Breast Lift

Breasts may lose elasticity and sag over time due to a number of factors including age, genetics, pregnancy, and weight changes. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift, reshape, and tighten the breasts. It can also improve asymmetry and other cosmetic imperfections. Breast lifts can be combined with breast augmentations for increased volume or breast reductions for a full rejuvenation, depending on the patient’s goals and starting point.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic, surgical procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon that raises and contours sagging or drooping breasts to achieve a more elevated position and a tighter, rounder shape.This procedure tightens and reshapes the breasts to achieve a more youthful breast contour. It’s often performed on patients looking to keep their current breast size but are tired of struggling with drooping and/or asymmetrical breasts.

A breast lift can also be combined with breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures for those looking to address volume or other areas of the body.

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How Does a Breast Lift Work?

A breast lift works by surgically removing excess skin from the breasts in order to reshape and reposition the natural breast tissue (including the nipple and areola complex). By reworking the breast tissue, you can achieve a lifted and perkier breast contour and breast appearance.

With the use of specific incisions and his years of experience, Dr. Lee Colony will give you the results you’re looking for while maintaining safety and efficacy.

Breast Lift Candidates

Sagging, pendulous breasts are a common concern among many women. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, heredity, gravity, and fluctuations in weight can cause breast tissue to droop and sag. If you suffer from dependent breasts, a mastopexy or breast lift surgery, performed at our East Lansing facility, can offer a solution. Breast lifts are often performed in conjunction with augmentation via breast implants or breast reduction surgery for patients who wish to change both the shape and size of their breasts.

However, if you are satisfied with the current size of your breasts but simply wish to restore their youthful shape and contouring, you may be a good candidate for a traditional breast lift without additional surgical procedures.

Types of Breast Lift Treatments

There are several different types of breast lift incisions. Which one is used during your procedure will depend on the amount of breast tissue being removed and the results you’re looking for. The types of incisions include crescent, donut, lollipop, and anchor.

Crescent

The crescent incision involves making a half-circle incision along the top of the areola. From there, the breast will be lifted, and the excess skin and tissue removed. This incision is typically only done when you’re experiencing a small amount of sagging and need only minor correction.

Donut

Just as the name suggests, this incision is made around the entire areola. This is one of the most common breast lift incisions and is often used for patients with mild to moderate sagging.

Lollipop

Another very common breast lift incision, the lollipop or vertical lift incision circles the areola and moves vertically down to the breast crease. This incision is done when there is a moderate amount of sagging and excess skin.

Anchor

For those looking to address a large amount of sagging or also having a breast reduction with their breast lift, the anchor incision is often used. This incision involves circling the areola, going vertically down to the breast crease, and then horizontally along the breast crease. Dr. Colony will discuss whether an anchor incision or another option is best for your needs.

Patient Testimonials

I am beyond thrilled with my choice of a plastic surgeon. Dr. Colony is not only incredibly smart and he's got the bedside manner going for him which is quite hard to find in surgeons. I have not only recommended Colony to many friends, but I've actually realized a couple of friends had gone to him before without me realizing.

Dr. Colony did AMAZING work!!!! I could NOT be happier with my results. I am 6wks post op breast augmentation and I am completely 150% satisfied. I spent 2hrs asking questions in my consultation. He answered every single one of them. The procedure went perfectly and great CRNA and staffing. Great pre/post-op packet given before surgery. Am sooooo pleased with my results!! Couldn't be happier!! Would recommend to everyone, tell everyone about Dr. Colony!!

Was very cautious, and thought long and hard about whether I should or shouldn't. Awesome decision. Should have done it a long time ago. A great accomplishment that couldn't have been done without the help of Dr. Colony and his awesome team. If you're living a minute with any self-doubt or low self-esteem about a certain body part, put your Nikes on and JUST DO IT!

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Before Your Breast Lift Procedure

Before your breast lift procedure, you will first want to schedule a complementary consultation with Dr. Lee Colony. During this appointment, he will go over your medical history, answer any questions you have, perform an exam, discuss your expectations, and walk you through each step of the procedure process. We may also take pre-operative photos for your medical record.

You’ll also want to stop smoking, avoid certain medications, and arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery. They may also need to help you with your daily activities for the first few days. You will also need to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.

During Your Breast Lift Procedure in East Lansing

A breast lift is a procedure that is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The procedure begins with incisions that are made around the areola and may extend to the breast crease. The specific placement and angle of the incisions are based on different factors including the size and shape of the breasts, the location of the areola, the overall degree of breast laxity, and your desired outcome.

Once the incisions are made, the excess breast skin is removed, breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, and the areola is placed in a higher position. Once the incisions are closed, compression garments are typically used for support while the new, youthful breast contour settles into place.

After Your Breast Lift Procedure in East Lansing

After the procedure, a compression garment or supportive bra should be worn to help facilitate healing as well as comfort for several weeks. Recovery times will vary, but most patients are able to return to work in about a week or two following their surgery, depending on their job. During the first few days after surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with medications. You should avoid any strenuous activity like lifting, exercising, and sex for the first two weeks. If you are required to manage any drains or incisions, you’ll receive instructions to follow before any follow-up appointments.wear a support bra for 3-4 weeks.

If you opt for implants with your breast lift surgery, then your recovery will be mostly the same as a traditional breast lift. In this case, a supportive bra can help the implants remain in place and avoid putting strain on the incisions. You’ll receive instructions on how to care for incisions and drains if applicable.

What to Expect From Your Breast Lift Results

You’ll notice a change in the appearance of your breasts immediately after your breast lift procedure. That said, swelling may hide some of your results, but that will ease and dissipate as you heal. Your breasts will continue to settle and shape over the next few months.

While scars are permanent, they’ll soften and become thin within 1 to 2 years. Additionally, scars from a breast lift can usually be hidden by bras and bathing suits.

The breast lift results are typically permanent, but it can depend on your age and the quality of your skin. Sagging can also still occur if you have heavier or larger breasts. You’ll also want to keep a stable weight and wear quality breast support to maintain your results.

Dr. Lee Colony

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at Michigan Plastic Surgery

Meet Dr. Lee H. Colony, M.D., F.A.C.S., a renowned Board Certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery. As a respected national speaker and educator, his dedication to patient safety and involvement in esteemed medical societies highlight his exceptional skills.