In general, we’ve found that women with significant sagging often lean toward the breast lift. Lifts are also great for women who want their existing breasts “tighter” or their nipple moved to a higher position. Again, lifts do not increase overall breast size and in some cases, they might result in a slightly smaller cup size due to the removal of excess skin.

Women looking to increase their breast size should opt for augmentation. If you’re primarily interested in a breast lift but worried about “fullness” in the upper portion of your breasts, which can appear flattened after a lift procedure — there is an option of a dual lift and augmentation during the same surgery. In these cases, we’ll use small or medium-sized implants to add volume and enhance the overall effect of the lift.

Typically, the nipple-areola complex will be moved up in the breast lift. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, then Dr. Shumway can incorporate an areola reduction in your surgery. This may be discussed during your treatment planning so he can choose the ideal incision pattern to use in your breast lift.

With good care following surgery, your results can last for several years. Your breasts will still age normally, which means you might start to see loose and sagging skin in time. Factors, such as significant weight loss or gain, can change your results; therefore, it is best to stay at a steady weight following your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding following a breast lift may also alter your results, which is why Dr. Shumway suggests patients wait until they are done having kids to get a breast lift.

A lift may improve asymmetry in your breasts if they’re different in size, firmness, or level of sagging. Dr. Shumway will evaluate the appearance and physical condition of your breasts in your consultation and talk about how a lift will be able to help. In your lift, he will adjust the tissue so your breasts are equal in position and size for symmetry.

Yes, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can play a powerful role in helping you feel as good as you look—especially for patients over 40 experiencing hormone fluctuations. Dr. Shumway often incorporates BHRT to support overall wellness, which in turn can improve skin tone, energy levels, mood, and healing response. When your hormones are balanced, your body is more likely to maintain the youthful, vibrant results of your cosmetic procedures. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we believe you deserve to look your best and feel your best—and BHRT helps make that possible.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tightens the tissue, and reshapes the breast to create a more youthful, uplifted appearance. This procedure is commonly performed when the breasts lose their firmness or sag due to factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations. A breast lift can restore volume and contour, but it doesn’t change the size of the breasts (for that, breast augmentation may be considered in combination with the lift).

The best candidates for a breast lift are individuals who:
• Have sagging or drooping breasts: Due to pregnancy, aging, or weight changes.
• Have realistic expectations: You should have a clear idea of the results you hope to achieve.
• Are in good overall health: No serious medical conditions that might affect healing or anesthesia.
• Have stable weight: Significant fluctuations in weight can impact the results of a breast lift.
• Are done with breastfeeding: It’s typically recommended to wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding, as this can affect the size and shape of the breasts.

A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The procedure involves:
• Incision placement: Dr. Shumway makes an incision around the areola, and sometimes down the breast or under the breast (depending on the degree of lift needed).
• Tissue removal and reshaping: Excess skin is removed, and the underlying tissue is tightened and reshaped to lift the breasts.
• Areola resizing: If necessary, Dr. Shumway may reduce the size of the areola and reposition it to a more youthful position.
• Closing the incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, and bandages are applied.
There are various types of incisions, ranging from the “lollipop” (around the areola and down the breast) to the “anchor” incision (around the areola, down the breast, and along the fold).

Recovery time varies for each individual, but generally, you can expect the following:
• First week: Expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications. Most people return to light activities within 5-7 days.
• 2-3 weeks: Swelling and bruising gradually subside, and you can resume more moderate activities. You may be advised to avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercises.
• 1-2 months: Full recovery takes about 6-8 weeks, and your breasts will continue to heal and settle into their new shape.
It’s important to follow Dr. Shumway’s post-operative care instructions, including wearing a supportive bra, avoiding heavy lifting, and taking care of the incisions to ensure optimal healing.

Yes, there will be some scarring, as a breast lift requires incisions. However, modern techniques and proper care minimize scarring, and scars generally fade over time. The extent of scarring depends on the type of incision:
• Around the areola: This is the least noticeable scar, often used for mild lifting.
• Lollipop incision: Includes a scar around the areola and a vertical scar down the breast.
• Anchor incision: Includes a scar around the areola, down the breast, and under the breast fold. This incision is typically used for more significant lifting.
While scarring is inevitable, many women find that the benefits of a more youthful breast appearance far outweigh the scars, and the scars usually become less visible over time.

Yes, it’s very common for women to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation (implants) to achieve both a lift and added volume. If you want both a perkier, youthful breast shape and a fuller appearance, the two procedures can be performed simultaneously. This approach can address both sagging and a loss of volume, providing a more dramatic transformation.

Like any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery carries risks. Some potential complications include:
• Infection or bleeding: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection or excessive bleeding, though these are rare.
• Scarring: While scarring is inevitable, excessive or visible scarring is rare and can be minimized with proper care.
• Changes in nipple sensation: Some women experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation after surgery.
• Asymmetry: In some cases, one breast may heal differently than the other, leading to minor asymmetry.
• Delayed healing: In rare cases, some patients may experience delayed healing of the incisions.
It’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Shumway to minimize these risks and ensure a safe, successful outcome.

In most cases, a breast lift does not affect the ability to breastfeed. However, the surgery may affect the milk ducts and nerves in the breast, which can impact breastfeeding in some women. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, it’s essential to discuss this with your surgeon, as they can help determine the best approach to minimize any potential effects on lactation.

The cost of a breast lift can vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the surgery. On average, breast lift surgery in San Diego can cost between $8,000 and $12,000. If combined with breast augmentation, the price may be higher. Keep in mind that this cost typically covers only the surgery itself; additional costs may include anesthesia, post-operative care, and follow-up visits.

Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are a few tips for selecting a qualified, experienced surgeon:
• Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience performing breast lift surgeries and can show you before-and-after photos of their work.
• Consultation: During your consultation, ask questions about the procedure, recovery, risks, and expected results. A good surgeon will provide clear, honest answers and help you understand the procedure fully.
• Comfort: Make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team. Trust and communication are key to a successful outcome.