Breast Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tualatin and Portland, Oregon
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that raises and firms the breasts. This procedure improves breast contour and shape by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Many people seek this surgery due to ptotic, sagging breasts caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or genetic factors. (1) Understanding the complexities of this procedure can help individuals make informed decisions about whether a breast lift aligns with their aesthetic goals.
Breast lift procedures offer women an effective way to rejuvenate their breasts after life’s stressors have left them with an undesirable appearance. Dr. Aaron Gorin is one of Oregon’s leading breast specialists and has helped countless women sculpt breasts they can feel confident with. If you would like to explore your breast-lifting options further, do not hesitate to begin treatment by scheduling a consultation. You can easily schedule your consultation by completing our online contact form. If you have any further questions, we are happy to help you get the information you need. Call the Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa Tualatin office today at (503) 692-7222 to speak with one of our expert staff members.
Contents
About Breast Lifts
The breast lift is a surgical intervention that aims to elevate and reshape the breasts. Patients pursue a breast lift for numerous reasons, including enhancing self-esteem, creating better proportions, and feeling more youthful and vibrant. The natural aging process, hormonal changes, weight loss or gain, and the effects of pregnancy can contribute to the sagging of breast tissue, a condition known as breast ptosis. (1) Women may find that their breasts have lost volume and elasticity and that they no longer retain their desired shape or fullness. A breast lift assists in repositioning the breasts higher on the chest wall, often involving nipple repositioning for improved aesthetic harmony.
Breast lift surgeries have evolved significantly, showcasing various techniques to meet patients’ needs safely.
Benefits
Undergoing a personalized breast lift procedure at Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa offers numerous advantages. Above all else, patients feel a new, enhanced sense of beauty and femininity with breasts that enhance their confidence. Our patients often see improvements through:
- Improved breast position: The surgery elevates the position of the breasts on the chest wall, achieving a more youthful silhouette.
- Enhanced symmetry: Different shapes and sizes of breasts can be addressed to create a more harmonious appearance.
- Nipple repositioning: Nipple location can be corrected for optimal placement on the newly elevated breast.
- Boosted confidence: Many women report increased self-esteem with their enhanced appearance.
- Better fit in clothing: Clothes may fit in a more flattering way following the enhancement.
- Customized approaches: Procedures can be tailored to individual anatomy and desires, ensuring that each woman gets customized care and results.
Candidates
Candidates for a breast lift are typically women looking to rejuvenate their breast appearance. Breasts that are sagging, ptotic, deflated or more can be amended with a breast lift treatment. Patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after their procedure and also maintain realistic expectations for their results. Candidates must also be in good general health, as any significant underlying conditions may increase the risk of complications. If you believe you may benefit from a breast lift, a consultation with Dr. Gorin will determine if you qualify for surgery.
Consultation
A personal consultation at Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa begins the journey toward your breast lift. During this meeting, Dr. Gorin will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, perform a physical examination, and listen to your cosmetic concerns. This assessment allows him to formulate the ideal surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy and desired outcomes.
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, express your aesthetic goals, and discuss potential risks and benefits associated with the surgery. Contact our office today at (503) 692-7222 or complete our online inquiry form to explore your options and schedule your personal consultation.
Preparation
Once your breast lift surgery is scheduled, you will receive detailed preparation instructions. Adhering to these preoperative guidelines will optimize your results and facilitate a smoother recovery. You may be required to:
- Discontinue blood thinners and certain supplements as instructed.
- Avoid smoking for several weeks before the surgery as nicotine use can hinder healing (if applicable).
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Set aside time away from work and other activities to allow for rest and recovery.
- Fill prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics in advance as directed.
Procedure
Your breast lift procedure will be tailored to your unique anatomy to deliver the best results possible. At the start of your procedure, you will receive anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Most patients are placed under general anesthesia or sedation and receive a supplemental local anesthetic on their breasts as well. Dr. Gorin will begin making strategic incisions based on the selected technique. The incisions made are chosen from a few different techniques, all intended to create the most ideal access to underlying tissues and remove excess skin as necessary. Typically, these incisions are periareolar (around the nipple); vertical; “lollipop,” which combines the periareolar with a vertical incision beneath the nipple; or the anchor incision, which adds a curved incision along the breast fold perpendicular to the lollipop incision. (2) There are also “short scar” incisions available. Also known as a “crescent” lift, these involve an incision above the areola. (2) This method is generally used for limited breast elevation.
After making incisions, Dr. Gorin will carefully remove excess tissue from the breasts. In some cases, the nipples will be removed and then placed in a new, higher position. (2) If necessary, Dr. Gorin will tighten the chest muscles. This can create a stronger foundation for the breasts, allowing them to retain a youthful, healthy, perky appearance for longer. Once the necessary corrections are made, Dr. Gorin will examine the breasts to ensure they are symmetrical and meet your expectations. Finally, your sutures will be closed, and you can begin your recovery. The duration of the procedure usually ranges between two to three hours, but this may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Recovery
You will likely experience swelling and bruising as you recover. Most individuals can expect some discomfort during recovery, which is manageable with prescribed medications. Initial recovery generally lasts one to two weeks, wherein activity must be limited to light movements. During this time, you may be required to wear a compression garment to keep consistent pressure on the breasts to help dissipate swelling. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within a week, while a full recovery may take several weeks. Dr. Gorin will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Following a successful recovery period, you can anticipate a beautiful lift and enhanced breast shape, often coupled with increased confidence.
Results
Once fully recovered, patients can expect significant improvements in breast position, symmetry, and overall aesthetic appeal. Scarring is present but will gradually fade over time, often becoming less noticeable. Each person’s recovery and results will vary, but most will enjoy long-lasting effects when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Corresponding Procedures
Because many patients seeking breast lifts have breasts that are deflated and lack mass, many candidates choose to incorporate breast augmentation with implants or fat transfers into their breast lift procedure. Dr. Gorin offers a combination breast lift with augmentation procedure for these cases. Breast augmentation is a mainstay of plastic surgery, with thousands of women seeking to enhance their breasts each year. During your consultation, Dr. Gorin will listen to your breast appearance goals, and he will then recommend the enhancement options that will work best for you. Breast implants can be made of either silicone or saline. In fat transfer procedures, your own body fat is harvested and processed to be used as a filler medium. This also has the added benefit of reducing fat in unwanted areas.
Cost of Breast Lifts in Portland
The total cost of your breast lift will depend on your goals, the scale of the procedure, the techniques employed in treatment, your recovery necessities, and several other factors. After meeting with Dr. Gorin to discuss your goals, you will receive a comprehensive price quote for your breast lift. Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa also offers financing options for all of our procedures, and our staff would be happy to help you arrange this.
Schedule your consultation online today to begin planning your personalized breast lift treatment. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact our Tualatin office by calling (503) 692-7222.
FAQ
How long do the results of a breast lift last?
The results of a breast lift can remain for many years, but factors such as aging, weight changes, and lifestyle can affect longevity.
Will a breast lift leave scars?
Scars will develop along the incision lines but tend to fade over time. Your care through the healing process will play a significant role in minimizing their visibility.
Can I combine a breast lift with breast augmentation?
Yes! Many patients choose to augment their breast size during a lift. This combined approach can yield fuller and firmer breast contours.
Is recovery from a breast lift painful?
Most patients experience a degree of discomfort, but prescription medications can help manage this. Answers and guidance regarding pain management will be discussed during your consultation.
When can I resume my normal routines after my breast lift?
Light activities can generally be resumed within one week, but strenuous exercises should wait until your physician gives clearance, typically around six weeks post-operation.
References
- Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567792/
- Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/