PROCEDURES / BREAST
Breast Lift Surgeon
on Long Island
As you get older or reach personal milestones like having your first child, you may notice that your breasts start to lose volume and shape. Many women experience this and want to know what they can do to regain the youthful appearance of their breasts.
Patients looking for an expert breast lift on Long Island get an experience unlike any other at our office. Our trUfit approach combines personalized service with surgical expertise to help you reach your goals.
What You Need to Know About
Breast Lift Surgery
In a mastopexy or breast lift surgery, excess skin is removed and tightened to create a more youthful appearance. Reshaping a sagging breast and lifting the nipple and areola does not require a breast implant, as the focus is more on tightening the existing tissue rather than creating extensive volume.
Occasionally, however, volume enhancement will be indicated during breast lift surgery, either with breast implants or fat transfer, where fat is harvested from one part of the body and transferred into the breast. Breast lift surgery is used to correct quite a few conditions, some of which may be covered by insurance typically when the breast lift is done for correction of asymmetry related to breast lumpectomy or after mastectomy:
Sagging or drooping breasts due to aging or weight loss
Breasts that have lost their shape and firmness after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nipples that point downward or are too low on the breast
Asymmetrical breasts in which one breast is lower than the other
Large areolas that have stretched over time
Asymmetries resulting after mastectomy reconstruction or breast conservation
Constricted breast or “tubular breast” deformity
Of course, breast lift procedures aren’t always right for the patient. While they can go a long way toward fixing drooping or sagging breasts, there are a few things that they can’t address, such as breast size, breast asymmetry, or stretch marks. It’s important to understand the limitations of breast lift surgery because it may not be the procedure you need to achieve your results.
To determine if breast lift surgery is the right option for you, it’s important to consult with a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has experience performing breast lifts.
Dr. Harris of Harris Plastic Surgery is one of these providers. He has performed thousands of breast lift procedures throughout his career. His detailed and highly personal approach to every surgery has adapted into the trUfit breast enhancement process.
The trUfit Approach to Expert Breast Lift on Long Island
The trUfit breast enhancement process is a cutting-edge approach to breast lifts or augmentation that uses advanced technology to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This process involves:
Examination
Dr. Harris completes a thorough physical examination and takes a detailed patient history. He goes over goals and discusses the specifics of breast lift surgery with the patient.
Measurement
trUfit allows for the most precise measurements for complete customization of your breast lift or breast enhancement. If warranted, 3D imaging is occassionally used to find the best breast implant for women who want to pair their breast lift with augmentation.
Customization
A customized surgical plan is created and discussed in detail with the patient. This plan includes expected results, risks, costs, and recovery time.
Breast lift patients at our Long Island clinic enjoy an experience like no other. Dr. Harris has the expertise and personalized approach to care that helps his patients achieve their goals. Meanwhile, our trUfit evaluations ensure that you know exactly what to expect. If you have been searching for an expert breast lift on Long Island, look no further than the specialists at Harris Plastic Surgery.
Frequently Asked Breast Lift Questions
What is a breast lift, and am I a good candidate?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes and raises sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the breast tissue and nipple. You may be a good candidate if your breasts have lost their shape or firmness due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or genetics.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast implant?
A breast lift raises and reshapes existing breast tissue but does not significantly increase breast size. Breast implants add volume and can increase fullness, particularly in the upper portion of the breasts. Some patients benefit from combining a lift with implants when they want both a lifted breast shape and additional volume.
What degree of breast sagging requires a lift rather than implants alone?
Implants can sometimes improve mild sagging by adding volume, but they cannot reliably correct significant drooping or reposition a low nipple. If your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease, a breast lift may be needed to reposition them and remove excess skin.
Will a breast lift reduce my cup size or change my cleavage?
A breast lift may subtly reduce breast size because it primarily removes excess skin and reshapes existing tissue. Your breasts may appear smaller or more compact after lifting. A lift can improve breast shape and position and may enhance cleavage, while implants can provide additional upper-breast fullness if desired.
Does insurance cover a breast lift?
Breast lift surgery is generally considered cosmetic and is not typically covered by health insurance. However, coverage policies vary, and certain procedures performed for medical reasons may have different coverage requirements. Harris Plastic Surgery can help you understand your insurance benefits and whether coverage may apply to your specific situation.
Can I have a breast lift without implants?
Yes, a breast lift can be performed without implants. This option is often appropriate for patients who are happy with their breast size but want to address sagging, restore a higher breast position, or improve breast shape. Dr. Harris can help you determine whether a lift alone can achieve your desired result.
What breast lift technique is right for me?
The appropriate breast lift technique depends on factors such as the degree of sagging, breast size and shape, skin quality, nipple position, and your desired results. Techniques range from less extensive incisions around the areola to vertical or anchor-shaped incisions for more significant lifting.
Can a breast lift correct sagging or changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch the breast skin and change breast volume, sometimes leaving the breasts deflated or sagging. A breast lift can remove excess skin, reshape the breast, and reposition the nipples to restore a more youthful breast contour. If you also want to restore lost volume, implants or fat grafting can be considered.
How long does breast lift recovery take?
Most patients can return to light daily activities within several days and may return to desk-based work within about one week, depending on their recovery and job requirements. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are restricted during the early healing period. Swelling and changes in breast shape gradually improve over the following weeks and months.
How long do breast lift results last?
A breast lift provides long-lasting results, but it does not stop the natural aging process. Pregnancy, significant weight changes, and changes in skin elasticity can affect the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results.
What will breast lift scars look like, and can they be hidden?
Breast lift scars depend on the technique required to achieve your desired result. They may be limited to the area around the areola or extend vertically down the breast and along the breast crease. Scars are permanent but typically fade and soften with time, and can generally be concealed beneath bras and swimwear.
What are the risks, costs, and insurance considerations for breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, and changes in breast shape over time. The cost varies based on your surgical plan, technique, anesthesia, and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. Because breast lifts are generally cosmetic, insurance typically does not cover the procedure.
Harris Plastic Surgery offers expert breast lifts on Long Island for patients in New York.
To learn more about your options for improving the appearance of your breasts, reach out to us for a consultation.