Breast Lift New York City
Introduction to Breast Lift
At William Lao, MD on 5th Avenue in New York City, breast lift surgery is a very popular procedure. Breast lift, also known as mastopexy in plastic surgery, is a procedure to reposition the nipple and elevate the breast tissue. The severity of breast drop is judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold (inframammary fold).
As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Lao is known by his patients to offer the best breast lift New York City has to offer. Below, we’ve included information about the surgery, but if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!
What is a Breast Lift?
Breast lift, also known as Mastopexy in plastic surgery, is a procedure to reposition the nipple and elevate the breast tissue. The severity of breast drop is judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold (inframammary fold). A Breast Lift is usually only needed for ladies after their late 30s. However, occasionally, severe breast drop can develop in younger girls.
The most common cause is breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, the engorged milk glands stretch the breast skin; once breastfeeding is done, breast glands return to their original size but the stretched skin already lost its elasticity to spring back to its original form, which results in saggy-looking breasts with nipples that point toward the floor.
It’s a less likely situation in younger girls because their skin quality is better and skin often contracts better when breastfeeding is done. Breast lift procedures use various plastic surgery techniques and rely on the knowledge of blood supply to the nipple to elevate the breast tissue and reposition the nipple by removing excess skin and hiding scars in the least conspicuous places. Ladies often seek a simple Breast Lift when they do not want any implants/foreign body in their breast yet desire a fuller and a younger look themselves.
Dr. Lao Breast Lift Expertise in NYC
Dr. William Lao has performed over 500 successful Breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years.
- Double-board-certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan
- Winner of the 2022 Top Doctor award from NEW BEAUTY
- Dr. Lao is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery
- Graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major, followed by a Doctorate in Medicine
- Dr. Lao is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- He has led presentations about multiple cosmetic plastic surgeries which include breast enhancements.
Breast Lift at First Glance
- Surgery Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Price: ~$10,000 – $20,000 (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation).
- Recovery: Patients are able to return home on the day of surgery and return to routine within 1 – 2 weeks.
- Results: Immediately visible change, but initial swelling will subside within a few weeks. Most patients will see their final results in about 6 – 12 weeks as their breasts settle into place. Can return to work within 3 – 7 days.
Who are the Best Candidates for a Breast Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if you:
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Have saggy breasts that have lost their shape and volume
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Have areolas and nipples that point downward
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Do not smoke
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Are at a stable, healthy weight
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Have breasts that are tube-like or elongated
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Have uneven breasts (one breast is larger and/or a different shape than the other)
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Are done breastfeeding and/or having children
Types of Breast Lifts
There are several different techniques for a Breast Lift, and each one serves its purpose, but the variety allows everyone the opportunity to achieve the aesthetic appearance they want.
- Augmentation Mastopexy: when a breast lift is combined with Breast Augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts.
- Circumareolar Mastopexy: sometimes called a “doughnut” or “Periareolar” breast lift as the incision is made around the areola only. Can address mild sagging and reduce the size of the areola.
- Circumvertical Mastopexy: a short scar breast lift with an incision made around the areola with a verticle line heading downwards, looking very much like a Lollipop. It allows Dr. Lao to remove more skin and tissue than Circumareolar Mastopexy but has less scarring than a full breast lift
- Wise-Pattern Mastopexy: also known as the “Inverted-T”, the incision is made around the areola and a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, much like the Circumvental Mastopexy, but this one includes a horizontal line. This technique allows for additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue.
What are the Benefits of a Breast Lift
Many of our patients who elect to receive a Breast Lift have found that their breasts look perkier, more symmetrical, and feel firmer. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, many recipients experience a boost in their confidence following the procedure.
What to Expect on the Day of a Breast Lift
There are many techniques to perform a breast lift. Of course, implants alone can provide some lifting effect but many people who desire breast lift do not want any foreign body inside their body. To accomplish the lifting effect without an implant, excess skin needs to be trimmed in various patterns and breast tissue often needs to be rearranged to provide a long-lasting result. Almost all techniques of breast lift involve a scar around the areola, but this is often very well hidden. The more severe the breast drop is, however, the longer incisions needed to correct the drop. The nipple and the enlarged areola can also be reduced at the same time to the ideal size depending on the individual’s request.
BREAST LIFT SCHEDULE
Surgery
Time: 2-3 hours
General Anesthesia
Recovery
Ambulate the night of surgery
Shower 2 days after surgery
3 to 5 days off work
Restriction
6 weeks from heavy lifting and swimming
Breast Lift Recovery
After your breast lift, bandages will be placed over your breasts and you will likely be given a surgical support bra to wear. You may experience bruising and swelling for one to two weeks and may be given medication to help ease any discomfort or pain after your procedure.
You should not perform any strenuous activities or do any lifting, bending, or straining for at least two weeks after your breast lift. Ask Dr. Lao when it is okay for you to resume your normal daily activities.
Be sure to follow all recovery and aftercare instructions given to you by Dr. Lao and if you have any questions about what to do after your breast lift, ask him during your consultation.
What’s the First Step?
Before this procedure can be performed on you, you will need to have a consultation with Dr. Lao. During your consultation, Dr. Lao will go over your medical history with you and ask you about any previous surgeries or treatments you have had in the past. He will also ask you about the medications you take, including NSAIDs. You should stop taking NSAIDs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, before your breast lift. These medications may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Lao will examine your breasts and determine the right technique and treatment plan for your specific needs and desired outcome. Before your breast lift, you should make arrangements for someone to transport you home after your procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself home once you are out of surgery. If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure, be sure to ask Dr. Lao during your consultation and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Why Choose Dr. Lao?
As a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. William Lao has dedicated the last 10 years of his life to developing a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetic ideals of both East and West. He combines advanced surgical techniques and concepts from both worlds to customize procedures that provide the best possible results. Dr. Lao has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards that highlight his skills and research, including the Best Research Award from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the TopDoc award from NEW BEAUTY in 2022. He was also a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in New York City?
The average cost of breast lift surgery in New York City typically starts at $8,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more. Prices vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees. For a personalized cost estimate and detailed information about the procedure, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. William Lao. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a tailored quote and address any questions you may have regarding breast lift surgery.
FAQs
Is a Breast Lift painful?
Thanks to the use of anesthesia during your procedure, there should be minimal to zero pain. You may however experience some soreness or mild pain following your procedure, but these can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or by applying cold compresses.
How long until I see results?
You will likely see results right after your breast lift; however, your breasts will continue to change and settle over the next couple of months.
Can I combine a Breast Lift with other procedures?
What are the risks associated with a Breast Lift?
Any surgery does, unfortunately, come with potential risks. Some of the risks associated with Breast Lift Surgery are:
- Bleeding or Hematoma formation
- Breast Asymmetry
- Breast Contour or Irregular Shapes
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (cardiac and pulmonary complications)
- Fat Necrosis (fatty tissue found deep in the skin that may die)
- Fluid Accumulation
- Infection
- Loss of Nipple and Areola (can be partial or total)
- Negative reactions to the Anesthesia
- Nipple or Breast Sensation change (can be temporary or permanent)
- Poor healing
- Possible Revisional Surgery
Will a Breast Lift surgery increase the size of my breasts?
Should I get a Breast Lift if I have larger breasts?
If you are looking into a Breast Reduction, then a Breast Lift pairs perfectly with that procedure. If you would like to keep the size of your original breasts but would like to make them perkier, please discuss your aesthetic preferences with Dr. Lao. Gravity is a major factor in drooping breasts, and heavier breasts are typically more affected.
Can I combine my Breast Lift with Implants?
Of course! Many of our NYC Breast Lift patients will combine their surgery with a Breast Implant to increase their cup size. This combination of procedures is especially popular amongst our patients who have had children because the amalgamation of surgeries also addresses drooping and deflation that typically occurs from breastfeeding.
Will losing weight alter my Breast Lift results?
If you have minor fluctuations in weight gain or weight loss, your Breast Lift results shouldn’t be affected too much. That being said, if you do have substantial weight loss (or gain), it can affect the elasticity of your breast skin, which will contribute to saggy breasts. While weight changes are completely normal, Dr. Lao recommends that whichever way you lean, do so gradually to avoid drastic changes.
What determines incision type?
Your Breast Lift incision will be based on the degree of deflation, the elasticity of your skin, your breast and nipple placement, and whether or not your procedure will be done simultaneously with Breast Augmentation. The most common types of incisions are Circumareolar, Lollipop, or Inverted T. Dr. Lao will discuss the pros and cons of each type with you during your consultation as well as which one would work best to achieve your goals.
Will there be scars after breast lift?
Unfortunately, any time you have dramatic cuts in your body, the natural response is scar tissue. Thankfully, Dr. Lao is incredibly deliberate in where he makes his incisions, so they are a little bit more discreet. As your incisions heal after surgery, the scars will appear as raised, red lines. Every patient does heal in their own unique way, and while scars will always be somewhat present, you will be provided with directions to help lessen their appearance and they will also fade and flatten naturally over time.
Schedule Your Consultation
Every surgical procedure and aesthetic treatment we offer is specifically tailored to satisfy the unique needs of the individual. Dr. Lao’s expertise is what makes him among the best to perform a breast lift New York City residents can depend on. When you come in for a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Lao, he can find the perfect aesthetic approach that provides you with your ideal results. If you think you are a good candidate for a breast lift and would like to learn more about the procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation today. Our friendly staff will gladly answer any questions you may have about this procedure and will set you up for a consultation with Dr. Lao.
