Breast Lift FAQ

What is a breast lift?

Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure used to restore the youthful shape of the breast by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. This provides a lift to the breasts. This procedure is not intended to change the size of the breasts.

Who is a good candidate for a breast lift?

The best candidates for breast lift are women who have lost elasticity and shape of breasts from aging, pregnancy, breast feeding, and weight fluctuations.

Where is the scar from a breast lift?

The scar from this procedure will be either 1) around the nipple areola, 2) around the nipple areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, or 3) around the nipple areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease and horizontally across the crease. Dr. Sood will determine which incision is right for you.

What are the possible risks of a breast lift?

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, pain, scarring, numbness, asymmetry, loss of sensation in the nipple, partial or total loss of nipple and areola, need for additional surgery. If an implant is used with this surgery you will also have the additional risks of the implant. Dr. Sood will discuss these risks further during your consultation.

What is the typical recovery time for a breast lift?

This procedure can usually be done as an outpatient. You will be sent home on pain medicine and antibiotics. You may have surgical drains in place. You will be placed in a surgical bra that will need to be worn for 3-4 weeks following your procedure. You will need to be off work for 1-2 weeks dependent on the type of work you perform. You should not do any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following this procedure.

When do I return for a follow up visit?

You will need to be seen the next day as well as a week after surgery. From there Dr. Sood will determine when you need to follow up.

How long before I can return to work?

Most patients are able to return to work in 1-2 weeks depending on the work requirements.

How long before I can return to normal activity?

Most activities of daily living can be resumed within a couple of days. It is important to get up and move around within a day of surgery to help decrease the chance of developing a blood clot. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks or until Dr. Sood has given you clearance.

Dr. Sood's primary goal is to provide excellent clinical results along with a high level of patient care and service. Patient satisfaction is our highest concern. We are dedicated to providing every patient with a pleasant experience, beginning with the first visit and continuing on through surgical procedures and treatments and postoperative care. We encourage patients to evaluate the benefits as well as the risks of each procedure within the confines of realistic expectations.