Over time, the effects of gravity along with the loss of the skin’s natural elasticity begins to have an effect on the appearance of a woman’s breasts. These factors, combined with pregnancies and nursing, will often cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Breast implants inserted in conjunction with a mastopexy procedure can increase both firmness and size. Dr. Medalie typically performs breast lift as an outpatient procedure in Cleveland, Ohio. For more of Dr. Medalie's breast lift patient photos, please visit his photo gallery.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift may be an appropriate option if you:
- Are bothered by breast sagging (ptosis)
- Notice a flattened or elongated breast shape
- Have nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease
- Experience breast asymmetry or deflation after pregnancy or weight loss
- Are in good general health and have realistic expectations
Dr. Medalie will perform a thorough evaluation during your consultation and recommend the best treatment approach based on your unique anatomy and goals.
Types of Breast Lift Techniques
Dr. Medalie offers several mastopexy techniques, selecting the right one based on the degree of ptosis and desired results:
- Crescent lift:Â A minimal-lift option using a small incision above the areola, typically for minor nipple elevation.
- Donut (periareolar) lift:Â Involves an incision around the areola; suitable for mild sagging and minor reshaping.
- Lollipop lift:Â Uses a vertical incision from the areola down to the breast crease; ideal for moderate sagging.
- Anchor lift:Â Includes an incision around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast fold; typically used for significant ptosis.
Each technique is designed to lift and reshape while minimizing scarring, and Dr. Medalie focuses on precision and symmetry in every case.
Breast Lift with Implants
If you want to restore both volume and position to your breasts, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation. This allows Dr. Medalie to reshape the breast while adding fullness to the upper pole. During the consultation, he will help determine whether silicone or saline implants — and which implant size — best complements your goals and body proportions.
Breast Lift Recovery
After surgery, you will wear a supportive compression garment to aid healing and reduce swelling. Discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication. You can expect to return to non-strenuous activities within a couple of weeks and resume normal physical activity after four to six weeks. Dr. Medalie provides detailed aftercare instructions and close follow-up to monitor healing and outcomes.
Breast Lift Results
The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, especially when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging and gravity continue over time, many women enjoy their rejuvenated breast appearance for a decade or more after surgery. You may opt for another breast lift later in life if you would like to maintain your elevated breast appearance indefinitely.
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local anesthesia (appropriate only for the peri-areolar lift), intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. I will recommend the best choice for you at your consultation.
Step 2 – The incision
There are three common incision patterns:
Around the areola
Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease
Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts
After I make the incisions:
- The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
- The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
- If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
- Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.
Step 4 – Closing the incisions
After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.
Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.
Many women desire the smallest scar possible. However, I will try and recommend the incisions which best suit your anatomy.
Please listen to my recommendation and do not diminish your result by demanding an incision that will not be appropriate for you.
Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts (they all dissolve over time). Skin adhesives and/or surgical tape typically are used to close the skin.
*Plastic surgery results can vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed.
Before & After
Why Choose Dr. Medalie for Your Breast Lift?
Dr. Medalie is highly regarded for his artistic approach, surgical skill, and commitment to patient safety. With a strong focus on achieving natural and symmetrical results, he takes the time to understand each patient’s vision and customizes the procedure to enhance body balance and confidence. He has been voted a top plastic surgeon by Best Doctors, Inc. every year since 2009.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about how a breast lift can help restore a youthful breast shape and contour, contact Dr. Medalie’s office in Cleveland by calling (216) 393-9924 to schedule your consultation. Dr. Medalie will guide you through every step of the process and develop a surgical plan that’s right for you.
