Breast Lift Surgery in New York City: A Comprehensive Guide

New York City is a hub for cosmetic surgery, and breast lift procedures are no exception. As women age, go through pregnancy, or experience weight fluctuations, their breasts may lose their shape and firmness, resulting in a sagging appearance. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts, restoring a more youthful and attractive contour. In this article, we will explore the popular institutions for breast lift surgery in New York City, the procedure itself, its benefits, risks, and everything you need to know before making a decision.

New Information about the Popular Institutions for Breast Lift Surgery in New York City!

Understanding Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is a complex procedure that involves several steps. The surgeon typically makes incisions around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. The underlying breast tissue is then reshaped, excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The incisions are carefully closed using meticulous layers of internal, dissolving sutures and external sutures.

There are different types of breast lift techniques, each suited to different degrees of breast sagging and patient preferences. The four common breast - lift options are:

Crescent Lift: This is a less invasive procedure that requires a small incision around the top half of the areola. It is ideal for patients looking to slightly lift the breasts.
Circumareolar Lift (Donut Lift): An incision is made around the entire areola. It can raise sagging breast tissue for a perkier appearance and is suitable for mild sagging.
Lollipop Lift (Vertical Lift): An initial incision is made around the areola, followed by a second incision from the bottom of the areola to the crease of the breast. It can achieve a moderate lift and repositioning of the breasts.
Anchor Lift (Inverted - T Lift): This technique produces the most dramatic results. Three incisions are made: one around the areola, another from the base of the areola to the crease of the breast, and a final incision along the crease of the breast. It allows for more tissue tightening and repositioning.

Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery offers numerous benefits for women who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their sagging breasts. Some of the key benefits include:

Restore Youthful Contours: A breast lift can bring back the firmness and shape of the breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance.
Improve Breast Symmetry: It can correct uneven breast heights or sizes, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
Boost Confidence: Many women experience a significant increase in self - confidence after a breast lift, as they feel more comfortable and attractive in and out of clothing.
Better Clothing Fit: With firmer and perkier breasts, clothes fit better, and women have more options in their wardrobe.
Post - Pregnancy Rejuvenation: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can take a toll on the breasts. A breast lift can help women regain their pre - pregnancy breast appearance.
Long - Lasting Results: When combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results of a breast lift can last for many years.

Popular Institutions for Breast Lift Surgery in New York City

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has a team of board - certified plastic surgeons who specialize in various breast enhancement procedures, including breast lifts. They offer personalized consultations, where the surgeons discuss the patient's goals and recommend the most suitable procedure. The practice provides the best breast lift in an on - site and outpatient facility. Their supportive and caring surgeons help patients decide which procedure is right for them and guide them through the entire process, from pre - surgery preparation to post - surgery recovery.

Patients can expect to see improvements such as firmer, rounder, and more shapely breasts, restoration of fullness lost after childbearing or weight loss, and balanced breast height. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, but it might take longer if combined with other procedures. After the surgery, patients need to wear a special support bra for 3 to 4 weeks and can resume light activities and work after a week.

William Lao, MD

Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience performing successful breast plastic surgeries. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the 2022 top doctor award from New Beauty. Dr. Lao is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and is affiliated with prestigious medical institutions.

He offers different types of breast lift techniques, including augmentation mastopexy, circumareolar mastopexy, circumvertical mastopexy, and wise - pattern mastopexy. The surgery time is usually 2 - 3 hours, and the price ranges from approximately $10,000 - $20,000. Patients are able to return home on the day of surgery and can return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks. The initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, and most patients see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks.

Rowe Plastic Surgery

Rowe Plastic Surgery is a well - known practice for breast lift surgery in New York City and New Jersey. Their surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and offer a variety of breast lift techniques. The practice uses the latest techniques and equipment and is committed to patient satisfaction.

Good candidates for a breast lift at Rowe Plastic Surgery include those with sagging breasts caused by pregnancy, age, or hereditary factors, whose nipples fall below the breast fold, and who are in good physical and psychological health. The different types of breast lift procedures they offer are crescent breast lift, lollipop lift, anchor lift, circumareolar/donut/benelli lift, and no - scar breast lift. The surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour to complete, and the recovery takes about two to three weeks.

Dr. Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by many prominent magazines.

Dr. Antell offers personalized breast lift surgeries to achieve natural - looking results. He takes the time to understand the patient's goals and creates a customized surgical plan. The surgery is typically performed with “twilight” sedation in his discreet, private operating room located near Lenox Hill Hospital. The most common complications are discussed during the initial consultation, and patients are provided with detailed instructions for pre - and post - surgery care.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a top NYC breast surgeon who performs breast - lift surgery at his quad a - accredited surgical facility. He has a strong aesthetic sense and pays great attention to detail, ensuring the best possible results. Dr. Weintraub offers different breast - lift options and discusses which one is right for each patient based on their individual breast configuration and desired results.

He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery and ensures the highest level of sterility in the operating room. After the surgery, patients can expect immediate results with perkier breasts, and many return to daily activities within a week. Dr. Weintraub provides comprehensive post - surgery care instructions to help patients achieve optimal results.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery. Good candidates typically meet the following criteria:

Have saggy breasts that have lost their shape and volume
Areolas and nipples that point downward
Are non - smokers
Are at a stable, healthy weight
Have breasts that are tube - like or elongated
Have uneven breasts
Are done breastfeeding and/or having children
Are in good physical and psychological health and have realistic expectations about the results

It is important to note that if you are considering future pregnancies, your surgeon may recommend delaying the surgery, as pregnancy can cause changes in the breasts that may affect the results of the lift.

Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful breast lift surgery and a smooth recovery. Here are some steps you can take:

Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, discuss your medical history, current medications, and your expectations for the surgery. The surgeon will examine your breasts and recommend the most suitable technique.
Medical Clearance: You may need to obtain medical clearance from your family physician or other specialists, depending on your medical history.
Medication Adjustments: Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding medication adjustments.
Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, it is recommended to stop smoking at least four weeks before the surgery. Smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Baseline Mammogram: Some surgeons may require a baseline mammogram before the surgery to check the condition of your breast tissue.
Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and help you out for the first few days. Also, stock up on necessary supplies, such as pain medications, compression garments, and healthy food.

The Breast Lift Procedure

The breast lift procedure typically follows these steps:

Initial Consultation: As mentioned earlier, this is where you discuss your goals, and the surgeon evaluates your suitability for the surgery and recommends the appropriate technique.
Marking: The surgeon will mark the incisions and the position of the lifted breasts while you are standing. This helps ensure accurate placement of the incisions and a balanced result.
Anesthesia: A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia or “twilight” sedation to keep you comfortable and pain - free during the procedure.
Incisions: The surgeon will make the incisions according to the chosen technique. Through these incisions, the breast tissue is reshaped, excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned.
Complementary Procedures: In some cases, the surgeon may perform complementary procedures, such as breast augmentation with implants or areola reduction, at the same time.
Closure: The incisions are carefully closed using sutures or surgical tape, and the area is dressed.

Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery

Recovery after breast lift surgery varies from patient to patient, but here are some general guidelines:

Immediate Post - Surgery: After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some grogginess, discomfort, and tenderness in the breasts. Prescription medications can help manage the pain.
Bandages and Support Bra: Bandages will be placed over your breasts, and you will be given a surgical support bra to wear. This helps reduce swelling and supports the newly lifted breasts.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are normal after the surgery and usually subside within a few weeks. Applying cold compresses as directed by your surgeon can help reduce swelling.
Activity Restrictions: You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for at least a few weeks. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding when you can resume normal activities.
Scarring: Some scarring is inevitable after a breast lift, but your surgeon will take steps to minimize the visibility of the scars. The scars will fade over time, and following proper scar - care instructions can help speed up the process.
Follow - up Appointments: You will need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and ensure that everything is healing properly.

Cost of Breast Lift Surgery in New York City

The cost of breast lift surgery in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, anesthesia costs, and the surgical facility fees. On average, the cost can range from approximately $8,000 to $20,000 or more. Some of the cost - influencing factors include:

Surgeon's Fee: Experienced and well - known surgeons may charge higher fees.
Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used and the anesthesiologist's fee contribute to the overall cost.
Surgical Facility Costs: The cost of using a surgical facility, whether it is a hospital or an outpatient clinic, is also a factor.
Medications and Post - operative Care: The cost of medications, compression garments, and follow - up appointments should also be considered.

It is important to note that most breast lift surgeries are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. However, in some cases, such as when the lift is part of mastectomy breast reconstruction, insurance may cover the cost.

Risks and Complications of Breast Lift Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These include:

Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can occur, which may require additional treatment.
Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site, which can be treated with antibiotics.
Loss of Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent loss of nipple sensation.
Changes in Breast Shape or Contour: The final results may not be exactly as expected, and there may be some irregularities in the breast shape or contour.
Scarring: Although the surgeon will try to minimize scarring, the scars may be more visible in some patients, and they may not fade as well as expected.
Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, which can be life - threatening in rare cases.

However, when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the risks can be minimized, and most patients are satisfied with the results of their breast lift surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a breast lift increase my cup size?

A breast lift primarily addresses the shape and position of the breasts, not their size. However, some patients may experience a perceived increase in cup size because the breasts appear firmer and more rounded. If you want to increase your cup size, you can consider combining a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants or autologous fat transfer.

Can I get a breast lift and implants simultaneously?

Yes, it is possible to combine a breast lift and breast augmentation with implants in a single session. This can provide more comprehensive results, giving you both lifted and fuller breasts. However, it is important to discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon and determine if it is the right option for you.

How is a breast lift different from a breast reduction?

A breast lift is focused on lifting and reshaping sagging breasts, while a breast reduction is primarily aimed at reducing the size of the breasts. Both procedures involve contouring the existing breast tissues, but their goals are different.

Will I have scars after the breast lift?

Yes, there will be scars after a breast lift, but the surgeon will try to place the incisions in areas that are less visible, such as around the areola or along the breast crease. Over time, the scars will fade and become less noticeable, especially if you follow proper scar - care instructions.