Home•Procedures•Breast Surgery•Breast Lift in Mountain View

Breast Lift Surgery at a Glance

Sedation: General Anesthesia, Intravenous Sedation, Local Anesthesia
Procedure Length: Approximately two to three hours*
Potential Benefits: A more youthful, lifted bustline; reduction of excess skin, tissue, and the “sagging” effect that often comes with age
Potential Risks: Swelling, bruising; numbness; (less commonly) infection, scarring, changes in sensation, risks associated with anesthesia
Cost: From $12,000

Breasts often start to sag and droop in response to a number of causes, including pregnancy, hereditary traits, and the natural aging process. The breast lift, one specialty of our Mountain View practice, can return a woman’s breasts to their original, perky position. Sagging breasts can be corrected to a more youthful appearance by removing redundant skin and soft tissue. Newer breast lift techniques have resulted in smaller external scars, improved breast shape and a high degree of patient satisfaction. View our before and after gallery of breast lifts without breast implants with our patients in the San Jose Bay Area.

If you would like to discuss the cosmetic benefits of a breast lift without implants, please contact our San Jose plastic surgeon to set up a consultation.

Explore These Topics

Breast Lift Candidates
Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction
Complementary Procedures to Breast Lift Surgery
Breast Lift Consultation
Breast Lift Procedure
Breast Lift Recovery
Breast Lift Results
Breast Lift Safety
Breast Lift Cost

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Breast Lift?

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but Dr. Ereso usually recommends waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts, so you may wish to postpone surgery until after having children.

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

Breasts are pendulous, with adequate breast tissue
Nipples and areolas point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction

A breast lift and breast reduction are distinct procedures with different goals. A breast lift primarily addresses sagging and repositions the breasts higher on the chest wall without significantly altering the size. A breast reduction, on the other hand, aims to decrease breast size by removing excess breast tissue and skin, relieving physical discomfort such as back pain and improving proportionality. Both procedures can include reshaping and repositioning the nipple and areola for a more aesthetically pleasing look, but typically cater to different patient needs regarding breast volume and overall comfort.

What Are Complementary Procedures to Breast Lift Surgery?

When considering a breast lift, you may also explore additional procedures to optimize your aesthetic results. For those seeking not only to lift but also enhance the volume and shape of their breasts, combining breast augmentation with a lift can be ideal. Body contouring options such as tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are also commonly paired with a breast lift, offering comprehensive enhancements while accentuating the uplifted and reshaped breasts. To complete your rejuvenation, BOTOX^® Cosmetic can be used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. This non-surgical treatment is often perfect for addressing signs of aging in the upper body that can detract from the youthful appearance of your new breast profile.

What Does a Breast Lift Consultation Involve?

A personal consultation is the first step. Dr. Ereso will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

Previous surgeries
Past and present medical conditions
Treatments you have received
Medications that you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies
Past experience with weight loss and pregnancies and the effect it had on your breast size
The results of mammograms you have had
Any history of breast cancer in your family

How Is the Breast Lift Procedure Performed?

Your anatomy, your plastic surgeon’s preferences and your desired results will determine the specific method chosen for your breast lift. In our practice, the most common method of breast lift surgery is the vertical technique. This has been adopted from the Belgian and French techniques of Drs LeJour and Lassus. It results in the best lift of your natural breast tissue. After Dr. Ereso has removed the excess breast skin and shaped the remaining breast tissue, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually stretched out in sagging breasts, can also be reduced in size and formed into a more circular shape. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. In some cases, liposuction may be used to improve the contour, especially on the sides of the breasts. Over two to six weeks, significant improvement in your breast shape should occur. It is important that you wear a supportive bra at this time. Your final appearance may not be apparent until several months after surgery.

What Does Breast Lift Recovery Entail?

Within The First Week

You will begin to move about more comfortably and return to (non-strenuous) work
Surgical drains (if used) will be removed and dressings will be changed

After Several Weeks

Bruising, swelling, and normal periodic discomfort will diminish
The last sutures will have been removed
Sensation within the nipple and areola area will gradually improve
You may return to most of your normal activities, including mild exercise

After A Few Months

Your breasts will start settling into a more natural shape
Incision lines, which initially are red or pink, will begin to fade
You may resume exercise

What Results Can Be Expected from Breast Lift Surgery?

Dr. Ereso will make every effort to make breast lift scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that mastopexy scars are permanent. They often gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. Occasionally a scar revision is necessary to achieve the ideal result.

You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won’t keep you firm forever – the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.

Your satisfaction with a breast lift is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.

Avoid straining, bending, and lifting during the early post-operative period. You may resume most of your normal activities after a few weeks.

Is a Breast Lift Safe?

When performed by a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ereso, a breast lift is considered a safe procedure. Like all surgeries, it carries some risks, such as infection, scarring, and changes in nipple or breast sensation; however, serious complications are rare. Pre-surgical assessments and adherence to post-operative instructions are key for minimizing risks. Patients should discuss their medical history, expectations, and concerns with Dr. Ereso to ensure optimal outcomes.

How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost?

While the cost of breast lift surgery can vary from patient to patient, pricing typically starts around $12,000. Factors that may contribute to the final cost include:

Breast implants, if incorporated
Surgeon’s fee
Facility fees
Anesthesia fees
Post-operative medications and garments

After your initial consultation, a member of our team will provide you with a customized quote. At Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we also offer financing options for qualified applicants through CareCredit^®, a reputable third-party lender.

If you would like to set up a consultation to determine whether a breast lift will benefit you, contact us today.