Introduction to Breast Sagging in New York City
Breast sagging, medically known as breast ptosis, is a common concern among women in New York City. It can be caused by various factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and genetics. As the breasts lose their firmness and elasticity over time, they start to droop, which can affect a woman's self - confidence and body image. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available in New York City for women dealing with breast sagging, especially breast lift surgeries.
Causes of Breast Sagging
- Aging: As we age, the skin loses its elasticity due to reduced collagen and elastin production. This natural process leads to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the breast tissues, causing them to sag.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts undergo significant changes. They become heavier and fuller as the milk glands develop. After breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin remains stretched, resulting in sagging and excess skin.
- Weight Changes: Significant weight gain can cause the skin to stretch. When a person loses a large amount of weight, the skin may not shrink back down fully, leading to sagging breasts.
- Gravity: The constant downward pull of gravity over time contributes to the sagging of breast tissues.
Understanding Breast Lift
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy in plastic surgery, is a procedure designed to reposition the nipple and elevate the breast tissue. It corrects the natural sagging that occurs over time or due to certain factors like pregnancy and weight loss. The severity of breast drop is judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold (inframammary fold).
For example, if the nipple is significantly below the inframammary fold, it indicates a more severe case of breast sagging. The procedure typically involves reshaping and tightening the tissue and skin. In some cases, the areola may also be repositioned or reduced in size.
Types of Breast Lifts
Type of Breast Lift | Description | Suitability |
---|---|---|
Augmentation Mastopexy | Combines a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts. | Women who want to lift their sagging breasts and also increase their breast size. |
Circumareolar Mastopexy | Also called a “doughnut” or “periareolar” breast lift as the incision is made around the areola only. It can address mild sagging and reduce the size of the areola. | Those with mild breast sagging and larger areolas who want to correct both issues with minimal scarring. |
Circumvertical Mastopexy | A short - scar breast lift with an incision made around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards, looking like a lollipop. It allows for more skin and tissue removal than circumareolar mastopexy but has less scarring than a full breast lift. | Women with moderate breast sagging who are willing to have a slightly longer scar for better results. |
Wise - Pattern Mastopexy | Also known as the “inverted - t,” the incision is made around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line. This technique allows for additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue. | Patients with severe breast sagging who need significant reshaping and lifting of the breasts. |
Benefits of a Breast Lift
- Aesthetic Improvement: Many patients find that their breasts look perkier, more symmetrical, and feel firmer after a breast lift. It can restore a more youthful appearance to the breasts.
- Confidence Boost: The enhanced appearance of the breasts can lead to an increase in self - confidence, allowing women to feel better about their bodies and wear clothing that they may have previously avoided.
- Better Clothing Fit: Lifted breasts can make clothes fit better, as they eliminate the problem of sagging breasts causing clothes to look unflattering.
- Improved Body Proportions: It can create a better proportion between the breasts and the rest of the body, such as the buttocks, resulting in a more balanced silhouette.
Top Plastic Surgeons for Breast Lift in New York City
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He is a winner of the 2022 Top Doctor Award from New Beauty and a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Lao offers breast lift surgeries at his practice on 5th Avenue in New York City. His expertise lies in providing personalized treatments based on the patient's needs and goals. The surgery time is typically 2 - 3 hours, and the price ranges from approximately $10,000 - $20,000 (the accurate cost is determined during the consultation). Patients are usually able to return home on the day of surgery and can return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks. The results are immediately visible, but the final results are seen in about 6 - 12 weeks as the breasts settle into place.
Dr. Singh (Plastic Surgery Group of NYC)
The Plastic Surgery Group of NYC offers free breast lift plastic surgery consultations. Dr. Singh, one of their top surgeons, has received high praise from patients. For example, one patient who had a breast lift (no implants) with Dr. Singh last month was extremely satisfied with the results. After having 2 kids and losing over 100 lbs, her breasts were in bad shape. Dr. Singh was thorough, knowledgeable, and meticulous in his approach. The patient's recovery went better than expected, and Dr. Singh was very attentive, contacting her multiple times to check on her well - being.
Breast lift plastic surgery at this group corrects breast sagging, repositioning the breasts to a higher and firmer position. The surgery can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a breast reduction or breast augmentation with breast implants.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive expertise in breast lift procedures and has helped numerous women achieve stunning results. During the initial consultation, Dr. Sherman thoroughly reviews the patient's medical history, including any current or past medical conditions and previous procedures. He also discusses the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery.
The breast lift procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to two and a half hours. There are different techniques available, such as full mastopexy and periareolar mastopexy, which are chosen based on the patient's individual situation. Most breast lift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients are monitored closely during the recovery period.
Dr. Ksenija Belsley
Dr. Ksenija Belsley is based at Suite 1D, 65, East 76th Street, New York County, New York, NY 10021. Her breast lift procedure has a rank of 130 in New York, 249 in NY, and 3027 in the US. She offers a professional service with her experience in various plastic surgery procedures, including breast - related ones.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Dr. Kolker offers breast lift procedures where he determines the best techniques for each individual during a private consultation. He has received numerous accolades, such as being featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024, America's Best Plastic Surgeons in 2021 - 2024 by Newsweek, and Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors from 2016 - 2024.
Dr. Rapaport (Rapaport Plastic Surgery)
Dr. Rapaport and his team at Rapaport Plastic Surgery employ a variety of techniques to create full, lifted breasts. They understand the causes of breast sagging, such as age, weight, breast size, and pregnancy, and offer customized solutions to address each patient's specific situation.
For women with sagging breasts after weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or the natural aging process, they recommend breast lift surgeries, which can be combined with other procedures like breast augmentation or reduction depending on the patient's goals.
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a premier board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. He serves patients in Westchester County, Putnam County, White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon.
Dr. Greenwald uses advanced surgical techniques for breast lift surgeries. He evaluates the patient's unique body type and aesthetic goals during the consultation and recommends the most suitable incision technique, such as periareolar, vertical incision, or inframammary. The breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience. He has developed the innovative naturabra® breast lift technique, which minimizes scarring and maximizes the effect and lasting power of the results. The naturabra® technique involves making short incisions from each nipple to the breast crease and creating a triangular flap of skin on each breast, which forms a natural, inner bra to support the breasts.
Dr. Alizadeh has appeared in various news media and has a long list of satisfied patients, including world - class politicians, Oscar - winning actors, and Grammy - winning musicians. The average cost of his breast lift (surgeon's fee) starts at $15,000, not including surgery center fees or anesthesia fees.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Credentials and Experience
When choosing a plastic surgeon for a breast lift in New York City, it is crucial to consider their credentials. Look for surgeons who are board - certified, as this indicates that they have met the high standards set by the relevant medical boards. Experience is also important. Surgeons who have performed a large number of breast lift surgeries are more likely to have the skills and knowledge to handle various situations and achieve good results. For example, Dr. William Lao with over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries in 10 years has proven experience in this field.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into the surgeon's reputation and the quality of their work. Positive reviews from patients who have had similar procedures can give you confidence in your choice. For instance, the patient testimonials about Dr. Singh's breast lift surgery at the Plastic Surgery Group of NYC show his attentiveness and the high - quality results he can achieve.
Consultation Process
A good plastic surgeon will conduct a thorough consultation. During this consultation, the surgeon should listen to your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and examine your breasts. They should also explain the different surgical techniques available, the potential risks and complications, and the expected results. Surgeons like Dr. John E. Sherman and Dr. Adam R. Kolker are known for their detailed consultation processes, ensuring that patients are well - informed before making a decision.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of a breast lift can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, and surgical facility fees. It is important to get a detailed cost estimate during the consultation. Some surgeons, like Dr. Greenwald, offer affordable financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure. However, cost should not be the only factor in your decision; the quality of the surgeon and the safety of the procedure are also of utmost importance.
Preparing for a Breast Lift
Medical Consultation
Before undergoing a breast lift, you will need to have a consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history, including any allergies, medications you are taking, and previous surgeries. If you have a history of breast cancer, it is crucial to inform the surgeon. They will also conduct a physical examination of your breasts to determine the best approach for your breast lift.
Medication and Lifestyle Changes
You may be advised to stop taking certain medications before the surgery, such as non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Smoking should be stopped for at least one month before the surgery, as nicotine can impede proper circulation to the nipple. Maintaining a stable and healthy weight is also important, as significant weight fluctuations after the surgery can affect the results.
Pre - operative Instructions
The surgeon will provide you with pre - operative instructions, which may include getting a mammogram if needed, filling prescriptions for pain medications, antibiotics, and muscle relaxants. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and have someone to assist you during the initial recovery period.
The Breast Lift Procedure
Anesthesia
Most breast lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia, which ensures that you are comfortable and unconscious throughout the operation. The anesthesiologist will carefully monitor your vital signs during the surgery to ensure your safety.
Surgical Process
The surgical process depends on the type of breast lift technique chosen. In general, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions, remove excess skin from the breast area, re - sculpt and elevate the breast tissue mound, raise the nipple to a higher position, and reposition or reduce the size of the areola if needed. After double - checking the breast shape and symmetry, the incisions are closed with sutures and the breasts are dressed with bandages and a surgical bra for support.
Duration of the Procedure
The duration of a breast lift procedure typically ranges from 2 - 3 hours, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and the specific technique used. For example, a full mastopexy may take longer than a circumareolar mastopexy.
Recovery after a Breast Lift
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room. You will likely experience some bruising and swelling, and pain can be managed with the prescribed medication. You will be given a surgical support bra to wear, and most patients are able to return home on the day of surgery. It is important to have someone to take care of you during the first 24 - hour recovery period.
Short - term Recovery
During the first few days after surgery, you should rest as much as possible. You may be able to shower 2 days after surgery, and you will need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending for at least two weeks. The sutures are usually removed within seven days. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the next few weeks.
Long - term Recovery
Most patients can return to their normal routine within 1 - 2 weeks, but it may take several weeks to months for the breasts to fully settle into their new shape. It is important to follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions, such as wearing the surgical bra for a certain period, avoiding direct sunlight on the incisions, and keeping the incisions clean and dry. Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are also necessary to monitor your recovery.
Risks and Complications of a Breast Lift
Like any surgical procedure, a breast