Quick Facts About Breast Lift
Discover a New You With Breast Lift Surgery at Impressions Chicago
Due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the passage of time, it’s common for breasts to lose their shape. However, with a breast lift in Chicago, it’s possible to elevate and reshape sagging or drooping breasts, restoring balance and self-confidence.
At Impressions Chicago, our expert team includes the renowned Dr. Eric W. Anderson, a plastic surgery specialist. If you're looking to enhance and rejuvenate your natural curves, breast lift surgery at Impressions can help you achieve your desired aesthetic. By focusing on your unique goals and needs, we aim to help you rediscover the joy and confidence that come with feeling your best. The following guide explores everything you need to know about this procedure, from your initial consultation to recovery and everything in between.
What Is a Breast Lift?
Also known as mastopexy, a lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue. Unlike breast augmentation, which increases the breast size with implants, the breast lift elevates and reshapes the breasts, often without the use of implants. However, many patients choose to combine breast lift procedures with breast augmentation for enhanced volume and shape. Still others may combine breast surgery with a tummy tuck or other body procedures.
The primary purpose of a lift is to address breast sagging or breast ptosis, which can result from pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process. By removing excess breast skin and tightening the breast tissue, the procedure lifts the breast mound to a higher position. The end result is a more youthful and perky appearance.
Why Patients Choose the Breast Lift
Many women wish to restore their breast shape and symmetry after experiencing changes due to life events like pregnancy or weight loss. Others want their breasts lifted to counteract the effects of gravity and aging, which can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and lift over time. The procedure can help:
- Enhance natural curves: Restore your breasts’ natural shape and proportion for a more balanced figure.
- Boost confidence: Feel more confident and comfortable in your clothing and everyday activities.
- Improve proportions: Achieve better body symmetry by lifting and reshaping the breasts.
- Eliminate excess skin: Remove loose skin that can cause discomfort and affect the overall appearance.
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Prepare for breastfeeding: Restore breast shape and firmness after breastfeeding.
Breast Lift Vs. Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?
Breast augmentation and mastopexy may share similar goals, but they have unique differences. Some patients choose a lift alone, while others opt to combine the two surgical procedures.
Breast Lift
This procedure raises and contours sagging breasts by eliminating excess skin and firming the surrounding tissues. The procedure addresses drooping breasts without necessarily increasing their size. It is ideal for women with decreased breast volume, whether due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss, and those seeking a more lifted appearance.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation uses breast implants to increase breast size and enhance shape. This procedure is suitable for women looking to add volume to their breasts, whether for personal aesthetic reasons or to restore volume after pregnancy or weight changes.
Breast Lift Alone or Combined With Augmentation?
Choose a lift alone if your primary concern is sagging or drooping breasts without the need for additional volume. Combine breast lift surgery with augmentation if you want both a lift and an increase in breast size. This approach addresses both shape and volume for the most impactful results.
Types of Breast Lift Techniques
At Impressions Chicago, we offer various breast lift techniques to meet each patient’s unique needs. The choice of technique depends on the degree of sagging, breast size, desired results, and other factors. Your surgeon will work closely with you to customize your treatment plan according to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Crescent Lift
As a minimally invasive option, the crescent lift is ideal for patients with minor sagging. It involves a small incision along the breast crease to remove a crescent-shaped strip of excess skin. This technique lifts the breast slightly without significantly altering the breast shape.
Periareolar (Donut) Lift
The periareolar breast lift entails making an incision around the areola. This method is effective for moderate sagging and helps tighten the breast tissue while preserving nipple sensation. It allows for a more pronounced lift compared to the crescent lift.
Vertical (Lollipop) Lift
The vertical lift works well for patients with moderate to severe sagging. It includes incisions encircling the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast fold. This technique provides more substantial lifting and reshaping compared to the periareolar lift.
Anchor Lift
The anchor lift is the most extensive surgery among breast lift options, suitable for significant sagging or overly large breasts. It involves incisions around the areolas, vertically down to the breast fold, and along the breast crease, creating an anchor-shaped scar. This method allows for maximum lifting and reshaping, removing a considerable amount of excess skin and breast tissue.
The Breast Lift Procedure: What to Expect
Understanding the breast lift procedure helps alleviate any concerns and sets clear expectations for the journey ahead. Here’s an overview of what to expect during your breast lift surgery at Impressions Chicago.
- Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, keeping you comfortable and pain-free during surgery.
- Incision placement: Based on the chosen technique, Dr. Eric W. Anderson makes precise incisions in discreet locations such as around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast fold. These incisions allow access to the underlying breast tissue and excess skin.
- Reshaping and repositioning: The surgeon will remove breast tissue and reshape and lift the breast tissue to attain the desired elevation and firmness.
- Areola resizing and positioning: In some cases, your surgeon may adjust the size and position of the areola to better fit the new breast shape and achieve a natural, balanced look.
- Closing the incisions: Careful suture closure ensures proper healing and minimal scarring. Dr. Eric W. Anderson works to ensure the scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
A lift procedure typically lasts between two to three hours, depending on the complexity and the extent of the lift. Safety and precision are the priorities throughout the procedure.
Recovery Timeline and Tips
Recovery from breast lift surgery comes in stages. Each step requires specific care for complication-free healing and optimal breast lift results.
Immediate Post-Op Experience
Immediately after surgery, you may have bruising, swelling, and soreness in the breast area. These are normal and temporary side effects, manageable with prescription pain medication. Wearing a surgical bra or compression garment will help support your breasts and minimize swelling.
Recovery Timeline
- First few days: Rest and recuperate during the initial days following surgery. You may need assistance with daily activities and should avoid any strenuous movements.
- One to two weeks post-op: As swelling and bruising subside, you can gradually resume light activities. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Eric W. Anderson will help us monitor your progress.
- Three to six months: Expect full healing and final results within six months as the breasts settle into their new shape and any remaining swelling subsides.
Recovery Tips
- Wear a supportive bra: A surgical bra or compression garment helps support your breasts and reduce swelling.
- Sleep on your back: Avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides to prevent pressure on the breasts.
- Limit physical activity: Refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercises for at least four to six weeks.
- Follow post-op instructions: Adhere to all post-op care instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
Breast lift results can last for many years, particularly if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable body weight. However, the natural aging process and gravity will continue to affect the breasts over time. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, smoking, and other factors can also compromise your long-term results.
To preserve your breast lift, follow these tips:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Avoid excessive weight gain or loss to prevent breast sagging or stretching.
- Wear supportive bras: Continue to wear a supportive bra, especially during physical activities, to maintain breast shape.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Incorporate regular exercise and a balanced diet to support overall body health and long-term results.
How Much Is a Breast Lift?
The cost of breast lift procedures in Chicago can vary widely, typically ranging from $9,000 to $13,000. Several factors influence the overall cost, including the surgeon’s expertise, technique used, facility and anesthesia fees, and post-operative care requirements. Highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Eric W. Anderson may command higher fees due to their expertise and reputation.
For those seeking a breast lift without implants, the price is generally lower than a lift with augmentation. Additionally, note that the complexity of the chosen breast lift technique (crescent, periareolar, vertical, or anchor) affects the cost.
Financing Options
Impressions Chicago understands that cosmetic surgery procedures can be a significant investment. We offer flexible financing plans to make your breast lift more accessible. At your first visit, we will review your mastopexy cost, including any additional fees. We’ll also discuss payment options that best suit your financial situation.
Why Choose Impressions for Your Breast Lift Surgery?
Choosing the right clinic and surgeon is crucial for achieving the best results in your breast lift surgery. Here’s why Impressions Chicago and Dr. Eric W. Anderson are the top choices for your breast lift.
Reputation and Experience
Impressions Chicago boasts a strong reputation for excellence in cosmetic breast surgery. Dr. Eric W. Anderson is a highly skilled and board-certified Chicago plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast lifts and other procedures. His dedication to continuous learning and mastery of the latest surgical techniques ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care and exceptional results.
Patient-Centric Care
At Impressions, every patient receives personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. As an experienced, highly skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Eric W. Anderson takes the time to understand each patient’s medical history, aesthetic vision, and lifestyle factors, aligning the breast lift procedure with their expectations. This individualized approach encourages a positive, supportive patient experience.
Advanced Techniques and Safety Protocols
Impressions Chicago uses the most advanced breast lift techniques for natural-looking results with minimal scarring. Dr. Eric W. Anderson’s expertise in various mastopexy methods allows him to select the best approach for each patient, whether it’s a traditional breast lift, a short scar breast lift, or a mastopexy without implants. Rigorous safety protocols and state-of-the-art facilities guarantee that every surgery is performed safely and efficiently.
Recent Addition of Dr. Eric W. Anderson
Impressions is proud to have recently welcomed aboard Dr. Eric W. Anderson, a highly skilled surgeon specializing in body procedures. Dr. Eric W. Anderson’s expertise in breast lift surgery enhances our clinic’s offerings, providing patients with access to a broader range of cosmetic surgery options. His commitment to achieving natural-looking results and his attention to detail make him an invaluable asset to our team and patients.
FAQ About Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery may be ideal if your breasts sag or droop and you want to restore a more youthful, lifted appearance. Factors such as excess skin, loss of breast volume, and changes in breast shape due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss make you a good candidate for the procedure.
Breast lifts typically cost between $9,000 and $13,000. The total cost depends on the surgeon’s expertise, technique used, facility and anesthesia fees, and post-operative care requirements. Those who also choose to get breast implants will typically spend more than those who get the breast lift alone.
There may be cases where the surgeon uses local anesthesia. However, most procedures require sedation under general anesthesia for optimal patient comfort.
Ideal candidates are those with sagging or drooping breasts who are in good health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations.
Many patients wonder about the breast reduction cost and whether health insurance covers the procedure. Coverage often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary to relieve discomfort caused by large breasts. Our team can help you navigate insurance claims and provide clear pricing for self-funded options.
Some discomfort and swelling are normal within the first few days of surgery. However, most patients can manage these issues with prescribed medications. Patients often report improvement within the first week.
During the breast lift operation, surgeons carefully preserve the blood supply to the nipple to ensure healthy tissue and sensation. In rare cases, complications can arise that affect blood flow, but this risk is minimal when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Eric W. Anderson.
Most breast lift surgeries are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. However, partial coverage might be available if the procedure is part of a medically necessary treatment, such as after a mastectomy. Check with your healthcare provider for details.
All breast lift techniques involve incisions, which will leave scars. However, skilled surgeons like Dr. Eric W. Anderson place incisions in discreet areas such as the breast crease or around the areola to minimize visibility. Over time, these scars fade and become less noticeable.
While individual results may vary, most women can breastfeed after the procedure. Dr. Eric W. Anderson preserves the milk ducts and nerves during surgery to maintain nipple sensation and breastfeeding ability. Some women choose to wait on breast surgery until after breastfeeding is complete to ensure lasting results, but the choice is yours.
With a stable body weight and proper care, breast lift results can last many years. Aging and natural changes in breast tissue will continue to affect the breasts, but the lift itself can maintain its effects for a long time.
You can resume light activities within one to two weeks post-surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks to allow proper healing. Dr. Eric W. Anderson will provide specific guidelines based on your individual recovery.
Breast lift surgery alone is not intended for reducing breast size, as its focus is on repositioning and reshaping sagging breasts. However, breast reduction surgery inherently includes a lifting component, ensuring both a reduction in breast size and a more balanced appearance.
Breast Lift in Chicago: Schedule a Consultation Today
Ready to transform your silhouette and regain your confidence? Whether you're looking to enhance your natural curves or restore your breasts after life changes, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation with Impressions Chicago today to discuss your breast lift surgery options. Let our expert team guide you on your journey to a more youthful and balanced appearance.
Our Happy Clients
Wonderful doctor! Absolutely an amazing experience. He and his nurses were all very thorough and respectful. My results from surgery was everything I had hoped for! The healing process is going very smooth, as well! Definitely can’t wait to see the healed and finished look!