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Breast Lift Tampa, FL

Elevate Your Confidence with a Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is more than just a cosmetic procedure—it's a path to feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. We understand that every woman's body is different, and we are committed to helping you achieve the look you desire with the utmost care and precision.

Let us help you embark on this transformative journey with confidence and ease. Discover the possibilities and learn how a breast lift at Landon Plastic Surgery can enhance your natural beauty. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a more confident you.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, raises sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. This procedure is particularly beneficial for women experiencing drooping breasts due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. By elevating the breasts and repositioning the nipples, a breast lift restores a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that breast lifts have grown in popularity by 70% since 2000, outpacing breast implants 2-to-1. This increase reflects the procedure's effectiveness in achieving natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Benefits of a Breast Lift

A breast lift can significantly enhance your appearance and confidence. One of the primary benefits is the improved breast contour. By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, the procedure creates a firmer, more youthful shape. This can be especially uplifting (both literally and figuratively) for those who have experienced changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. The repositioning of the nipples and areolas also contributes to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look, making your breasts appear perkier and more symmetrical.

Beyond the physical transformation, a breast lift often brings a boost in self-esteem. Many women feel more comfortable in their clothing and swimwear, enjoying a renewed sense of freedom and confidence. This procedure can be a game-changer, allowing you to feel proud of your body and embrace activities you might have previously avoided. The overall impact on your quality of life can be profound, enhancing not just your appearance, but also your emotional well-being and self-assurance.

Why Have a Breast Lift?

Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift is designed to lift the droopy breast as a result of advancing age, previous pregnancy, and after massive weight loss.

These lifestyle factors can leave once-full breasts looking empty and deflated. A breast lift helps to lift sagging breast tissue by removing excess loose skin on the breast and raising the nipple upward to a more natural position.

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Downward Nipples & Drooping Breasts

Breast ptosis or “droop” measures the nipple height in relation to the lower breast crease.

Once the nipple has migrated below the lower breast crease, improvements in breast shape and appearance usually require reshaping the skin envelope and relocation of the nipple to a more desirable level.

In some patients requesting breast augmentation, a breast lift may be required to centralize the nipple over the implant for an optimal appearance. The necessity for a breast lift will be discussed in detail at the time of your consultation.

What Is Involved?

When considering a Breast Lift Tampa patients should prioritize choosing the most appropriate technique to ensure the success of the procedure.

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Incision Pattern

At our practice in Tampa Breast Lift specialist, Dr. Landon, selects the appropriate incision pattern based on factors such as the degree of breast ptosis, the existing breast size and shape, and the elasticity/quality of the patient’s skin.

He will discuss these choices with the patient during the pre-operative consultation, so they are informed of the approach he plans to take before undergoing the Breast Lift procedure. As with all breast reconstruction surgeries that Dr. Landon specializes in performing, he works together with each patient on a case-by-case basis so that they feel confident walking into surgery day.

Breast Lift Techniques

There are several different types of Mastopexy surgery that are tailored to the patient’s needs. Dr. Landon will make the breast lift incision in one of several possible patterns. This is largely based on the severity of breast sagging and skin laxity that is present. The goal is to choose a breast lift technique that will result in the least obvious breast lift scars over time, while still achieving the ideal amount of lift to meet the patient’s desired cosmetic outcome.

The Most Popular Breast Lift Incision Patterns

Doughnut Breast Lift Technique

Also known as the periareolar technique, the incision is made around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) only. Excess breast skin is removed, and then the area around the nipple is carefully sutured, neatly following the natural line of the areola itself. The breast lift scars with the donut breast lift technique are minimal compared to other techniques; however, it is often best for mild to moderate breast sagging. In more severe cases, one of the other breast lift methods may be needed to produce the desired result.

Lollipop Breast Lift Technique

This is a popular breast implant technique. In this technique, the incision is placed around the areola and then vertically down to the crease of the breast, sometimes called the lollipop incision because the shape resembles a sucker Candy. Unlike an anchor breast lift, there is no scar along the underside of the breast. With this method, a beautiful lifting is achieved without excess scarring, however more time post operatively is required to achieve final shape.

Anchor Breast Lift Technique

This breast lift technique has been around for many years. The incision is placed around the areola, down to the mid breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease. This is called the anchor incision because of the resemblance to a boat anchor. While the lollipop mastopexy technique is becoming more popular, the anchor breast lift is the gold standard that is still popular today. Advantages to the anchor technique are improved shape immediately after surgery.

Breast Lift Surgical Technique

Through the surgical incisions for a breast lift Tampa plastic surgeon, Dr. Landon, lifts and reshapes the underlying breast tissue to move the breast mound higher up on the chest wall. He also repositions the nipple and areola higher on the breast mound so that it is in a more natural, youthful position, and he may reduce the size of excessively large areolas if necessary. Dr. Landon removes excess skin and tightens the remaining skin more firmly over the relocated breast mound.

Dr. Landon has extensive experience in breast reconstruction as a board-certified Tampa plastic surgeon. He never rushes the surgical process and takes considerable care and attention to detail to ensure the patient is satisfied by the final Breast Lift before and after results. You are in good hands with the team of RN’s at Landon Plastic Surgery that assists in our private, state-of-the-art operating theatre — all of whom are ACLS certified with a combined hospital experience of 60 years.

Optional Placement of Breast Implants

You may choose to have a breast lift with implants if desired.

In addition to the lift component of the procedure, which corrects excess skin and breast drooping, some of Dr. Landon's Tampa breast lift patients desire added breast volume to fill empty breasts. This is especially useful after a woman has finished breastfeeding or if she has reached a mature age when the breast tissue is not as full and supple as it once was in earlier years. In these cases, Dr. Landon can place saline or silicone breast implants to enhance breast size, shape, and fullness. This can be easily incorporated into the breast lift operation and provide beautiful, natural-looking results. Learn more about breast implants in Tampa.

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Breast Lift Surgical Procedure

On the day of your Breast Lift procedure, Dr. Landon first marks the breasts while the patient is in a sitting position.

The markings indicate where the incisions will be placed as well as the areas of skin that are to be removed during the breast lift procedure. The marking process is important to perform while the patient is alert and upright because of the effects of gravity. The breasts must be marked while the patient is sitting upright since the breasts will shift due to gravity once the patient is laying down on the operating table.

These markings will determine the new nipple height, as well as the amount of skin and excess breast tissue to be removed. During surgery, the breast skin and fat are separated from the central breast tissue. This allows the elevation of the breast to a more desirable level. In some cases, a small implant is used to improve breast shape and to complement the lift if the patient desires it. Absorbable stitches are used to complete the closure, and waterproof dressings are applied to allow for immediate bathing after breast lift surgery. Every effort is made to correct or improve asymmetry that may exist preoperatively. A support bra is placed in the operating room prior to waking.

Recovery After Breast Lift

You will wake in our comfortable private recovery room attended by a dedicated ACLS-accredited nurse at your side until you are ready to go home. It is normal to feel groggy after the procedure. It may take up to 12-24 hours for the effects of anesthesia to wear off fully. All patients must have a ride home from either a friend or family member since driving is not possible within 24 hours of general anesthesia. A regular diet and bathing are allowed immediately due to the type of dressings that Dr. Landon uses for his breast lift patients. Follow-up is arranged within 24 hours to assess the health of the skin and nipple. At this time, dressings are changed.

Breast Lift Tampa

Breast Lift Pain & Breast Lift Downtime

Pain is controlled with narcotics and medication is provided for postoperative nausea as necessary. Nipple sensitivity is retained in over 95% of patients and breastfeeding ability is usually retained.

Follow-up visits are weekly for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Return to work is variable, depending upon whether implants are placed or not. Just like breast augmentation and breast reduction surgery, return to work is typically within 1 week and return to exercise at approximately 6 weeks. Settling is expected in all patients.

Breast scars and scar therapy are discussed in detail during the consultation. Dr. Landon makes every effort to answer all your questions during the consultation process so you know what to expect after the procedure. This makes breast lift recovery much easier for patients that undergo the procedure.

Breast Lift Results

The final results of a breast lift typically become apparent several months after the procedure. Initially, you will experience swelling and changes in breast shape, which gradually settle as your body heals. Most patients notice significant improvements within the first few weeks, but it can take up to six months for the breasts to achieve their final, stable contour. It's essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and results.

The longevity of breast lift results varies depending on several factors, including skin elasticity, lifestyle, and natural aging. While the procedure provides long-lasting enhancement, it cannot halt the aging process. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the effects of the surgery. Generally, patients enjoy their lifted, youthful breast appearance for many years. Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon can help monitor your results and address any concerns that may arise over time.

Cost of a Breast Lift

The cost of a breast lift in Tampa varies based on the complexity of the procedure and the specific techniques used. On average, patients can expect to pay between $7,000 and $12,000. This price typically includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care. During your consultation, a detailed cost estimate will be provided, tailored to your individual needs and desired outcomes. It's important to consider the investment in a breast lift as an investment in your confidence and well-being, with financing options often available to help manage the expense.

Breast LiftFrequently Asked Questions

There is no specific age that is best for a breast lift; it depends more on individual circumstances. Women in their 30s to 50s who experience significant sagging often seek this procedure. It's essential to have completed childbearing and breastfeeding before undergoing a breast lift, as future pregnancies can affect the results.

A breast lift addresses sagging and improves breast shape without changing the size. If you are happy with your breast size but want a firmer, more lifted appearance, a breast lift is likely appropriate. If you desire larger breasts or more fullness in the upper part of the breast, implants or a combination of a lift and implants may be recommended.

A breast lift is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss anesthesia options and any associated risks during your consultation to ensure you are comfortable with the planned approach.

Many women can still breastfeed after a breast lift, but it depends on the extent of the surgery and the individual. It's important to discuss your plans for future breastfeeding with your surgeon, as this can influence the surgical technique used to preserve milk ducts and nerves.

As with any surgery, a breast lift carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast lifts can help minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome.

Preparation for a breast lift includes several steps: avoid smoking, as it can affect healing; maintain a stable weight; and follow your surgeon's instructions on medications to avoid before surgery. Additionally, arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first few days post-surgery.

Breast lifts are generally considered elective cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is part of reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, some insurance plans may offer partial coverage. It's best to check with your insurance provider and discuss financing options with your surgeon's office.