Breast Lift

Sagging breasts are a natural part of aging, childbearing, nursing and significant weight loss — but “natural” doesn’t always mean “welcome.” These life milestones cause the skin to lose elasticity which, in turn, causes the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. Try as you might to accept these changes, it can be hard to embrace your new body and feel just as sexy and confident as you did before. Fortunately, there is a solution.

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht performs this procedure to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance. He has treated many women in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas, helping them achieve uplifted contours that make them feel beautiful whether they’re in clothing, lingerie or nothing at all. To schedule your free, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Vasisht, please call (856) 322-8100.

Dr. Vasisht’s Approach:

Fall From Grace

One of the challenges of breast surgery is deciding who can benefit from a mastopexy. There are many factors to consider. Pregnancy and massive weight loss can change the location of the breasts on the body, and not for the better. Most women remember what their body looked like before they had children or lost weight, when their breasts were youthful and perky. Now their breast tissue is deflated and drooping. “I call it the fall from grace,” says Dr. Vasisht. “My job is to restore a graceful appearance to the breasts.”

It is NOT gravity that’s at fault. When the breasts are young, there are bands of strong tissue called Cooper’s ligaments that help maintain the structural integrity of the breasts and hold them in a higher position. As women age or pregnancy engorges the breasts, the Cooper’s ligaments become weak and are no longer able to hold the breasts in an elevated position on the chest. The tissue begins to sink and breast volume dissipates, further contributing to a “shrunken” or “deflated” appearance.

The logical question for women seeking to improve breast sagging would be “Can you just repair the tired Cooper’s ligaments?” Unfortunately, that is not a possibility. Unlike the ligaments that hold bony joints together, these ligaments cannot be strengthened or tightened. Mastopexy is the best way to restore them to their rightful place on the chest.

Dr. Vasisht has honed his cosmetic surgery skills to address this issue for each unique patient. A breast lift is a powerful tool to help restore the shape and contour of your breasts, but to get a beautiful and natural-looking result, the procedure must be personalized for your body and your goals. Dr. Vasisht will always find the solution that best fits your needs.

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift

Women have different reasons for seeking out mastopexy surgery. Breast lift procedures at South Shore Plastic Surgery may achieve any or all of the following aesthetic goals:

• Elevate breasts that are sagging due to the effects of aging and gravity
• Firm breasts that have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding
• Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss
• Reshape breasts that are flat, elongated or pendulous
• Realign the nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side
• Decrease the size of large or stretched areolas
• Improve symmetry between breasts that sit at uneven heights

Am I a Candidate for New Jersey Breast Lift Surgery?

Women who decide to undergo breast lift surgery in New Jersey experience varying degrees of sagging. Sagging is considered mild when the nipple is level with the breast crease. Moderate sagging occurs when the nipple rests below the breast crease. When the nipple sits at the lowest point on the breast and points downward, the sagging is categorized as severe. All types of sagging can be improved with a breast lift, but the degree of sagging will influence which technique Dr. Vasisht decides to use.

Ideal patients for a mastopexy should be unhappy with one or more of the concerns listed above but satisfied with their current breast size (mastopexy cannot add volume to the breasts). In general, a candidate for any surgical procedure should be in good overall health, should be a nonsmoker, should not be pregnant or nursing, and should be at a stable, healthy weight. The first step to getting restored, youthful breasts is scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Vasisht to find out whether you are a breast lift candidate.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

Breast lift and breast augmentation are two popular breast enhancement surgeries that can be performed individually or together. A breast lift elevates the breasts from an unflattering, dropped position. During the procedure, Dr. Vasisht removes any loose skin and repositions the underlying tissues to create a more flattering and uplifted contour. The size of the breasts is not affected. A breast augmentation is designed to add volume to the breasts. The procedure can be performed with breast implants or fat transfer. The end result is a bustline with improved shape and fullness, but little to no change in elevation.

Which of these breast enhancement surgeries is right for you will depend on your desired outcome. If you are happy with the size of your breasts but feel they sit too low, then a lift may be all you need. If you are satisfied with the position of your breasts but not their size, then augmentation alone may be enough to achieve your goals. If you’re concerned about both lift and volume, Dr. Vasisht can create a comprehensive breast enhancement plan that combines both procedures.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction

A breast lift or breast reduction can both give a woman more lifted, youthful-looking breasts. So what’s the difference? A breast lift is specifically intended to address sagging. Only excessive skin is removed. A breast reduction, on the other hand, is intended to reduce excessive weight and volume — which sometimes causes health issues — by decreasing the size of the breasts. Reduction is accomplished by removing fat, glandular tissue and skin. Breast lift surgery is cosmetic in nature, while breast reduction surgery can have cosmetic as well as functional benefits. The issues you are trying to address will determine which procedure is right for you.

Preparing for Your Breast Lift

An informed patient is in the best position to make educated decisions about her breast lift procedure. At your initial consultation, Dr. Vasisht will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you have about what to expect. He will examine your breasts and carefully review your medical history before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery. Dr. Vasisht will also discuss your treatment goals and your motivations to determine whether you are a good candidate for a mastopexy.

If the decision is made to proceed, you will be asked to sign an informed consent stating that you understand all aspects of your upcoming operation, including any potential complications and secondary effects. Dr. Vasisht will use the discussions you have during your consultation to create a surgical plan that is tailored to your concerns, your anatomy and your desired outcome.

What to Expect From Your Breast Lift Procedure

A breast lift procedure usually takes about two hours. There are many techniques that can be used to accomplish the lifting effect. Dr. Vasisht’s primary goal is to achieve excellent results that look natural and produce the least amount of scarring. The most common breast lift technique involves anchor-shaped incisions along the undersides of the breasts. The incision goes around the region where skin will be excised, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Occasionally, an implant can be used to lift and increase the volume of the breast.

For some New Jersey patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, Dr. Vasisht may use one of several modified techniques that require less extensive incisions. One such technique is the “donut” or concentric mastopexy, in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a donut-shaped area of skin is removed. Recent innovations in breast lift surgery include minimal incision techniques and nipple sensation sparing procedures. Dr. Vasisht will help you decide which procedure is best for you.

What to Expect From Your Breast Lift Recovery

Recovery after a breast lift looks different for every woman. In general, a patient can expect to experience some discomfort, bruising and swelling in the initial stages of the healing process. Bandages are applied directly after surgery to aid healing and minimize movement of the breasts. Dr. Vasisht will leave an On-Q pain pump in the surgical site. This contains numbing medicine that will help prevent pain for about three days after surgery. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with their procedure after the pain pump is removed. Any pain can be treated with oral medication. Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a specialized cupless sports bra for several weeks.

Postoperative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Strenuous activities such as exercise or physical labor should be avoided until you have received clearance from Dr. Vasisht. Most patients can expect one to two weeks of downtime before they feel ready to return to their work and personal lives. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the postoperative directions given by Dr. Vasisht.

What to Expect From Your Breast Lift Results

Although no surgery can halt the passage of time, the results of your breast lift will be remarkably long-lasting. Factors such as your age, the elasticity of your skin and your lifestyle will determine the longevity of your results. You can expect to enjoy your elevated contours, tighter skin and firmer breasts — not to mention the confidence that comes with them — for many years to come. As you continue to age, your breasts will age with you, but they will always look more attractive and youthful than they would have without surgery.

Breast Lift FAQs

Will a breast lift leave visible scars?

Some scarring is a natural part of any surgical breast lift, and there’s no way around incisions entirely. What Dr. Vasisht can control is where they go and how well they heal. He chooses the least invasive technique your degree of sagging allows and places incisions in discreet spots, typically around the areola and along the natural breast crease, so they fade and blend well over time.

Does a breast lift affect nipple sensation?

It can, though changes are often temporary. Some women notice increased or decreased sensitivity in the weeks and months after surgery as the nerves heal, and for most, sensation gradually returns to normal. Incision placement and technique both play a role, and Dr. Vasisht plans to preserve nerve function from the start.

Can I combine a breast lift with a mommy makeover?

Many women who’ve had children want to address more than just their breasts, so a lift is often paired with a tummy tuck and liposuction as part of a full mommy makeover to restore their pre-pregnancy figure in a single operation. Combining procedures means one recovery period instead of several, which many busy moms appreciate.

Will breastfeeding still be possible after a breast lift?

For most women, yes. A breast lift removes excess skin and repositions existing tissue rather than removing glandular tissue, so breastfeeding ability is usually still possible after the procedure. Still, no breast surgery is entirely without risk to milk ducts and nerves. If you’re planning to breastfeed in the future, mention it early, so it becomes part of your surgical planning from day one.

Can breasts sag again after a lift?

Over time, yes, some sagging can return, though a lift resets the clock rather than stopping it entirely. The same factors that caused the original sagging, like aging, gravity and changes in your skin’s elasticity, will continue to act on your breasts long after surgery. A stable weight and a supportive bra go a long way toward preserving your results. If sagging becomes noticeable years down the road, a revision lift can restore your contour.

If I combine a lift with implants, how do I choose between saline and silicone?

Both options are safe, but they feel and perform a little differently. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and can be adjusted slightly during surgery. In contrast, silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel that many patients feel looks and feels closer to natural breast tissue.

It’s worth reading more about breast augmentation on its own, since the right choice really comes down to your goals, body type and the amount of natural tissue you have to work with.

Does a breast lift require general anesthesia?

Yes, a breast lift is typically performed under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and still throughout the procedure. Dr. Vasisht and his surgical team will go over your anesthesia plan during your consultation, including any precautions based on your medical history. Because the surgery is performed in a controlled setting with a trained anesthesia provider, most patients tolerate it well and wake up in recovery with little memory of the procedure itself.

When can I return to normal activities like driving, exercise and sleeping on my stomach?

This varies by patient, but there are a few general guidelines. You can typically resume driving once you’re off prescription pain medication and can move comfortably, often within a week or so. Sleeping on your stomach and high-impact exercise both put pressure on healing tissue, so Dr. Vasisht will usually ask you to avoid these for several weeks until your breasts have had time to heal. He’ll give you a personalized timeline based on your recovery progress.

Will my results look natural, or overly tight and artificial?

Dr. Vasisht’s approach focuses on restoring a graceful, natural-looking shape. He personalizes the technique to your anatomy and body, so the goal is breasts that look like a firmer, more youthful version of your own, not a dramatically altered one. Many patients say their results feel like getting their pre-pregnancy or pre-weight-loss shape back, rather than something entirely new.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a breast lift?

Non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening or laser treatments can offer subtle firming, but they can’t replicate the results of a surgical lift, especially for moderate to severe sagging. These options tighten the skin itself rather than repositioning breast tissue, making them better suited to a mild, temporary boost than a long-term fix. Your consultation is the best place to find out whether your degree of sagging would realistically respond to non-surgical options.

How much does a breast lift cost?

It depends on the technique used, whether you’re combining the lift with another procedure and your individual anatomy. No two surgical plans look the same, which is why personalized pricing only comes after Dr. Vasisht understands the extent of correction you need. South Shore Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to help make treatment more accessible.

Does insurance cover a breast lift?

Generally, no. A breast lift is considered a cosmetic procedure since it’s intended to improve the appearance of sagging breasts rather than address a functional health issue, so insurance typically doesn’t cover it. Dr. Vasisht can walk you through what to expect cost-wise once he understands your surgical plan.

What should I look for in a surgeon for a breast lift?

Board certification is the most important credential to look for, since it confirms your surgeon has completed rigorous training and testing specifically in plastic surgery. It’s also worth looking at a surgeon’s experience with breast procedures specifically, their before-and-after photos of real patients and how comfortable you feel communicating with them during a consultation.

Dr. Vasisht is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed breast lift surgery for many women throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia, and he encourages every prospective patient to ask questions and review his results before deciding to move forward.

Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery in New Jersey

As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Vasisht is inspired by the goal of restoring harmony and beauty to the body. Sagging, lifeless breasts are not only an aesthetic concern, they can change the way clothing fits you, your sense of femininity and how confident you feel. A breast lift with board-certified surgeon Dr. Vasisht can transform your figure and your self-image for the better. Contact South Shore Plastic Surgery today at (856) 322-8100 to schedule a consultation and begin planning for your new body.