Breast Lift

You can determine if you might benefit from a breast lift with the “underboob pencil test,” which is simple and can be done at home. Place a pencil under your breast where it meets the chest. If the pencil stays in place without falling, this could be a sign that your breasts are sagging, and a lift might help restore a more youthful shape. However, a personalized consultation with Dr. MaDan is the best way to assess whether a breast lift is right for you based on your unique anatomy and goals.

While a breast lift can reverse the effects of time and gravity, it does not stop time, gravity, or genetics—the major contributing factors to sagging or ptosis. Other factors like pregnancy, hormone changes, and weight fluctuations can affect the outcome of your breast lift. An ideal candidate for a breast lift is a patient who has completed their family and is within 5 to 10% of their goal weight at the time of surgery.

Immediately after surgery, the lower pole of your breast may look flat. As the tissues soften and heal, the lower pole will round out to a beautiful, natural breast shape. In general, this process takes approximately 3 months.

The breast lift incisions will take a minimum of 2 weeks to heal. During your recovery, avoid underwire bras for at least 6 weeks. We will provide a supportive post-surgery bra to wear during this time.

After the initial 2-week healing period, the scars will soften and start to fade while they regain tissue strength. We will provide medical-grade scar therapy after your surgery. Silicone-based scar therapy is shown to improve the outcome and appearance of scars. Our medical-grade scar therapy also has SPF 30 to add an extra layer of protection against UV exposure.

It is ideal to sleep on your back in your post-surgery bra for at least 6 weeks after surgery. The bra will protect and support the breast tissues as they heal. Most patients will position pillows around them in a horseshoe to minimize the risk of turning over on their side or stomach. Over time, you should be able to return to your normal sleeping position.

Prior breast surgery is unlikely to affect your ability to conceive. It can, however, affect your ability to breastfeed. No research studies are performed on pregnant or breastfeeding women, so the statistic of women able to breastfeed after breast lift surgery is unknown. While a breast lift does not remove breast tissue, the architecture of the breast is changed. During a mastopexy, in general, the excess skin is removed from the lower pole of the breast. The nipple stays attached to the deeper tissues; it is not removed and replaced. The nipple is repositioned to the most projecting part of the breast, and the areola diameter is reduced.

Yes. The procedure is called augmentation mastopexy, or breast augmentation with lift. It may be one of the most technically challenging procedures in plastic surgery. The difficulty may lie in the inability to predict the effects of opposing forces on an individual’s tissues—adding volume/weight (implant) and lifting. In certain cases, a two-stage procedure may be recommended for optimal results.

During a single-stage procedure, Dr. MaDan usually places the implants as the first step and then performs the lift. The last part of the procedure is often a small amount of liposuction on the lateral breast/axilla to produce a beautiful lateral breast contour.

GalaFLEX or Durasorb are brand names of an internal soft tissue scaffold made of absorbable, strong, synthetic suture material. While this mesh is usually indicated for breast revision procedures, it can be placed for extra support during a lift if needed. The mesh can be placed for additional soft tissue support. The scaffold is absorbed over many months.

Yes, breast surgeries are performed in an accredited surgical center under general anesthesia provided by an anesthesiologist. Typically, an IV is placed in the preoperative holding room. You are given IV medications for relaxation and induction of anesthesia. After you are asleep, an airway (LMA- laryngeal mask airway or ETT- endotracheal tube) device is placed to assist your breathing during the surgery. When you are awakened from anesthesia, the breathing tube is removed. Some patients may experience a sore throat afterward. This is temporary and usually resolves quickly. It is important to inform your plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist of any adverse effects of prior anesthesia (including nausea) or family history of anesthesia problems. Anyone taking GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide should pause their injections for a minimum of 1 week before surgery to minimize the risk of aspiration. It is acceptable to resume those medications after surgery.

Yes, the minimum requirement is having someone drive you home from surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours after anesthesia. Depending on your home situation, you may find assistance beneficial, especially if you have young children, pets, or other lifting requirements. You can drive 24 hours after stopping all narcotic pain medications.

Yes, you will be placed in a supportive bra following surgery. You should wear this bra at all times except when showering. This bra will support and protect the tissues throughout recovery. You will not be allowed to wear underwire bras for a minimum of 6 weeks following the procedure. In approximately 3 months, you’ll see your final shape. At that time, it will be beneficial to be remeasured for your new bra size.

The recovery process is different for everyone. Generally, you may feel sore and tight after surgery. Swelling typically peaks 72 hours after your procedure. Cool compresses and anti-inflammatory medications can help your recovery. The biggest risk of breast lift is bleeding. While the risk is extremely low, approximately 4%, we want to optimize your safety and minimize the post-operative risks.

Avoid all exercise or intense activities for 2 weeks following your procedure. After 2 weeks, light activity is acceptable. Light activities are walking, stationary bike, slow Stairmaster—nothing high impact or causing excess bouncing like running or jumping. You will have a weight restriction of 10 pounds for the first 4 weeks following surgery. Upper body exercises should be minimized for at least 6 weeks.

Dr. MaDan recommends waiting to resume strenuous CrossFit-like exercises, bodybuilding, or heavy weightlifting with a barbell (heavy, intense, repetitive upper body exercises) for at least 3 months to minimize post-surgical complications and risks.

Time off work depends on your occupation and desired speed to return to work. When you no longer need narcotic pain medication and can abide by all restrictions, it is acceptable to return to work. Dr. MaDan can provide documentation outlining your specific restrictions. Typically, Dr. MaDan recommends a weight restriction of 10 pounds or less for the first month, then 30 pounds or less for weeks 4 through 6.

Yes. Routine mammograms for breast cancer surveillance should be performed annually beginning at age 40. High-risk screenings may begin at age 35. The mammogram technician and radiologist should be made aware of your prior breast surgery. 

No, drainage tubes are not indicated following a breast lift.

No. Dr. MaDan performs a meticulous multi-layer closure. All sutures are absorbable and do not require removal. After surgery, Dr. MaDan covers the incisions with steri-strips that will remain in place until your first post-operative appointment. Once the steri-strips are removed, Dr. MaDan will start you on her medical-grade scar therapy regimen to ensure your scar becomes almost invisible.

Permanent sensory changes following breast surgery are uncommon. However, temporary changes are common. Many of Dr. MaDan’s breast rejuvenation patients experience more sensitivity during recovery. After the breasts have healed and settled, nipple sensation typically returns to normal. However, the incision and resulting scar will always remain numb, like any other scar.

The most common major complication following breast surgery is bleeding. The risk of bleeding is highest within the first two weeks of recovery. Activities that raise your heart rate or blood pressure should be avoided to keep this risk at a minimum. Dr. MaDan will never leave the operating room if something is bleeding; however, non-compliance with restrictions, such as exercising or overexertion, can cause a blood vessel to open and start bleeding. Although this complication is rare, bleeding can be a life-threatening complication that should be managed emergently. After two weeks, this risk has decreased dramatically. Light activities are acceptable after two weeks of recovery. More common minor complications include delayed healing at the T-point. Other less common risks are infection, fluid collection, wound healing problems, asymmetry, partial or complete nipple loss, and permanent sensory changes.

Yes, any surgical incision will leave a scar. The final appearance of the scar depends on your genetics, compliance with the restrictions, and the technique used for your breast lift. Initially, the scar may appear red but will fade and soften over time. Dr. MaDan will provide you with her medical-grade scar therapy regimen to help the scar fade and achieve the best possible appearance.

No. After surgery, your chest will feel tight. You may notice pressure as you breathe. These symptoms are common and serve as your body’s reminder that you just underwent a major surgery. Be kind to your body and allow ample time for healing. Swelling and bruising will subside within a few weeks. Although your chest may feel tight and sore, you should be able to perform activities like brushing your teeth and washing your hair without causing surgical complications. It’s important to use your normal arm mobility to avoid shoulder stiffness.