit of an exhibitionist now.

RealSelf
NOLARockChick

I could not brag more about how happy I am with my results! Choosing Dr. Walters was hands down the best decision I made. He and all of his staff made the entire process seamless from start to finish. 3 months post op today and I have ZERO regrets. I did lots of research on doctors before choosing Dr. Walters. He is extremely knowledgeable and talented. He put up with all of my endless questions and went over and beyond for me when I had post op questions while he was out of town. I can not thank him enough for the amazing results and for putting up with me!!

RealSelf
bdev26

How Is a Breast Lift Performed?

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.


What Is Recovery Like After a Breast Lift?

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.


When Can I Exercise After a Breast Lift?

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.

the MODERN
Post-Op Experience

Our care for you continues long after you leave the office. Your recovery experience includes:

  • 24/7 Follow-Up Care: Dr. Walters will call to check on you after surgery. You will also have his personal cell phone number to reach him at any time.
  • Lymphatic Massage: We will refer you to a local massage therapist for a manual lymphatic drainage protocol starting 1 to 3 days after surgery.
  • Post-Op Garments: We will send you home with any post-surgical garments you need.
  • Scar Therapy: We offer scar gel, scar sheeting, and laser treatments to reduce visible scarring.
  • Accommodations & Transportation: We work with certified nurses in the area to provide transportation and overnight care services, if needed.
  • Guidance & Support: Your helpful patient care coordinator and surgical nurse will educate and advise you each step of the way.
MODEL

How Painful Is a Breast Lift?

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.


What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?

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.


How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

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.

The front desk of the MODERN Plastic Surgery & Medspa

Your Best You Begins Here

If you would like to discuss your breast lift options with Dr. Walters, please request a consultation online or call (504) 517-6200. the MODERN welcomes people from Mandeville, Covington, Southern Louisiana, and beyond.

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Our Patients Say It Best

Read what real people have shared about their experiences at the MODERN Plastic Surgery & Medspa, from the results they achieved to the care they received along the way.

"I have had a wonderful experiece with Dr. Walters and his staff. Everyone is welcoming and friendly..."
"I am so happy with my whole experience at the Modern. Dr. Walters reputation and talent is why I made a consult appointment, his kind bed side manner..."
"Dr. Jules Walters is the best plastic surgeon around! I wouldn’t have any cosmetic procedure done by anyone else. He is so professional..."
Before going to the Modern, I was struggling to figure out what to do with my skin and my face. I have...
Dr. Walters did my tummy tuck (which I am thrilled with) and since then I’ve gone to his practice for...
Dr. Walters is AMAZING at what he does & his staff is so friendly and professional. He came highly recommended...
I just had the most amazing DiamondGlow facial with Zelia! My skin has never felt better and she’s an...
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