Breast Lift

Mastopexy, often called a breast lift, is very popular with our Phoenix and Scottsdale patients who want to recapture their figures after childbirth, aging, or significant weight loss. Over time, the natural suspensory ligaments of the breasts are stretched by gravity. Understandably, women with larger breasts tend to notice sagging of the breasts more than women with smaller breasts. However, even smaller-breasted women can experience this problem. Childbirth and breastfeeding can also cause breast “involution,” where the tissue inside the breasts shrinks, leaving a flatter, droopier breast. Losing significant amounts of weight can also give breasts a “deflated” appearance.

By performing breast lift surgery, our surgeons are able to give women back the figures they have lost. Women who feel like they need a breast lift are often very self-conscious about the changes their breasts have undergone.

Request a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Cohen or Dr. Sigalove to learn more about breast lift surgery in Arizona. Our facility is conveniently located for women and men living in Tempe, Paradise Valley and other areas of Greater Phoenix.

Breast Lift Considerations

Each breast lift, like all plastic surgery procedures we perform, is custom designed to meet the needs and expectations of each patient. The amount of lifting needed to restore breasts to their most aesthetic position varies significantly from patient to patient. Our surgeons also take into account the elasticity of the skin, the amount of breast tissue remaining in each breast, and the size and location of the areolas. For some women with minimal sagging, a relatively small removal in skin will provide the desired results, while in others, more significant tailoring of the breast skin and underlying breast tissue is needed to create a youthful, “perky” breast. Many women also choose to pair a breast lift with fat grafting, a procedure that removes unwanted fat from elsewhere in the body and adds it to the upper breast tissue, for a natural, fuller look.

Breast Lift With Implants

In some patients who have had significant shrinking of their breast tissue, a breast implant is needed in addition to the breast lift to provide the fullness and roundness desired. This procedure is called an augmentation-mastopexy, and combines the techniques of both a breast lift and augmentation. In patients with extremely weak tissues, our surgeons may recommend the use of Strattice™ (an acellular dermal matrix) or Galaform (a resorbable mesh) as a soft tissue reinforcement to help maintain results in a more predictable fashion.

Your Consultation With a Breast Lift Specialist

Because of the many variables associated with breast lifts (especially those involving implants), we spend significant time with our patients in their consultation discussing all of the choices we need to make in order to obtain the best possible result. Breast lift surgery, with or without implants or fat grafting, is one of our surgeons’ true super-specialties, and at the present time, Dr. Cohen has written four plastic surgery textbook chapters and many journal articles on this topic.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Many women want their breast lift to be part of a mommy makeover to fully restore the changes caused by aging, childbirth, or significant weight loss. These customized combination procedures commonly include one or more of the following:

Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift recovery varies with the specifics of the procedure and individual patient factors. In general, patients can expect it to progress as follows:

  • Day of surgery: Patients return home in a surgical bra that should be worn at all times for the first few weeks.
  • Day 3 to 5: Swelling and bruising peak. The breasts feel sore and tight.
  • 1 to 2 weeks: Patients are typically ready to return to work, school, and other nonstrenuous activities.
  • 6 weeks: Most patients are back to full activities without restrictions.
  • 3 to 4 months: Breasts are close to their new, improved shape as swelling subsides.
  • 1 year: Incisions fade and become less noticeable. This process may take longer for some patients.

Are you interested in learning more about what to expect during the recovery process following a breast lift? We encourage you to read our Post-Op FAQ for general information, such as care for incisions, time away from work, and the ability to engage in exercise and other activities.

Breast Lift FAQ

How long does a breast lift last on average?

If you wear a supportive bra, maintain your weight, and don’t become pregnant, your breast lift should last for many years. The aging process will continue, so sagging cannot be completely avoided.

Will breast lift surgery be painful?

Expect swelling, bruising, and soreness around the incisions. Breast lift recovery is much less painful than subpectoral breast augmentation.

Will I still have sensation in my breasts and nipples after surgery?

Loss of sensitivity is not unusual after a breast lift, as is increased sensitivity. These changes are temporary for most patients, and normal feeling returns within 6 to 8 weeks.

Will my surgical scars be noticeable?

It can take a year or longer, but in most cases, breast lift scars become white and not obvious. Most patients say that the improvement in the shape of their breasts and nipples is well worth the scars.

Is there a special kind of bra that I should wear after a breast lift?

You will return home from surgery in a surgical bra that you will need to wear for about a week. When cleared by your doctor, you can switch to a soft, supportive bra that does not have underwires.

Take the Next Step

Request a cosmetic consultation, or call (480) 423-1973 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Cohen or Dr. Steven Sigalove. Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you may have about breast lift procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Cohen and Dr. Sigalove welcome patients from all over Arizona, as well as other states and countries. Their facility serves Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley.

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