Breast Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX
A breast lift, known medically as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and position of a woman’s breasts. (1) It is particularly beneficial for those who experience sagging breasts due to aging, weight fluctuations, or other factors. A breast lift focuses on repositioning the breast tissue and the nipples, and it can potentially be combined with breast augmentation for those seeking fuller volume.
Houston-raised Dr. Oren Paul Mushin of the Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery is a fully trained, highly-skilled plastic surgeon whom you can trust with your care. Educated at Duke University, one of the top medical schools in the country, and trained in New York, he brings extensive knowledge of cosmetic surgery to Texas. His commitments to patient satisfaction, procedure personalization, and operational safety have helped countless patients achieve results that enhance the quality of their lives.
If you are interested in rejuvenating your breasts, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mushin. Submit our online contact form to get in touch with us, or call our Houston office directly at (713) 722-7400.
Welcoming patients from the following areas and beyond:
- Houston
- Austin
- Dallas
- Sugar Land
- Columbus
- Los Angeles
- Pasadena
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Lifts
Breasts are often among the first areas to show the effects of gravity. Several other factors are associated with breast sagging. These include weight changes, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and aging. The breasts consist of glandular tissue and fat, supported by ligaments called Cooper’s ligaments, which anchor the breast to the chest wall. (1) Over time, these various factors can all contribute to a loss of skin elasticity, leading to sagging breasts or breast ptosis. This can affect both the physical appearance and self-confidence of individuals. (1)
Lifting sagging breasts and re-positioning the nipples during a breast lift can have a transformative effect on one’s silhouette. Many women seek breast lifts to regain a youthful appearance, restore breast firmness, and enhance overall symmetry. Many women also choose to undergo a breast lift after childbirth, after weight loss, or simply because of the natural aging process. With the right surgical approach, many patients experience highly satisfying, confidence-boosting outcomes.
Benefits
Breast lifts carry numerous advantages, all of which help to improve a woman’s self-esteem. Under the expert guidance and care of Dr. Mushin, our patients often see benefits including:
- Improved breast shape: A breast lift rejuvenates the appearance of the breasts, providing a more youthful contour.
- Increased confidence: Women often report heightened self-esteem following their breast lift procedure as they feel happy with their appearance.
- Nipple repositioning: The procedure can address issues where the nipples point downward, helping to reposition them to a higher location on the breast.
- Enhanced symmetry: Many individuals experience an increase in breast symmetry post-surgery, improving overall balance in their figure.
- Better clothing fit: An improved breast position can result in better-fitting clothing and enhanced appearance when wearing swimsuits and dresses.
- Long-lasting results: Unlike non-surgical alterations, the effects of a breast lift remain stable for many years with the proper care.
- Combination potential: A breast lift can be done alongside breast augmentation, taking advantage of improvements in both breast fullness and positioning.
- Minimal scarring: Modern techniques offer reduced visible scarring compared to historical methods, often only leaving faint lines that fade over time.
Candidates
Candidacy for a breast lift is open to any woman experiencing sagging breasts, loss of breast firmness, uneven breast shapes, displeasing nipple placement, or other breast concerns. The ideal candidate is in good overall health, ideally a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations regarding the outcome. It is important to remember that while lifting sagging breasts can dramatically improve aesthetics, there may be limits based on individual anatomy. A consultation will allow Dr. Mushin to assess your needs and suitability for the procedure.
Personal Consultation
Your breast lift journey begins with a personal consultation at our office in Houston. During this meeting, Dr. Mushin will inquire about your medical history and aesthetic goals and review any previous surgeries you may have had. A physical examination will help evaluate the current shape, volume, and skin elasticity of your breasts.
Dr. Mushin will discuss available surgical options tailored to your needs, clarify what can realistically be achieved, and explain the potential risks involved. You will leave with a clear understanding of the procedure, costs, and follow-up care necessary to achieve optimal results.
Schedule your consultation today to begin your breast rejuvenation journey. Submit our online contact form to reach our office, or call us directly at (713) 722-7400 to schedule over the phone or ask any further questions.
Preparation
Dr. Mushin will provide you with preparation instructions in advance of your breast lift procedure. To ensure a smooth procedure with optimal results, we ask that you follow these closely. All patients will be required to take time away from work and responsibilities, arrange transportation home after their procedure, and fast for a period before undergoing treatment. Depending on your medication intake, you may be required to adjust your medication regimen, especially if you regularly take any medications or supplements that can thin the blood. Nicotine use and alcohol consumption should also be ceased before and after your treatment to promote optimal healing.
Procedure
The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your surgery. Dr. Mushin will mark the areas for incisions based on the selected technique. The type of lift performed, as well as the incision made, will depend on the degree of sagging and individual breast anatomy. (2) This includes the amount of breast tissue present, how much the breasts sag, overall body size, and patient goals. In general, incision options include: (2)
- Donut: This incision is placed on the border of the areola. It is used when there is only a small amount of breast ptosis.
- Vertical Lollipop: This incision type runs along the border of the areolar and then runs vertically down the breast. This incision type is often used when there is a moderate amount of breast ptosis.
- Anchor or Inverted T: This incision runs along the border of the areola, vertically down the breast tissue, and along the crease under the breast. It is often used when there is a moderate to severe amount of breast ptosis.
Based on the technique chosen, incisions will be carefully made as described above. Extra attention is given to minimize scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Mushin will tighten and reshape the breast tissue to create a more lifted contour. (2) He will also remove excess skin tissue as needed throughout the breasts. In some cases, the nipple will be repositioned to a higher and more attractive location. Once the desired shape has been achieved, the incisions will be closed using sutures and covered with dressings. The entire procedure commonly takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the corrections. (2)
Recovery
The length of recovery varies with the type of lift performed and whether any additional procedures were performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Mushin will outline your recovery process. In general, the process will unfold similarly to the following:
- Day of Procedure: You may have a surgical bra or bandages on your breasts. These should remain in place until removed. You will be given prescription pain medicine for any potential discomfort.
- Second Day: You will be seen in the office, and your dressings will be changed.
- First Week: You should avoid strenuous activities, slowly easing into lighter activity. Swelling and bruising are common during this period.
- Subsequent Weeks: Most patients have returned to their normal work and activities by the end of the second week. Strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. The emergence of the final breast shape will vary with the type of operation, but often by four weeks, a near-final appearance is apparent. Scars will continue to mature over six months to a year.
Results
Patients can expect to see the immediate results of their breast lift shortly after surgery, with final results becoming apparent as healing progresses. An improvement in the shape and position of the breasts can enhance the overall figure, in addition to significantly boosting self-esteem and body image.
Although scars may initially look prominent, they typically fade over time, usually residing as fine lines. The effects offered by breast lifting can last for many years, provided health habits and weight remain stable.
Corresponding Procedures
Many women who are interested in undergoing a breast lift may also desire larger or fuller breasts. Others experiencing ptotic breasts may choose to replace their lost chest volume with breast implants. In these cases, Dr. Mushin will often recommend combining breast augmentation with your breast lift. In these procedures, after lifting the breasts, Dr. Mushin places either saline or silicone implants into the breasts, resulting in enhanced shape and volume. (2)
Cost of a Breast Lift in Houston
The price of your breast lift will be determined by your goals, the starting state of your breasts, the scale of the procedure, whether or not additional procedures are performed, as well as a handful of other factors. After meeting with Dr. Mushin, you will receive a comprehensive price quote.
Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your breast lift treatment. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call our Houston office at (713) 722-7400.
FAQ
Is a breast lift the same as breast augmentation?
No. A breast lift reshapes and elevates the breasts, while breast augmentation adds volume through implants. These procedures can be combined for enhanced results.
How long do the results of a breast lift last?
Results can last many years, though factors such as aging, weight changes, and hormone fluctuations can affect longevity.
Will there be noticeable scars after a breast lift?
Scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure, but Dr. Mushin employs techniques to minimize and conceal scars as much as possible.
At what age can I receive a breast lift?
Generally, individuals over 18 who are physically healthy and have completed their breast development, yet struggle with breast ptosis, are suitable candidates.
Can I get pregnant after a breast lift?
Yes, pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the appearance of your breasts afterward, but many women successfully have children following their breast lift.
References
- Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/
- Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
