Breast Lift Surgery in San Francisco, CA

A breast lift at L Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the breasts by reducing excess skin and tightening areas for a more youthful and healthier appearance. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Charles K. Lee, reserves breast lifts for women who are experiencing breast sag due to aging, significant weight loss, or nursing. Outstanding advancements in breast lift surgery have made this aesthetic surgery so successful that new statistics from the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) reveal around a 70% increase in demand since 2000. Dr. Charles Lee, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in San Francisco, CA, offers this at L Plastic Surgery. By utilizing the most advanced methods, Dr. Lee can decide on the correct technique based upon the degree of sag present as well as the desired aesthetic goal.

You may visit L Plastic Surgery believing you are a candidate for breast implants, but after a private assessment, you may realize that breast lift surgery is what you need. This is because of the level of sag that is present in your breast skin.

If you have lost elasticity in your breast skin, then it may be a better solution to have a breast lift to correct skin looseness and raise the breasts to a higher position. Your nipples may also point downward, or your breasts look elongated. A breast lift can improve the appearance of breasts with stretched out skin from gaining and losing weight, body changes from pregnancy, or the impact of nursing a baby (breastfeeding). Have a private consultation with Dr. Lee to determine your best strategy for your breasts.

Breast lift surgery takes about 2 – 4 hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Lee performs breast lifts at accredited surgical centers or local hospitals in an outpatient setting. To begin, Dr. Lee will make an incision using the anchor (or inverted-T) or the lollipop incision to begin the skin excision process to lift the breast and nipple. Dr. Lee will then trim away the redundant skin. You may also choose to have a breast implant inserted during this surgery as well. When Dr. Lee closes the incisions with sutures, he will tighten up the skin. In the event that the areola/nipple complex is moved, he will reconstruct and reposition them to look proportionate to the breast shape, position, and size of the remaining breast tissues.

The overall recovery period for a breast lift is more extensive than a breast augmentation. After surgery, you will be fitted with a compression garment or bra to help with swelling and keeping your breast in their new position. A thin tube will also be inserted near the surgical site to assist with excess drainage that can sometimes occur after a breast lift. The post-surgical swelling will diminish within about a week. Dr. Lee or a member of his team will provide specific, at-home care instructions for your recovery and healing process. Aesthetic results following a breast lift treatment appear after several months as your newly lifted breasts take their new shape.

Do I need a breast lift or breast implants?
Whether you have a breast lift, implants, or both — the surgery type depends on your specific goals. A breast lift can improve the position of the breasts and nipples, the shape, and the fullness of your breasts without the need for implants (unless requested). Dr. Lee will evaluate your physical condition and also listen to your goals in your consultation, then make a decision whether you would benefit from breast implants, a breast lift, or a breast augmentation with a lift.

Will my nipples be moved?
Typically, the nipple/areola complex will be shifted up in the breast lift. If your areolas are overly large or stretched, then Dr. Lee can include an areola reduction in your surgery. This will be discussed during your consultation so he can decide on the best incision pattern and technique to use in your breast lift.

How long will my results last?
With good care following surgery, your results should last for many years. Your breasts will still age normally, which means you may start to see sagging and loose skin again over time. Factors such as significant weight gain or loss can alter your results, therefore it's best to stay at a steady weight after your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding following a breast lift will also affect your results, which is why Dr. Lee recommends patients wait until they are done having kids to get a breast lift.

Can a breast lift fix asymmetry?
A lift can improve asymmetry in your breasts if they're different in size, firmness, or level of sagging. Dr. Lee will evaluate the appearance and physical condition of your breasts during your consultation and discuss how a lift will be able to help. During your lift, he will adjust the tissue so your breasts are equal in size and position for symmetry.

Breast lift surgery has transformed lives of so many San Francisco, CA patients. If you have hanging, sagging breasts that interfere with your daily activities or prohibit you from wearing certain clothing, a breast lift at L Plastic Surgery may be what you need. When you have your first consultation, a thorough physical exam will be performed by Dr. Lee and your desired outcome will be discussed. We will create a tailored surgical plan to help transform your breasts. We encourage you to contact L Plastic Surgery and speak to a patient coordinator to schedule your first visit.