Sagging breasts, also known as breast ptosis, is a common condition brought about by the effects of gravity, age, rapid weight loss or gain, and pregnancy or multiple pregnancies. Every woman’s body is different, and sagging can be mild or severe. The look and feel of this sagginess can be upsetting for some, affecting their confidence and even relationships.
Breast lift surgery is a common way to improve and correct sagging breasts. In fact, over 113,000 breast lift procedures were conducted in the US in 2019, and the surgery has seen a 114% rise in popularity since 2000. Different surgical techniques are used for breast lifts, depending on the goals and lifestyle of each patient and the degree of ptosis (sagging). Breast lifts may include implants to add additional fullness, though some patients opt for a lift without implants.
Dr. Steve Svehlak and Dr. Dan Yamini offer breast lift surgery with or without implants at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery in Los Angeles. Both Dr. Svehlak and Dr. Yamini are double board-certified plastic surgeons and are widely regarded for their natural-looking results and high standards of patient care.
Breast Lift BEFORE & AFTERS
before
after
This patient had a mommy makeover, she had multiple pregnancies and had saggy breasts and loose abdominal skin and muscles. Dr. Dan Yamini Performed a tummy tuck and a mastopexy breast lift.
Procedure : TUMMY TUCK & BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)
Surgeon : Dr. Dan Yamini
before
after
In these three sets of before and after pictures, Los Angeles area plastic surgeon, Dr. Steve Svehlak, performed a Benelli breast lift with implants. The patient was a young, very athletic woman who wanted both a lift and an increase in her breast cup size. She was very happy with her results.
Procedure : Benelli Breast Lift + Implants
Surgeon : Dr. Svehlak
before
after
This is a 39 y.o. female from Los Angeles who has lost weight over several years. Her breasts became stretched when she was heavier but then looked very “deflated” as she lost weight. This left her breast pointing downward with no volume left. She was hoping to get a much nicer shape, lifted breast without any implants.
Dr. Svehlak performed bilateral anchor scarr breast lift with tightening and re-support of the internal breast tissue. No implants were used. She also had some body contouring done with liposuction of the abdominal wall, flanks, inner thighs, and outer thighs. She was very happy with the results.
Procedure : Anchor Scar Breast Lift + Liposuction + No Implants Used
Breast lift surgery, known by doctors as mastopexy, is a procedure that reshapes and ‘lifts’ sagging breasts to a higher and more youthful-looking position. This generally involves making an incision in the breast, removing excess tissue, and repositioning the remaining tissue as necessary. A silicone or saline implant may also be inserted. Surgeons employ several techniques, including various incision shapes and locations to achieve the patient’s desired result.
For many undergoing breast lift surgery, techniques are used to firmly lift and support the internal breast tissue and create an “Internal Bra”. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. One is to use special manufactured materials, such as mesh (Galaform), that is designed to improve firmness in the breast and give more support.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
If you have sagging breasts and are not happy with how they look or feel, a breast lift could be an option for you. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals with you and conduct an examination on your breasts, and recommend the best treatment or procedure to help achieve your ideal look.
However, you will need to refrain from or delay breast lift surgery if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram, or are currently ill or treating infection.
Breast Lift Techniques
A breast lift at Los Angeles’ Sunset Cosmetic Surgery involves Dr. Svehlak or Dr. Yamini making an incision in the breast, then removing excess tissue and repositioning the remaining tissue as necessary. Excess skin is also frequently removed.
The incisions employed generally fall into one of four categories:
Crescent Breast Lift (Periareolar)
The least-invasive method, a crescent lift is used for minimal sagging and mild asymmetry corrections. Your surgeon will use a semicircular incision on the top or bottom part of the areola to reposition the nipple.
Benelli Breast Lift (Donut, Circumareolar)
A donut–shaped piece of tissue is removed in a Benelli lift using an incision all the way around the areola. This is great for reducing the diameter of large areolas.
Lollipop Breast Lift (Vertical)
For moderate to severe sagging, this technique employs an incision that goes around the areola and then straight down to the crease below the breast.
Anchor Breast Lift (T-Scar, Full Mastopexy)
The oldest and most reliable technique for severe sagging involves an incision around the areola, straight down to the crease, and extending along the crease below the breast.
Dr. Yamini and Dr. Svehlak have incorporated the latest advances into their breast lift surgery techniques. An implantable surgical material may be required to get the best possible results. Among the products we use is GalaForm/GalaFlex. This is a bioengineered, bioresorbable scaffold used to stimulate collagen synthesis and to create an internal bra for maximum long–term breast support.
Typical Recovery Time
After lift surgery, and depending on the lift technique used, some patients are able to return to work within a week or so. Showering is allowed 1-3 days after surgery. A surgical bra is worn for 3-6 weeks. In many cases, lift patients resume most of their normal activities, including some forms of mild exercise, after several weeks. Your surgeon will advise you on the timing for your case.
To learn more about a customized breast lift in Los Angeles, contact the medical team at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery. We can’t wait to help you look and feel great about your body!
What Can Complement a Breast Lift?
Sagging due to overly large breasts can be addressed with a lift, but some women also opt for a breast reduction, which can help prevent the problem from continuing and can relieve discomfort and pain sometimes associated with large breasts that pull the upper body forward.
Women who want to take the opposite approach can choose breast augmentation, which adds volume to make the breasts fuller and rounder.
Either of these surgeries can complement the effects of a breast lift. Dr. Steve Svehlak and Dr. Dan Yamini will discuss the option with each patient in order to best deliver the results she is looking for.
What to Expect from a Breast Lift
Before your procedure, you may be asked to refrain from certain medications, and to stop or quit smoking. On the day of surgery, your surgeon and the highly trained team at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery will help you prepare, and ensure you are calm and comfortable throughout. Breast lifts take approximately 1-3 hours, and you will be placed under anesthesia.
After surgery, depending on the techniques used and the extent of the procedure, some patients can return to work after 7 – 10 days, with the majority resuming work and mild activities after a few weeks. Your breasts will be tender and may swell, so it is important to take time to allow your body to heal and reduce the chance of any rare but possible complications.
What Sets Sunset Apart
One of our unique offers available to all patients is the opportunity to see both Dr. Svehlak and Dr. Yamini in your consultation. You’ll receive their combined expertise when considering if a breast lift is suitable for you, and gain perspective from two leading cosmetic surgeons in West Hollywood.
A breast lift can help you regain confidence, shape, and youthful looks. If you’re considering a breast lift or would like to explore your options, contact Dr. Svehlak and Dr. Yamini to book a consultation.
When choosing a surgeon, it is important that you choose someone who is board-certified, experienced, and that you feel comfortable with. Dr. Svehlak and Dr. Yamini are widely celebrated and highly regarded cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles, who produce natural results and take the utmost care of their patients.
Will I have scars?
During breast lift surgery, your surgeon will do their best to hide incisions in the natural folds of the skin. Where this is not possible, you may have some visible scars. However, these fade and become almost invisible in the majority of cases.
How much does a breast lift cost in Los Angeles?
Every surgery is different, and therefore this influences the way it is priced. We offer several payment options, as well as the ability to finance your treatment through CareCredit®, with a full range of extended payment plans.
What are the risks?
Like any surgical procedure, there are some rare but possible risks, such as infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, breast contour and shape irregularities, or breast asymmetry. This highlights the importance of choosing an experienced and specialized surgeon.
What other procedures can I have?
If you have had children and are not happy with the way your body looks, you may wish to check out the Mommy Makeover – where our surgeons create an individualized surgical plan to help you restore your body. Looking for other improvements? Why not look into breast augmentation, a facelift or tummy tuck?
