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 for optimal outcomes.

Is breast lift surgery painful?

Because breast lift surgery is performed using anesthesia (and, in many cases, the Pro-Nox™ system), you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. After surgery, it is normal to experience some soreness, numbness, bruising, or swelling as your body begins to heal. These sensations are generally manageable and tend to improve steadily over time. Dr. Ereso will provide detailed guidance on how to remain comfortable during recovery, which may include prescription or over-the-counter medications. Most patients find that any discomfort is temporary and well-controlled, especially when post-operative instructions are followed closely.

Can breast lift surgery make my breasts smaller?

A breast lift is not intended to significantly reduce breast size, and patients seeking a noticeable decrease in volume are generally better suited for breast reduction surgery. Rather than focusing on size, a breast lift is designed to reshape the breasts and remove excess skin to address sagging and improve contour. During your consultation, Dr. Ereso can clarify what type of result you can expect and recommend the most appropriate approach based on your goals. If you would like to set up a consultation to determine whether a breast lift will benefit you, contact us today.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Mountain View CA

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

Breast Lift Surgery at a Glance

Sedation: General Anesthesia, Intravenous Sedation
Procedure Length: Approximately three to five 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: Variable

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 Bay Area practice, can return a woman’s breasts to their original, perky position. With advanced breast lift techniques, sagging breasts can be restored to a more youthful contour through the removal of excess skin and the reshaping of underlying tissue.

If you would like to discuss the cosmetic benefits of a breast lift (with or without implants), please contact our Mountain View plastic surgeon to set up a consultation.

Explore These Topics

Breast Lift Candidates
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
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 Scars
Breast Lift Cost
Additional Breast Lift FAQs

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Breast Lift?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if your breasts have a drooping appearance despite having sufficient tissue. You may also qualify if your nipples and areolas have begun to point downward, particularly if they fall below the natural breast crease.

While a breast lift can be performed at various stages of adulthood, our Bay Area plastic surgeon generally advises waiting until breast development is complete. Moreover, because pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly impact breast shape and volume, some patients choose to delay surgery until after having children.

Should I Get Breast Implants With My Breast Lift?

For some patients, a breast lift alone is enough to restore a more youthful position and improved contour. However, others may feel that their breasts have also lost fullness over time. In these cases, combining a breast lift with implants can enhance both shape and volume.

A breast lift focuses on repositioning existing tissue and removing excess skin, whereas breast augmentation can increase fullness and projection. When performed together, these procedures can create a more comprehensive transformation by elevating the breasts and restoring lost volume at the same time.

The decision to include implants ultimately depends on your aesthetic objectives and breast anatomy. During your consultation, Dr. Ereso will evaluate your concerns and help you determine whether a lift alone or a combined approach may best achieve the look you desire.

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. As stated above, for those seeking not only to lift but also alter the volume and shape of their breasts, combining breast lift surgery with augmentation or reduction strategies 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. Non-surgical treatments like BOTOX^® Cosmetic can further complement your results by softening lines in areas like the face, neck, or chest.

No matter your vision, Dr. Ereso will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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.

In addition to traditional anesthesia options, Dr. Ereso may offer Pro-Nox^™ as part of your experience. This patient-controlled system delivers a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide to help reduce anxiety and discomfort during certain stages of treatment. Because it is self-administered, you remain in control throughout the process and can use it as needed.

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?

Most patients who undergo mastopexy with our Bay Area plastic surgeon are thrilled with their refreshed, more youthful breast contour. That said, it is important to keep in mind that breast lift surgery cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, factors such as gravity, weight changes, and life events like pregnancy may continue to influence the shape and position of the breasts. In some cases, combining a breast lift with implants may maintain fullness and prolong certain aspects of the result.

Patient satisfaction is often highest when expectations are realistic and the details of the procedure are fully understood. During your consultation, Dr. Ereso can help you develop a clear picture of what to expect.

Does Breast Lift Surgery Cause Scarring?

Scarring is an expected part of any surgical procedure, including a breast lift. With this in mind, Dr. Ereso takes great care to place incisions in locations that can be concealed within the natural contours of the breast whenever possible. Over time, these incision lines should become less noticeable as they fade and soften.

Following post-operative instructions carefully and maintaining good skin care habits can support optimal healing.

How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost in the Bay Area?

The cost of breast lift surgery in the Bay Area can vary from patient to patient. Factors such as the surgeon’s fee, facility expenses, anesthesia fees, and post-operative medications and garments can all influence the final amount. After your initial consultation, a member of our team will provide you with a customized quote.

Additional Breast Lift FAQs

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 for optimal outcomes.
Is breast lift surgery painful?
Because breast lift surgery is performed using anesthesia (and, in many cases, the Pro-Nox^™ system), you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. After surgery, it is normal to experience some soreness, numbness, bruising, or swelling as your body begins to heal. These sensations are generally manageable and tend to improve steadily over time. Dr. Ereso will provide detailed guidance on how to remain comfortable during recovery, which may include prescription or over-the-counter medications. Most patients find that any discomfort is temporary and well-controlled, especially when post-operative instructions are followed closely.
Can breast lift surgery make my breasts smaller?
A breast lift is not intended to significantly reduce breast size, and patients seeking a noticeable decrease in volume are generally better suited for breast reduction surgery. Rather than focusing on size, a breast lift is designed to reshape the breasts and remove excess skin to address sagging and improve contour. During your consultation, Dr. Ereso can clarify what type of result you can expect and recommend the most appropriate approach based on your goals.

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

Medical Resources*

Mayo Clinic