What is The Cost of a Breast Lift?
The cost of a breast lift ranges from $11,999 to $16,999, the latter including an additional procedure, like breast implants. The extensiveness and other factors of the procedure that affect the cost will all be discussed with your surgeon in advance.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Breast Lift?
While it takes approximately 1-3 weeks to recover from a breast lift procedure, the recovery time varies from patient to patient and also depends on the type of breast lift that was performed. Typically after 7-10 days, non-strenuous activities may be resumed.
The average breast lift takes an average of three hours to perform. Time in the recovery room is dependent on the extent of work done and the type of breast lift administered.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift (also called a Mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that seeks to correct breast sagging or drooping breast tissue and remove excess skin to restore a more youthful appearance. A breast lift may be done in conjunction with breast augmentation or alone to restore the natural lift and tightness that is often lost with age, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. By removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue, Dr. Bell can help you regain the shape you thought was lost – and boost your body image at the same time.
Sometimes smaller breasts that have deflated and drooped often get a good lift effect just from a breast augmentation alone.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
If you are bothered by sagging, uneven breasts; nipples that point downwards; or areolae that have stretched in size, a breast lift could be the procedure for you.
It’s important to understand that pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the size of your breasts can affect your results. Dr. Peter Bray of the Toronto Plastic Surgeons can help determine whether you’re the right candidate for the procedure.
If you decide you’re not an ideal candidate, many non-surgical options can give you the results you desire.
Breast Lift Benefits
Youthful, Perky Breasts
Drooping breasts can make even young women appear older. A breast lift procedure can help you achieve a youthful and rejuvenated look.
Reduce Under-Breast Irritation
Large breasts often sag, which leads to sweating, pain, and irritation underneath the breast. A breast lift will take the weight off this skin, leaving it less prone to chafing.
More Clothing Options
Firm, lifted breasts will change your silhouette. After breast lift surgery, many feel more empowered to wear more shape-fitting clothing and styles.
Boost Your Body Image
A healthy, confident self is attainable with a breast lift!
Breast Lift Risks & Complications:
As with any surgery, there are risks involved. The best thing patients can do to minimize the likelihood of complications is to select a trusted surgeon. The team at Toronto Plastic Surgeons has years of experience performing this procedure. Significant complications are uncommon and, in the rare event they occur, are expertly managed.
- Infection: Although infections are very rare with respect to this procedure, Dr. Bell and his experienced team still take every precaution to ensure that the surgery is a smooth, seamless experience.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Sensation will likely return, though occasionally the loss may be permanent.
- Breast contour and shape irregularities: Following your procedure, do not rush into getting back to your daily routine. Your body and tissues will need time to heal.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation: It is possible for a small collection of blood, or a hematoma, to develop under the skin as a result of this surgery. The Toronto Plastic Surgeons will take every precaution possible to prevent this from happening.
Why The Toronto Plastic Surgeons?
Before joining The Toronto Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Bell was head of the University of Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Training program for over 15 years. Dr. Bell is also the Former President of the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He has performed over 5000 breast augments, liposuctions, tummy tucks, and body contouring procedures.
Different Types of Breast Lift
There are four different types of breast lifts offered by Dr. Bell.
Crescent Lift (Least Invasive)
This method raises the nipple position by removing a crescent-shaped section of the skin above it.
Donut Lift
This procedure involves a singular incision around the areola, requiring fewer incisions than during a traditional breast lift.
Lollipop Lift
The lollipop lift involves a vertical incision from the crease of the breast over the nipple. This procedure is normally used for those who have sagging breasts and downward-pointing nipples.
Anchor Lift (Most Invasive)
An anchor lift requires an incision similar to the lollipop lift and also along the breast crease. This is often chosen for patients who suffer from extreme sagging.
Breast Lift Alternatives
Evolve TITE non-surgical, Forma RF skin tightening, BreastTite, and fat grafting to the breasts.
Breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the recommendations of Dr. Bell. While the number of incisions will depend on the type of breast lift performed, breast tissue is reshaped, excess skin is removed, and nipples are repositioned to produce the most aesthetically pleasing breasts possible.
The mastopexy procedure takes approximately two hours to perform and is done under IV sedation or local anesthetic. Local anesthesia and some oral relaxation pills are very common sedation methods when undergoing breast lift procedures.
There will be a fully certified anesthesiologist monitoring your IV sedation. Your post-operative care will be in certified recovery rooms with a well-trained recovery room nurse to ensure optimal care and safety. Following your breast lift and augmentation procedure, a series of laser treatments will be conducted to minimize the risk of visible scarring.
Shock wave treatments on the breast implant soft tissue can also ensure that you have the greatest probability of avoiding any capsular formation and for established capsules which will help soften the stiffness that can sometimes occur following breast augmentation and breast lift surgery. The short scar breast lift is often more aesthetically pleasing and does not include the horizontal scar under the breast.
Often the procedures can be performed under local anesthesia alone, or together with light IV sedation. Occasionally excision of soft tissue is combined with breast augmentation at the single-stage. In contrast, in many circumstances, two-stage breast rejuvenation, breast lifting surgery, removal of the skin followed up by breast augmentation some months later is recommended. A large breast implant can eliminate the need for external breast lift scars in the properly selected patient.
Preparing for a Breast Lift
In your initial consultation with Dr. Bell, your breast lift surgeon, you’ll want to discuss your expectations, current medications, medical history, and lifestyle. If you smoke, it is recommended to stop before your surgery to prevent efficient healing.
Maintaining a healthy weight before surgery improves your chances of retaining breast lift results over a more extended period. Arrange for someone to drive you home and help you with day-to-day tasks, including household duties, throughout your recovery.
What to Expect Post Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery requires several days of recovery. Your goal may be achieved through a breast implant inserted alone, or removal of extra skin from the breast to tighten the envelope and add more projection. Sometimes a combination of skin removal and a breast implant is performed.
After your recovery period, get into a routine of exercising and staying hydrated. Over time and due to aging, the breasts can start to sag again; a second procedure may be advised.
The length of time depends on the elasticity of the skin and the techniques used during the surgery. It is best to follow proper nutrition and work on avoiding anything that will have a negative impact on health.
Breast Lift Recovery Timeline
Day 1: Return home wearing a support bra and light dressing on the incision.
Week 1: Slight discomfort around your incision sites. Use medication per your surgeon’s instructions. Avoid bending, lifting, or any strain.
Week 1-2: You may resume light activities.
Weeks 2-3: The sutures are removed, and you can stop wearing your support bra. Ask your doctor when it’s suitable to resume more vigorous activities.
Week 6: Normally, patients can resume high impact activities.
Breast Lift FAQ
Is Getting a Breast Lift Painful?
After your procedure, your breasts will likely be swollen and bruised for approximately two weeks. Pain around the incision, which will be red or pink for a few months, will also be a factor in your post-op care.
Any discomfort can be easily controlled with pain or NSAIDS medication. We also suggest sleeping on your back or side to avoid putting any excessive pressure on your breasts.
How Long Do a Breast Lift Results Last?
Maintaining long-term results of a breast lift can depend on a few factors. Those with smaller breasts will likely have better outcomes as their breasts are lighter and less susceptible to aging and skin elasticity issues. Keeping a healthy weight and avoiding any significant changes in your size will also help to sustain your breast lift results.
Will a Breast Lift Cause Problems with Breastfeeding?
While a breast lift is not the ideal procedure for those who are planning to breastfeed, it is possible to breastfeed following mastopexy. Over 80% of breast lift patients can successfully breastfeed after the surgery. Some breast lift patients report having trouble producing enough milk; it purely depends on the individual.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in 2020?
As with all cosmetic surgeries, prices can vary a lot, but it’s never worth skimping on the cost of going with a more experienced surgeon. The cost of a breast lift at Toronto Plastic Surgeons typically ranges between $9,999 and $15,999. The final price of your breast lift surgery will depend on a variety of factors, such as the extensiveness of the procedure, and whether you will be undergoing an additional procedure (such as implants) at the same time.
All factors which contribute to pricing will be thoroughly discussed well in advance during your initial consultation.
What Is a Lollipop Lift?
The lollipop breast lift is a surgical technique which can provide just the right amount of shaping using minimal incision lines so as to lessen the visibility of scarring. The lollipop lift is best-suited to women with moderate sagging of breast tissue and medium skin excess. The incision is made in a lollipop shape: a ring around the areola, and a straight incision from the bottom of the areola to the centre of the breast crease. This incision type enables greater flexibility in the adjustment of breast tissue. Any lines that do remain after recovery can easily be hidden with swimwear or underwear.
At What Age Should I Get a Breast Lift?
Health is a more important consideration for breast lift candidacy than age is, however it’s still natural to wonder how age should play into your decision. If you are between 18 and 25, your breasts have finished developing, and you are not happy with the lift of your breasts, you may be a candidate.
Women from 26-35 may be candidates if experiencing sagging related to pregnancy or breastfeeding. The 46-50 age range may be ideally suited to the breast lift, and those over 50 may still be strong candidates depending on their health. To determine if it is the right time for you to opt for a breast lift, schedule a consultation.
Is a Breast Lift Cheaper Than an Augmentation?
While the pricing comparison between a breast augmentation and a breast lift depends on a variety of factors, breast lifts can cost more as they are often more lengthy and complex procedures involving the surgical removal of loose skin, the tightening of weakened muscles, and the repositioning of the areolas.
A breast augmentation at Toronto Plastic Surgeons starts from $7,999, and is subject to change depending on the type of breast implant selected and whether existing implants need to be removed, among other factors. The cost of a breast lift ranges from $9,999 to $15,999.
Do Breasts Sag After a Breast Lift?
After a breast lift, the breasts will sag again eventually after a period of years, but likely not to the same degree. The longevity of a breast lift will depend heavily on the patient’s skin tone and elasticity, the weight of their breasts, and their lifestyle. Women with sun-damaged skin will be more likely to experience breast sagging sooner, as will women who smoke, lose significant weight, or become pregnant. Women with larger breasts also tend to have a higher risk of recurrent breast sagging compared with patients who have smaller breasts.
Can I Go Without a Bra After a Breast Lift?
Going without a bra after a breast lift is not recommended in the months following surgery. It’s important to wear a supportive recovery bra for at least six weeks post-op as this ensures optimal results, but if you have a special occasion coming up and wish to wear a backless or plunging dress, going without a bra or switching to a different type of bra for a few hours should not cause damage.
It is always best to check with your doctor first, however. Do avoid underwire bras for at least a year, as they can be set back healing, cause indentations, and simply feel uncomfortable.
Will a Breast Lift Reduce My Cup Size?
Research has found that after a breast lift, many women report they are wearing a smaller bra, with an average decrease of one bra cup size. But since a breast lift does not reduce the breast, other than removing excess skin, it’s natural to wonder why. In reality, this difference reflects the altered profile of the breast rather than an actual reduction in breast size. This has led researchers to conclude that many patients likely wear the right bra size for the first time in their lives after a breast lift, as women with sagging breasts can have more difficulty finding the correct size and fit.
What Are the Main Dos and Don’ts After Breast Lift Surgery?
After breast lift surgery, it’s very important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for a safe and speedy recovery. When it comes to having sex post-op, your breasts will be sensitive to touch for up to 3 weeks, so there’s no harm in light touching, but don’t try anything that will impact your upper body until after 6 weeks.
As for travelling post-op, it’s best to wait 2 weeks to fly short distances, and 6 weeks to fly long-haul. Do wait at least 6-8 weeks post-surgery before sunning your breasts and after that, always protect them with sunscreen (SPF 30+). Additionally, avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours post-op to help your body heal more quickly.
When Can I Lift My Arms After a Breast Lift?
After your breast lift surgery, follow all instructions provided by your doctor very carefully. Your surgeon will let you know when you can return fully to your normal routine. During your recovery, it’s important not to raise your arms above breast level for 10 days, and avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least a week. This means that sponge baths will be necessary for the first couple of days after your surgery, and washing your hair will be challenging. Ask for help if you need it–it doesn’t hurt to have a friend or partner present to make things easier.
Can I Wear Deodorant After a Breast Augmentation?
If your surgeon performed your breast augmentation via incisions in the armpit (the most common technique, known as a transaxillary augmentation), you should avoid wearing deodorant for at least 2 weeks. Recommendations vary widely from 1-4 weeks, as it all depends on your individual case, the pace of your healing, and the advice of your doctor. To ensure the best possible results, be sure to wait for an okay from your surgeon before you begin wearing deodorant again.
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