Anyone considering breast lift surgery should come in for a consultation with Dr. LoVerme. That way, the board-certified plastic surgeon can evaluate the patient’s breast and skin health, listen to her aesthetic concerns and determine whether she is a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery.

However, appropriate breast lift candidates generally include women who:

• Are bothered by the look of their drooping breasts and / or downward-pointing nipples
• Are in sound mental and physical health overall
• Do not smoke or can stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding at present, and have been finished breastfeeding for at least six months (This is how long it takes for the natural shape and size of the breasts to become apparent.)
• Have decided to pursue breast lift surgery of their own volition
• Have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished with breast lift surgery
• Seek aesthetic improvement, not necessarily perfection
• Understand both the potential risks and rewards of the procedure

Dr. LoVerme performs breast lift surgery using one of three possible incision patterns: periareolar, vertical and inframammary. He reviews these incision options with the patient during consultation and recommends the one that is most appropriate for her anatomical needs and surgical goals.

With the periareolar incision pattern, Dr. LoVerme removes a donut-shaped area of skin next to the areola (the darker-colored skin encircling the nipple). This incision pattern is best for women who only require a minor amount of skin removal and nipple elevation.

With the vertical incision approach, the plastic surgeon uses the periareolar incision pattern as well as a vertical incision that runs down the front of the breast, beginning at the bottom edge of the areola and terminating just above the breast crease. This incision approach is most appropriate for women who require a greater degree of skin removal. With this incision pattern, Dr. LoVerme can also tighten the breast tissue and move the nipple to a higher, more central position on the breast.

For patients with a significant amount of excess breast skin — in the lower quadrant of the breast, in particular — Dr. LoVerme recommends using an inframammary incision in addition to the periareolar and vertical incision patterns. The inframammary incision is a horizontal incision placed underneath the natural breast fold. With the inframammary incision approach, the cosmetic surgeon can remove a substantial amount of surplus breast skin as well as optimize the final breast shape. Sometimes this incision is used by itself for a woman who has breast implants that have “bottomed out.”

Mastopexy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, with the use of either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

To begin the procedure, Dr. LoVerme makes the incision(s) on the breast, using the incision pattern that he and the patient chose during a preoperative appointment. He excises any excess skin from the breast area then tightens the underlying tissue structures. The plastic surgeon might re-shape the existing breast mound while lifting it to a higher, younger-looking position on the chest wall.

Dr. LoVerme can also correct the look of an overly enlarged areola by removing skin from around the outer perimeter of it, decreasing its overall size.

He adjusts the position of the nipple, as needed, moving it to the center of the breast. By keeping the nipple attached to the supporting tissues, he can preserve nipple sensation.

Finally, Dr. LoVerme uses dissolvable sutures to close the incision prior to dressing the treatment area with soft bandages and an overlying surgical bra.

Once the cosmetic surgeon is satisfied with the newly lifted and shaped breasts and has finished the breast lift procedure, the patient is taken to a room where she can rest while the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Once the patient is cleared by the medical staff, she is released into the care of an authorized individual, so she can recover in the comfort of her own home. Someone should stay with the patient in their home for at least 24 hours.

Patients who have undergone breast lift surgery should plan to take about one week off from their jobs or normal schedules. Occasionally, patients can take less time off, depending on the type of mastopexy needed. During this time, they should get as much rest as possible and avoid strenuous activity, including heavy lifting and exercise. That being said, as soon as patients are able to, they should take short walks around the house every so often, to promote good blood circulation and minimize the risk of developing blood clots, especially in the legs.

In the first three or four days following surgery, the breasts may be swollen or bruised and may feel tender, numb or sore. However, these are normal symptoms that should subside with time. In the meantime, patients can take oral pain relievers as directed by Dr. LoVerme, if needed, to alleviate any discomfort.

Postsurgical breast lift patients will return to Accurate Aesthetics for their follow-up visits. During the postoperative appointments, Dr. LoVerme monitors their recovery progress and lets them know when it is safe to resume their normal activities, including their fitness regimen.

The final cost of breast lift surgery varies by patient, depending on several considerations: the complexity of the patient’s breast lift procedure; how extensive the patient’s anatomical needs and surgical goals are; if breast implants are included in the procedure; and, in the latter case, which type of breast implants are used

At Accurate Aesthetics, the following costs are included in the final quoted price: the plastic surgeon’s fee, the operating room fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee and the cost of the breast implants, if applicable. Our final cost also includes one surgical garment (as necessary), all photos and all pre- and post-operative physician care.

Whenever comparing prices, those considering breast lift should be sure to ask what the final cost covers, as some surgeons quote a low price that is only the surgeon’s fee and does not include all the costs associated with surgery.