If round, uplifted, perky breasts are at the top of your wish list, a breast lift at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery might be for you.
Our 4 board-certified plastic surgeons are experts in breast enhancement surgery, and they specialize in mastopexy (breast lift) to restore a youthful shape and position to sagging, stretched, and deflated breasts.
Request A ConsultationWho Is a Good Candidate for aBreast Lift?
Breast lift candidates should be healthy non-smokers with some degree of breast ptosis (sagging), which is often characterized by:
- Stretch marks
- Elongated, flattened shape
- Nipples that point downward
- Areolae that fall below the inframammary fold
We generally advise you to wait until after having children (at least 6 months postpartum and breastfeeding) before pursuing this surgery, as additional pregnancies and nursing can undo some of your results.
Types of Breast Lifts
Our board-certified plastic surgeons work with you to determine the best procedure and technique for you based on your anatomy and the degree of sagging.
Vertical Lift
A vertical breast lift adjusts both the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and the breasts by raising and repositioning them both. This technique uses a lollipop-shaped incision that encircles the NAC and runs vertically from the bottom of the areola to the base of the breast.
Anchor Lift
This technique is used for patients with significant breast sagging and skin laxity. It extends the lollipop incision of the vertical lift with a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold (creating an anchor-like shape). It raises the breasts and NAC but also tightens and removes excess skin beneath the breast.
Circumareolar (Donut) Lift
This breast lift procedure is for patients with minimal sagging. The incision is limited to a circle that traces the areola’s border. Your surgeon uses this technique to elevate the NAC but does not lift or adjust the breast tissue.
Ellipse Lift
In this breast lift technique, the skin above the areola is excised, and the NAC is lifted. Like the circumareolar lift, the breast tissue is left alone, and the breasts are not raised higher on the chest wall.
Breast Lift With Implants
Also known as an augmentation mastopexy, this procedure is part breast lift, part breast augmentation. The surgeon performs the breast lift to correct ptosis, remove excess skin, and repositions the NAC as needed before inserting breast implants to enhance the size and shape of the now-lifted breasts.
Breast Lift Benefits
Following a breast lift, our patients look forward to enjoying:
- Elevated, reshaped breasts
- Improved areolae size and position
- A more youthful breast contour
What Is Breast Lift Recovery Like?
Following your procedure, you will need to wear a surgical compression bra for up to 6 weeks to keep swelling under control and support your breasts as they heal. Most patients can shower after 48 hours and feel well enough to return to work after a week.
While you should avoid running or heavy lifting for at least 4 to 5 weeks, you can ease back into nonstrenuous activities within the first 2 weeks. We provide you with detailed postoperative instructions and advise you on when you can resume your full routine.
Breast Lift FAQs
How long will the scars take to fade?
Our surgeons take special care to make the incisions as discreet as possible. While it may take 6 months to a year for the scars to mature and fade, they should be relatively unnoticeable with proper care and sun protection.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Although many women breastfeed after a breast lift, the surgery could affect your ability to breastfeed, as it involves repositioning the breast tissue and nipple. Depending on your goals, your surgeon can adjust their techniques to preserve the milk glands and ducts.
Trust Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons for Your Breast Lift
A breast lift at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery is backed by the expertise of 4 highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeons. If you would like to learn more about your breast enhancement options, please request a consultation online or call us at (636) 530-6161 to get started.
Request A Consultation