Most Popular Breast Lift Options

Breast lifts are a popular procedure for women who may not necessarily be interested in augmentation, but rather a correction to the natural aging process. Restoring a more youthful, feminine proportion is made possible through a breast lift, and this procedure can also help undergarments and swimsuits fit more attractively. Breast lifts should be highly personalized based on a woman’s unique anatomy and goals. There are several breast lift techniques to help achieve the most aesthetically pleasing result for any breast shape.

The Basics of Breast Lifts

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that repositions breast tissue and lifts the nipples to create a younger-looking appearance. Whether your breasts have begun to sag as a result of gravity, pregnancy or breastfeeding or weight fluctuations, a breast lift can help. Also known as a mastopexy, this procedure involves repositioning the breast tissue to lift and reshape the breasts, removing excess skin and moving the nipple to a higher position on the breasts. It can be combined with breast implants or a fat transfer to increase size as well as lift. 

Depending on your individual goals and unique anatomy, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Schaffer, may recommend one of the following breast lift techniques:

Peri-Areolar Breast Lift

A peri-areolar breast lift corrects mild sagging with only a single scar. In this technique, Dr. Schaffer will make a circular incision around the areola. Since the resulting scar traces the edge of the areola, it is typically barely noticeable after healing. This type of breast lift is commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.

Vertical Breast Lift

Women who are looking to correct moderate sagging may be best suited for a vertical breast lift. This technique requires an incision around the areola and another incision running vertically from the inframammary fold to the bottom of the areola. This breast lift option allows Dr. Schaffer to remove excess skin and reshape the entire breast with easily hidden scars.

Anchor Breast Lift

An anchor breast lift is best suited for women who have considerable sagging or pendulous breasts. Three incisions are required of this technique: one around the areola, one from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease and another along the inframammary fold, hidden in the breast crease. These incisions allow Dr. Schaffer to remove significant amounts of excess skin and sagging tissues. Although there can be considerable scarring after an anchor breast lift, they will typically fade with proper aftercare.   

Breast Lift with Implants

It is quite common for an implant to be needed to achieve an ideal breast shape. As Dr. Schaffer is working to reshape existing breast tissue, an implant is placed behind the breast tissue for a natural look. A breast lift with implants is sometimes necessary when asymmetry of the breasts is being corrected. 

Breast Lift with Fat Transfer

Fat grafting involves liposuction of either the abdomen, flanks, thighs or bra line to remove fat which is subsequently processed and transferred to another area of the body. Adding fat grafting to a breast lift can provide a subtle increase in volume and round out the upper portion of the breast. 

Which Breast Lift Option is Right for Me?

Choosing the right type of breast lift is an important decision. Dr. Schaffer spends ample time with patients to understand their concerns and goals before making a recommendation about any surgical technique. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and a prior member of the Mentor LEAD Advisory Board (a prestigious group of plastic surgeons selected for their leadership and experience in shaping the future of breast augmentation), he is truly an expert in every type of breast enhancement surgery. When you choose Dr. Schaffer, you can rest assured that you are under the care of one of Alabama’s most experienced and acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeons.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schaffer today to learn more about which type of breast lift would be right for you.