Breast lift surgery is designed to address ptosis (sagging) caused by aging, genetics, pregnancy and nursing, or weight fluctuations. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your bust and would like to learn more about breast lift surgery, Indianapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata is here to help. Offering the latest breast lift techniques, Dr. Fata is able to customize these procedures to produce a look that is complementary to the entire frame. During your initial consultation, Dr. Fata will discuss all of your options to help ensure your procedure addresses each of your concerns.
To schedule your breast lift consultation at our Indianapolis office, please call Renaissance Plastic SUrgery today at 317-575-9152. Dr. Joseph Fata is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Carmel, Noblesville, and all surrounding areas of Indiana.
how is the Breast Lift Procedure performed?
Dr. Fata was one of the first plastic surgeons in Indianapolis to offer the vertical breast lift technique during which the nipple is lifted and breast tissue is reshaped into a more youthful appearance. A short, vertical scar next to the nipple will be all that remains after recovery, making this option ideal for women whose ptosis does not demand a larger incision.
Another small incision option is the donut. This breast lift incision is placed around the edge of the areola where any scarring can be easily hidden in the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
For women with more pronounced sagging, a larger incision will be needed. Options offered by Dr. Fata include:
- An incision around the nipple with a vertical incision from breast crease to areola. This is known as a lollipop incision
- An incision around the nipple, a vertical incision from areola to breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. This is known as an anchor incision
No two women are the same and each bust has unique characteristics. Your anatomy and desires will both be considerations when planning which breast lift incision to use. Dr. Fata will work closely with you to help ensure the technique utilized will be best for reaching your goals.
Combining Breast Lift with Breast Augmentation
Breast lift surgery may reduce your cup size. If this is of concern to you, Dr. Fata may recommend combining lift with breast augmentation. With this option, sagging tissue is lifted and a breast implant is placed to restore symmetry and volume as well as improve shape and projection. Breast lift with augmentation can be performed with any of the incision options, barring the vertical lift, and may be ideal for women who have lost significant volume along with lift.
Dr. Fata has decades of experience helping women chose the breast surgery options that make the most sense for their bodies. If you are at all unhappy with your bust, he welcomes an opportunity to meet with you, answer your questions, and help you determine if breast lift, enlargement, or a combination of the two will be most effective for your needs.
What is recovery like from a Breast Lift?
All of our breast lift procedures are performed at either St. Vincent Hospital or the Carmel Ambulatory Surgery Center where your comfort and safety can be continuously monitored by medical professionals. Breast lift is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to spend the night in the hospital under most circumstances.
Dr. Fata has designed a method for 24 hour breast surgery recovery. Doing away with restrictive compression garments in favor of a comfortable bra, the 24-hour breast lift recovery program combines medications with simple stretching and exercises to speed the rate at which you will be able to resume activities. Of course, heavy lifting and physically demanding activities will still need to be avoided for a few weeks, but most women are able to return to work and basic activities within one to two days with this method.
Some bruising and swelling may occur during recovery. Following Dr. Fata’s directions will help reduce the duration and severity of these things. Following pre and post-operative instructions can also help you avoid potential complications such as infection and improper wound healing.
Follow up visits with Dr. Fata are included in the cost of your breast lift surgery. During these visits, Dr. Fata will answer any questions you may have about recovery and advise you on when it is safe to resume all normal activities.
Breast Lift Costs
The approximate cost of a breast lift, including the surgeon's, anesthesiologist's, and surgery center fees for a three hour procedure, is $7,130. In a combined breast lift/augmentation, the cost is higher to allow for increased surgery time and the cost of the implant. The approximate cost of a combined breast lift with augmentation, which is a 3 1/2 hour procedure, is $9,180, including the cost of the implants. If Dr. Fata determines that the procedure time will be shorter than is customary, the costs will be reduced accordingly.
At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, we work with Key Bank to provide financing for breast lift procedures. During your initial consultation, we can provide you with more information on this option if it would be of benefit to you.
Common Breast Lift Questions
How do I know if I need a breast lift?
If your nipple lies below the breast fold or is pointing downward and/or if you have sagging breasts or breast ptosis, you may be the ideal breast lift candidate. Some women have been told that larger amounts of sagging can be corrected with a larger silicone breast implants, but this is incorrect. The weight of a larger implant may make your sagging worse. This is an important decision so if you think you may need a breast lift, get opinions from at least two plastic surgeons before making your final decision.
Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast lift?
The ability to breastfeed after a breast lift depends on the number and location of the milk ducts, which deliver the milk to the nipple, and this characteristic varies among patients. Since a breast lift involves placing the nipple at a higher location on the breast, an incision in the breast tissue may divide enough of the milk ducts to impair breastfeeding. If it is important to you to be able to breastfeed, you should consider waiting to have a mastopexy until you are done having children.
What are the risks of a breast lift (mastopexy)?
The risk of having any breast lift complications is very low. But all surgery brings some risk, so it's best to consider it before going ahead with your procedure. There are two categories of risks:
General risks associated with all surgical procedures such as possible adverse reaction to the anesthetic, excess bleeding, infection and scarring. Dr. Fata will go over these with you ahead of time, and what can be done in case any of them were to happen
Specific risks associated with a breast lift. There could be changes in the feeling or sensation of the breast, impaired circulation to the nipple, which is extremely rare, and disappointment in the size or shape of your breast
These risks are rare and made more so by following Dr. Fata’s instructions which may include stopping certain medications, herbs, and supplements for a short period before and after your surgery. Preparing for breast lift will be discussed in detail during your time in our care.
Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation at our Indianapolis Office!
If you are ready to schedule a breast lift consultation at our Indianapolis office, please call 317-575-9152 today. Renaissance Plastic Surgery welcomes patients from Zionsville, Westfield, Avon, and all surrounding Indiana communities.
