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any women consider their breasts an important part of their body image. When breasts sag due to age, pregnancy, or other factors, a woman’s confidence and self-image may be impacted. A breast lift, also called a “mastopexy”, is a surgical procedure performed to raise the breasts and restore a youthful look.

At Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO), our medical team serving northern New Jersey provides breast surgeries, including mastopexy, along with numerous other medical specialties. CNSO provides comprehensive care at every stage from planning to recovery, helping women feel confident in their appearance.

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Most women experience breast ptosis, or breast sagging, as they get older. Over time, ligaments in the breast gradually lose their elasticity. This makes them less able to support the weight of breast tissue underneath. This is a natural part of aging and may be influenced by additional factors such as repeat pregnancies, rapid weight gain or loss, menopause, other hormonal changes, or smoking. It results in an altered breast appearance, possibly affecting a woman’s self-confidence. Breast lift surgery is performed to correct this change, restoring a more youthful look as desired by the patient.

Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery

Breast sagging is an entirely natural process/change with no ill effects. Many women, however, may not embrace this change. Breast lifts are often considered by women who are experiencing:

• Sagging breasts
• Flattened or elongated breasts
• Nipples and areolae that point downward
• Areolae that are stretched out of proportion
• An asymmetrical drooping look

Breast Lift Procedure

Breast lift surgery typically takes two to three hours to complete. It is most often performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is unconscious during the procedure.

The CNSO plastic surgeon, Dr. Hakan Kutlu, begins by making incisions around the areolae, extending downward from the areolae to the breast crease, or horizontally across the breast crease. Strategic placement of the incisions is used to minimize visible scarring afterward. The surgeon then removes excess breast skin and relocates the nipples to higher locations. He may also reshape or resize the nipples and areolae if necessary to correct a disproportionate appearance. Finally, he draws the skin together and tightens it using internal stitches.

Recovering From Breast Lift Surgery

Most patients go home the same day after receiving breast lift surgery. The breasts will be covered with special dressings and a surgical support bra. Occasionally, small tubes may be placed to drain excess fluid from incision sites. The breasts may feel sore for a few days and numb for a few weeks after surgery. Patients should be careful to follow post-operative instructions, which may include:

• Taking prescribed pain medication
• Avoiding bending, lifting, and straining
• Sleeping on the back or side
• Wearing a support bra
• Avoiding sun exposure on incision sites
• Keeping incision sites clean
• Scheduling a follow-up appointment

Patients will notice an immediate improvement in breast appearance, though this will continue to change and settle over the next few months. Initial bruising or lumpy scar lines are normal and will go away over time.

Receive Breast Lift Surgery Near You in New Jersey

For many, breasts are a symbol of femininity. Women who find their self-confidence is affected by sagging breasts can restore their appearance with breast lift surgery at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. CNSO provides a wide range of cosmetic and medical procedures, helping patients find the comprehensive, all-inclusive care they are looking for. Services are available at locations near you throughout northern New Jersey, including Jersey City, Morristown, Paramus, Wayne, and West Orange, NJ. To learn more about cosmetic surgical services, contact CNSO today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery

Who performs breast surgery at CNSO?

At CNSO, breast procedures are performed by the leading surgeon, Dr. Hakan Kutlu. Dr. Kutlu is board-certified in plastic surgery and has extensive experience in breast corrections and enhancements, including breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.

Are the effects of breast lift permanent?

The results of breast lift surgery are not permanent. Skin naturally becomes less elastic with age, and some sagging might return. This is more likely for patients with larger breasts and for patients who are overweight. In addition, pregnancy creates changes in breast appearance that may reverse the effects of breast lift surgery. Patients considering surgery are advised to wait until after having children for the longest-lasting results.

Does a breast lift interfere with breastfeeding?

Most women can breastfeed after undergoing a breast lift surgery. However, changes in the anatomy may result in reduced milk production. Women considering breast lift surgery are advised to wait until after they are finished with breastfeeding.

How do breasts look and feel after breast lift surgery?

The CNSO surgeon aims to create the most natural results. Breasts will look and feel firmer and rounder, with more proportionately placed and sized areolae. They may be a size smaller due to reshaping.

Can a breast lift make breasts larger?

Breast lift surgery cannot increase the size of the breasts. If patients desire, breast augmentation may be performed during a breast lift to achieve the desired fullness.

Will insurance cover breast lift surgery?

Insurance companies do not typically cover procedures performed for cosmetic reasons. This includes breast lift surgery.

Who is eligible for a breast lift?

Patients are not eligible for breast lift surgery if they have untreated breast cancer or infection, are pregnant or nursing, or are under 18 years of age.