Breast Lift in McLean and Northern Virginia

A surgical breast lift (mastopexy) is a body contouring procedure that reshapes and lifts sagging breasts. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the existing tissue to create a more youthful and healthier look. This cosmetic breast surgery is reserved for women who have lost breast fullness and shape and who are experiencing breast sag due to breastfeeding, weight loss, gravity, or aging. Seasoned plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi is excited to offer breast lift surgery to women who wish to transform their breasts to regain a sexy silhouette. If you feel self-conscious about your breast shape, call Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA and learn more about how a surgical breast lift can revitalize your look.

Sagging breasts are a common issue for many women as they age or after they have children. Pregnancy and nursing can cause the breasts to droop and lose their youthful shape. Weight fluctuations also lead to breast ptosis or sagging of the breasts. Breast lift surgery addresses all of these concerns at once by reshaping the breasts to achieve a perkier, more rejuvenated appearance. Some of the many benefits of breast lift surgery include:

• Restored breast shape and position
• Elevated nipples and areolas
• Reduced stretched-out skin
• Improved self-esteem and quality of life
• Enhances the form and attractiveness of breasts
• Reduces irritation under the breasts
• Supports the breast with a tighter look
• Reduces the size of the areolas for a tidier, improved aesthetic

You may be an ideal candidate for a breast lift if you are in overall good health and have low-hanging breasts. In many cases, women visit Mesbahi Plastic Surgery believing breast augmentation is their best option, but after a physical exam and discussing their needs with Dr. Mesbahi, typically, a breast lift is the better choice. Breasts that have lost elasticity usually need a lift to reduce loose skin and bring the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. If you have nipples that droop downward and your breasts sag significantly below the crease line, a breast lift can dramatically help your appearance. If you wish to address sagging breast tissue and desire a larger cup size, we can perform a breast augmentation with a lift to achieve your unique goals.

Breast lift surgery can take about 2 – 4 hours and is performed while the patients is under general anesthesia. The duration of this surgery is dependent on the nature of the breast sag. The surgical technique used for a breast lift generally falls into two categories — these are based on the size, location, and nature of the incision. Dr. Mesbahi commonly uses the inverted-T (also known as an anchor) or the doughnut technique to create the incisions. With the anchor method, the incision is placed underneath the breasts and with the doughnut approach, the incision is made around the areolas.

Once the incision is made, any loose skin is carefully trimmed away along with breast tissue and fat that is not wanted. The skin is then tightened and the breasts are positioned higher and lifted so they look healthy. In many cases, the size and shape of the areola are reconstructed and reduced to be symmetric with the new placement and shape of the breast. At this point, an implant or a fat transfer can be inserted within the breast if this was agreed upon with Dr. Mesbahi before surgery. If a breast lift is the only technique being performed and if breast size is a worry, breast implants can be done at a later date.

Breast lift surgery recovery is more extensive than breast augmentation surgery. After your breast lift procedure, you will wear a support bra to diminsh swelling. A small tube will also be placed near the location of the incision to help with excess draining that can often occur after a mastopexy treatment. The post-surgical swelling usually goes away within several days. Dr. Mesbahi or a member of our team will provide in-depth, home treatment care instructions for you to follow to help aid in your healing process. Aesthetic results following a breast lift usually become evident after several months as the breasts settle into their new position on your chest. Your breast lift surgery results will appear natural, and you will feel younger and healthier.

How do I know if I need a breast lift or breast implants?
Whether you should get a breast lift, implants, or both depends on your unique concerns and goals. In many patients, a breast lift will enhance the shape and fullness of your breasts without implants. Dr. Mesbahi will assess your physical condition and listen to your goals in your consultation, then make a decision whether you should get a lift, implants, or an augmentation plus a lift.

Will my nipples be moved during breast lift surgery?
Generally, the nipple-areola complex will be moved up during a breast lift. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, then Dr. Mesbahi can include an areola reduction during your surgery. This can be discussed during your appointment so he can decide on the ideal incision pattern and technique to use during your breast lift.

How long do breast lifts last?
With good care following surgery, your results should last for several years. Your breasts will still age normally so you might start to see loose and sagging skin over time. Factors like significant weight gain or loss can alter your results; therefore, it's best to maintain a steady weight after your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding after a breast lift may also alter your results, which is why Dr. Mesbahi suggests 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. Mesbahi will assess the appearance and physical condition of your breasts during your consultation and discuss how a lift will be able to help you. In your surgery, he will adjust the tissue so your breasts are equal in size and position for symmetry.

Breast lift surgery has changed the lives of so many individuals. If you are troubled by sagging breasts that interfere with your daily activities or stop you from wearing the clothes you want, a mastopexy at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery may be the answer to your problems. During your initial meeting, a thorough examination will be given by Dr. Mesbahi and your goals for surgery will be discussed. We will provide a tailored plan for treatment to help transform your breasts. We invite you to contact Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to speak to a patient coordinator to schedule your private consultation.