breast lift patientThe idea of having years of breast sagging and volume loss magically lifted in a single procedure sounds like a dream come true for many people. But there are a lot of details to consider when deciding if a breast lift is a good choice for you. In order to help you figure that out, we have answered the most common questions and points of confusion surrounding this popular cosmetic surgery.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Starting with the basics is important. A breast lift is a cosmetic surgery that aims to create perkier and more attractive breasts in a patient by removing excess skin and tissue in the area. It is generally performed under anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, which means you will need to be willing to commit to a full surgery in exchange for dramatic improvement in your breast contours.

What Is a Breast Lift Called?

Most surgeries have multiple names that people use. A breast lift is also referred to as a mastopexy, primarily by surgeons and other medical professionals. You should remember that terms like “boob jobs” refer to breast augmentation, which is technically a different procedure than a breast lift.

How Common are Breast Lifts?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons report, more than 87,000 breast lifts were performed throughout 2020. The year prior, more than 110,000 were performed. Like most aesthetic procedures, COVID-19 impacts the total number of procedures performed, but the high volume that was retained despite restrictions shows how much people value the results that a breast lift can provide.

Do I Need a Breast Lift?

This question is mostly a personal one. If you are experiencing breast sagging after pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuation or the natural aging process, then you are likely someone who could benefit from a breast lift. But you should be sure that you have the procedure performed for your own reasons — not to meet someone else’s expectations. If you want to look better in swimwear or generally want to improve your appearance for your own confidence, then you should consider a breast lift.

How Much Is a Breast Lift?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that the average cost of a breast lift in 2020 was $5,012. While this is a great place to start, you should keep in mind that your own price may differ depending on a few factors like the amount of correction being performed, any combination procedures, your unique geographic location and your own aesthetic goals. Facility fees and anesthesia costs can change depending on a variety of factors as well. 

When Can I lift My Arms After Breast Lift or Reduction?

Immediately after your surgery, it is likely that your range of motion will be limited. You should avoid overexerting or overextending yourself during your recovery since you could accidentally reopen your wounds and damage the long-term appearance of your scars. You will have regular follow-up appointments with our expert staff, who will let you know when certain milestones are safe to cross. Typically, after a couple of weeks, you can safely and comfortably lift your arms without risking damage to your wounds.

Do Your Breasts Get a Lift During a Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction is a different procedure than a breast lift. Breast reductions aim to decrease the size and volume of a woman’s breasts. However, when that is achieved, the woman is often left with an unnecessary excess of skin and tissue that would cause the breasts to droop. For this reason, most surgeons will perform a breast lift or “mini” breast lift to ensure a perky and appealing shape. This issue becomes less of a concern in patients with strong skin elasticity.

How Is a Breast Lift Performed?

A breast lift is performed in four steps: anesthesia, incisions, tissue removal and closure. The entire process can take a couple of hours, depending on your specific surgery. Your surgeon should go through the whole process with you before the day of the surgery, so there should be no surprises or questions left for you on the day of the procedure. 

What Are the Breast Lift Incision Options?

There are three primary incision patterns that are used: circular, lollipop and anchor. The circular incision makes a cut around the nipple-areolar complex. It provides the most negligible noticeable scarring and the least amount of access to your surgeon. This is generally reserved for patients with mild breast sagging. The lollipop incision includes the same cut as the previous method but consists of a vertical incision spanning from the nipple-areolar complex to the bottom of the breast fold. This provides more access at the cost of more scarring and is a good option for anyone with moderate skin ptosis. The anchor technique uses both the circular and lollipop incisions but goes further by cutting across the bottom of the inframammary fold beneath the breast. This provides the greatest amount of access and the highest amount of incisions for patients with severe levels of breast ptosis.

What Age Can I Get a Breast Lift?

Generally, the only rule of thumb is to make sure your breasts have finished developing before having any surgeries. If you were to have a breast lift too early, there is no telling how future growth will impact the aesthetic of your breasts. This also goes for anyone who is looking to become pregnant, nurse or lose a significant amount of weight. Having a breast lift performed and then fluctuating your breast size can compromise your results and put you back to square one.

How Safe Is a Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery is considered very safe, but you should always know that certain risks are always present when undergoing anesthesia and surgery. You will have a complete medical team with you on the day of your surgery to monitor your health. As long as you have disclosed all medical conditions, it is improbable that a serious complication will develop.

Can I Get a Limited Incision Breast Lift?

Patients with mild to moderate amount of needed correction may be eligible for a limited incision breast lift, which reduces the total amount of scarring on your body. The approach to your particular procedure will be unique to you, so it is best to speak to one of our medical professionals about this option. We perform this on a great number of women who are often ecstatic with the results.

Does Medicare Cover Breast Lifts?

Medicare does not cover anything that is considered cosmetic or optional. In some cases, a breast reduction and lift combination may be covered if the condition is causing other medical concerns, but a breast lift in itself typically yields no medical benefits.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Lifts?

Similar to Medicare, private insurance policies rarely cover elective cosmetic procedures like breast lifts if there is no medical benefit to the patient. You should always check with your insurance provider to see if there are any benefits available to you.

Is There a Nonsurgical Breast Lift?

While a nonsurgical breast lift sounds like a fantastic concept, there is, unfortunately, no nonsurgical option available on the market that will allow you to experience the same results as a breast lift. Some minimally invasive or noninvasive claim to provide some results, but these are often just used as bandaid solutions until a patient is ready to commit to a complete breast lift surgery.

Does a Breast Lift Leave Scars?

Yes, part of having a breast lift performed is the eventual development of scar tissue. Luckily, most of the incisions that are made for this surgery are hidden within natural folds and borders on the body, making them much harder to notice in most cases. As time goes by, the scars will naturally begin to fade — many patients eventually find their scars virtually invisible.

Can I Get a Breast Lift Without Scars?

Unlike a breast augmentation, which can go through different parts of the body, a breast lift requires that tissue is directly removed from the body — meaning that scarring is inevitable. There is currently no technique that can remove this tissue and excess skin without developing scars. But there is something called a Limited Incision Breast Lift that was designed to minimize the amount of scarring.

Do I Need Implants with a Breast Lift?

No, you do not have to have implants placed during your breast lift. You can, however, choose to do so if that is your aesthetic preference. In some cases, increased size can mean fewer incisions since some volume loss is being addressed by filling in the excess tissue. You should consult with a member of our expert team to figure out exactly which method would best achieve your aesthetic goals.   

Is a Breast Lift Painful?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure, so you should be prepared for some level of pain or discomfort. While most patients can get through this pain with over-the-counter medications, prescriptions are available for those who need them. The first two weeks of recovery will be the most difficult since this is when you will experience the most pain, discomfort, swelling, redness and soreness. By the end of those two weeks, the worst of most of these symptoms are behind you.

Is Breast Lift Surgery Dangerous?

In the hands of a highly trained and experienced professional like those at Newport Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Associates, breast lift surgery is not considered particularly dangerous. Aside from the typical anesthesia risks, a breast lift is relatively low stakes.

Can You Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?

A breast lift has no impact on a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Everything necessary to produce and supply milk to an infant is still there. If you are considering having children, though, you may want to consider having your breast lift performed after your childbearing and nursing process since these life steps can reverse the results from your breast lift.

How Long Does a Breast Lift Take to Heal?

Usually, a full recovery can be made within eight weeks, depending on your body’s ability to heal and the extent of the correction that was performed. You will have plenty of follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure healing is going smoothly.  It is also common for a resorbable mesh to be used to provide more breast support throughout this process.

Can I Go Without a Bra After a Breast Lift?

Immediately after a breast lift and during your recovery, you will more than likely need to wear a supportive bra round the clock. You may even be provided with what is known as a compression garment — a tight piece of clothing that is used on the targeted area to prevent excess swelling. Once your recovery is over, many patients find themselves fully capable of skipping the bra thanks to their new perky breast appearance.

How Long After a Breast Lift Can I Swim?

You will need to progress fully through the healing process in order to go swimming. Wait until you are officially cleared by your surgeon, otherwise, you risk infection or the opening of your wound. Both of these options can drastically damage your results and safety, so you should always wait until you are cleared by your surgeon to move forward with strenuous activities like this one.

How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

The longevity of your breast lift is based entirely on your genetics, lifestyle and environment. Some people find that they can go more than 15 years without needing a follow-up treatment, while some people need to repeat the process every 10 years or so to keep up with the development of new tissue sagging.   

Is a Breast Lift Worth It?

Many of our patients are happy to find out that their new breast appearance was well worth their financial and time investment. They reclaim their confidence and live fuller lives because they are no longer self-conscious. Whether you consider a breast lift to be worth it or not depends on how much you value things like self-confidence.

Expert Breast Lift Surgery in Newport Beach, CA

If you are ready to learn more about how breast lift surgery can improve your confidence by restoring perkier and more youthful breasts, give our office a call at (949) 251-1502 to schedule a consultation or fill out our online contact form to have a member of our team reach out to you at a better time. We are looking forward to being your trusted partner throughout your aesthetic journey.

Natural Breast Lift without Implants | Newport Beach | Plastic SurgeryBreast lift is a major cosmetic surgery procedure designed to firm up and tighten sagging breasts to restore their youthful appearance. However, many women are reluctant to choose an invasive surgery for aesthetic enhancement of the breasts. In such cases, it is possible to achieve the desired effect of breast lift in a natural way without involving any cuts or incisions and without any need for breast implants. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify provides natural breast lift procedure that is designed to create natural, perky, and youthful breasts using the patient’s own fat and tissue. The procedure will leave no scar because no cuts or incisions on the breast will be necessary. Dr. Seify provides this unique, natural breast lift procedure to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding locations.  

Procedure

Prior to the actual fat transfer procedure, the patient will be provided with a special bra, which should be worn at night during sleep for a few weeks. This soft, gel-like brassiere works as an external tissue expander. It will gently suction the breast area in order to create sufficient recipient space for a substantial amount of newly injected fat to survive. Once the tissue expansion is completed, the patient will be ready for a natural breast lift without plastic surgery. The fat transfer procedure will be performed on an outpatient basis, and will only involve conservative anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Seify will lift the natural breast tissue and inject the patient’s own fat collected from a donor site in another area of the body. The breast skin will tighten because of the grafted fat and the impact of an internal bra. This internal bra is created with surgical suture material, and provides supports and lifts the breast natural. The patient will feel the results as if she is wearing a bra, except that the bra in this case is underneath the skin. This procedure enables tightening of excess skin without creating any incisions and without causing any scars. The breasts appear perkier and completely rejuvenated in a natural way. Dr. Seify is a leading cosmetic surgeon receiving patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby areas for natural breast lift without implants.  

Recovery

One of the key advantages with a natural breast lift without implants is that the recovery is much faster than a traditional breast lift or breast implant procedure. The recovery period involves minimal pain or discomfort. Most women will be ready to resume their regular activities in about two to four days. Vigorous exercises should be avoided for about 10 days.  

Body Weight

Some women are worried that they may be too thin for a fat transfer breast lift procedure. However, in reality, most women are stellar candidates for this procedure, as far as the body weight aspect is concerned. Even if the patient does not have a localized area of excess fat, special techniques can be used to evenly harvest a small volume of fat from a large surface area.
Breast lift cosmetic surgery procedure is designed to lift droopy breasts and provide them a more youthful and perkier projection, while creating more sensuous breast contours. The procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with other surgeries such as breast augmentation. Women typically achieve a younger and fitter appearance, and feel more confident and attractive about their body after a breast lift. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon providing breast lift and other procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities.

Candidacy

Women who are unhappy with the significantly sagging appearance of the breasts may make stellar candidates for breast lift plastic surgery. The candidate should be in solid overall health and not having any plans of pregnancy in the foreseeable future. The overall body weight of the woman should be stable, and she should not have any plans for a major weight loss following the surgery.

Basic Price

The average dollar amount of breast lift surgery in the US in 2014, as per the figures released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, was $4,207. Anesthesia costs, surgical facility financial factors, and other related expenses on the check off list were not included in this figure. The overall cost of breast lift may range from $6,000 to $12,000, depending on various factors. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby locations for breast lift surgery. Breast Lift Before and After Photo Gallery

Types of Breast Lift

A number of innovative breast lift techniques are available today, and the surgeon will choose a technique and incision pattern that meets the unique needs of a patient. Standard Breast Lift Traditional breast lift surgery involves an anchor shaped incision that is created around the areola circumference, along with another vertical incision down to the base of the breast. A third incision is made along the breast crease horizontally. Sagging lower half of the breasts can be addressed very effectively with this technique. Doughnut Mastopexy This technique involves relatively lesser amount of skin removal as compared to a standard breast lift. It results in minimal scarring and reduced downtime. The technique involves circumferential incisions around the nipple and areola to remove a limited amount of breast tissue to lift the breasts. Lollipop Lift This technique falls somewhere in between a doughnut lift and a standard lift. The procedure begins with the surgeon creating an incision around the areola and nipple, while a smaller incision is made vertically down to the breast crease. Women who require a moderate lift can benefit from this technique. Laser Bra Lift This is one of the latest, innovative alternatives to standard breast lift. In this procedure, the surgeon will use the excess skin to support the underside of the breasts, instead of removing excess skin. The procedure can provide more sustainable and longer lasting results.

Recovery

Most patients will need at least one week off from work to achieve adequate recovery following breast lift. Mild pain and discomfort during this period can be relieved with pain medications.
Breast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to elevate the position of breasts and make them appear firmer and more youthful. The procedure typically also involves the repositioning of areolas and nipples. During the initial consultation for breast lift, the surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure to explain its potential effectiveness. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon providing breast lift and other procedures. Dr. Seify will try to ensure that a new patient gets access to breast lift before and after photos so that she can understand the procedure better and make a well informed decision. Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities.

What are Breast Lift Before and After Photos?

Before and after photos in case of breast lift plastic surgery refer to a set of images belonging to an earlier patient who has undergone the same surgery with satisfactory results. The set includes pictures taken prior to the procedure and after the procedure at a time when the swelling and bruising has subsided and full effects of the surgery are visible. The cosmetic surgeon will take these pictures with the consent of the patient and present them before new patients in an agreeable and discreet manner. The only purpose of these pictures is to educate new patients about various aspects of breast lift. The pictures serve as a visual aid to let knew patients know what the procedure can or cannot do for them.

Benefits

When a new patient is considering a breast lift procedure, she may only have a vague idea of how the surgery may help fulfill her unique aesthetic goals, and how it may improve her overall physical appearance. Some patients may need breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation surgery in order to meet their needs. The extent of surgery required, the type of surgical technique adopted, and the need for additional procedures are aspects that can differ from one patient to another. The patient can make the most appropriate choices in consultation with the surgeon when she has access to breast lift before and after images. Patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive this surgery from Dr. Seify.

Being Realistic

Experienced plastic surgeons try to ensure that the patient seeking breast lift or another aesthetic procedure has a positive mindset, clear aesthetic goals and realistic expectations. This is where breast before and after pictures can be very useful in helping the patient understand what to expect and what not to expect from the surgery. Patients with realistic expectations will typically achieve higher satisfaction levels from the results. The chances of any misunderstanding or disappointment occurring at a later stage are minimized when the patient knows the potential results clearly and chooses to undergo the surgery with a clear understanding.

Online Photos

The plastic surgeon can provide online versions of breast lift before and after photos on their practice website. This will allow new patients to review these photos even before they are ready to visit the surgeon’s office for a breast lift consultation.

Breast Lift Surgery 

Breast Lift Surgery Cost Newport Beach | Orange County Plastic SurgeryBreast lift is a much sought-after cosmetic surgery procedure in the US today. The procedure is designed to raise sagging breasts to a more youthful level and make them appear firmer and perkier. The areolas and nipples are also usually repositioned along with breast lift. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify provides breast lift and various other procedures for the breast, body and face. During the initial consultation, Dr. Seify will discuss various aspects of the procedure, including its estimated costs. He receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding areas.

Average Price

In 2014, the average cost of breast lift plastic surgery in the US was $4,207, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). However, the ASPS clarified that this cost does not cover the dollar amounts of anesthesia, surgical facility costs, and other related expenses. In any case, the monetary amount can vary substantially from one practice to another due to several factors. The overall financial reality of breast lift surgery, including all the costs such as anesthesia, operating room, surgical accessories, prescription medications, medical tests, post-op visits to the surgeon’s office, and other expenses may range from $8,000 to $14,000. The stipulated price may be slightly higher if breast lift is performed in conjunction with breast implant surgery. Extent of Surgery Patients with relatively smaller breasts and a moderate level of sagging will usually require less complex procedure. The effect on your financials will typically fall in the lower end of the price range in such cases. On the contrary, patients with severely drooping breasts or oversized but sagging breasts will require more extensive surgery, which can increase the dollar figure. Expertise of the Surgeon A highly skilled cosmetic surgeon with a stellar reputation and several years of experience in performing breast surgeries may charge a relatively higher fee. According to the ASPS, patients should focus on choosing the right surgeon for their needs, and treat the surgeon’s fee only as a secondary factor in this decision. Location of the Practice The monetary amount of healthcare can differ from one place to another, depending on the average price tag of living in a particular area. For instance, the monetary amount of breast lift in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby locations may not be the same as the dollar figure of the same procedure in, say, Utah. Surgical Room Costs Breast lift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The cost will relatively lower if it is performed at an ambulatory surgical center than at a hospital. In an exceptional case, if the patient needs an overnight stay, the cost will be higher. The financial setback that you would be looking at may be reduced if the procedure is performed at a surgeon’s own surgical suite.

Financing

Medical financing companies will be able to provide convenient payment terms and low-interest plans to most patients seeking breast lift. Some of the medical finance firms may even offer zero interest financing in case the balance amount is paid in full within a specified time frame. The surgeon’s office may be able to provide guidance and assistance with regarding to financing of the procedure.

FAQs on Breast Lift Price

How much is a breast lift?

The cost of a breast lift can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the surgeon's experience, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost of a breast lift in the United States is around $4,800 to $8,000.

What factors affect the cost of a breast lift?

Several factors can influence the cost of a breast lift, including the surgeon's fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and the extent of the procedure. Additionally, the cost can vary depending on where you live and the demand for plastic surgery in your area.

Does insurance cover the cost of a breast lift?

In most cases, insurance does not cover the cost of a breast lift because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if you have a medical condition such as breast cancer, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure.

How can I find a good surgeon for my breast lift?

When choosing a plastic surgeon for your breast lift, it's important to do your research. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing breast lifts. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have undergone similar procedures.

Are there financing options available for a breast lift?

Yes, many plastic surgery practices offer financing options to help patients afford the cost of their breast lift. These financing options may include payment plans, medical credit cards, or loans.

How much is a breast lift in Newport Beach or Orange County?

The cost of a breast lift in Newport Beach or Orange County may be higher than the national average due to the higher cost of living and the demand for plastic surgery in the area. It's best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in the area for a personalized quote.

A Breast Lift: Do you need one?

Breast Surgery | Breast Lift | Newport Beach | Orange County CABreast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to firm up and lift the breasts to a more youthful position. Many women seek breast implant consultation when they may actually require a breast lift procedure. It is important for a woman to understand whether her aesthetic needs can be met with a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure, or a combination of the two. The plastic surgeon will primarily determine whether a candidate needs breast lift or not by taking into consideration her breast anatomy, degree of skin elasticity in the breasts, size of breasts, and the patient’s personal aesthetic goals. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify is a leading provider of breast lift and other procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities.

Consultation Process

During the initial consultation process for breast augmentation or breast lift plastic surgery, the surgeon will encourage the candidate to ask questions and clarify all her doubts and concerns. At the same time, the surgeon will also ask questions to ascertain the patient’s innate aesthetic needs and expectations. Some of the key questions that the surgeon may ask will include the following:
  • Are you satisfied with the size of breasts in proportion to your body?
  • Are you satisfied with the current level of firmness of breasts and the position of nipples?
  • Are you keen to achieve greater fullness in the upper half of the breasts?
If the answers to the queries indicate that the candidate would prefer to increase the size of breasts and enhance upper half fullness, but is reasonably satisfied with the existing firmness of breasts and position of nipples, then a breast implant surgery may be recommended. On the other hand, if size is not much of a concern, but the candidate is unhappy due to heavily sagging breasts and downward pointing nipples, a breast lift procedure may be recommended. If the concerns pertain to size as well as firmness, a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation may be the best option. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Seify will carefully examine the patient’s overall condition, and assess her intrinsic aesthetic needs before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach. Dr. Seify provides breast procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby locations.

Determining the need for a Breast Lift

Many women are initially surprised when the surgeon suggests breast lift as the right procedure for them instead of breast implants, or suggests breast lift with implants. The surgeon will determine the patient’s need for breast lift after as careful examination and detailed consultation. If the nipples are located below the inframammary fold (IMF) level, it indicates that the patient needs to have a repositioning of the nipples and gland to a higher level. The surgeon will usually make the candidate stand up with her arms at her sides. A woman may also perform a check by standing in front of a mirror, turn sideways, and observe her breasts from the side. In this position, if it is seen that the nipples are falling below the breast crease or IMF level, then it indicates that the woman requires a breast lift surgery. If the nipples are position at or above this level, then she may only be a candidate for breast implant surgery.
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