Introduction

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in New York City consider to enhance the shape and position of their breasts. Whether it's due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, sagging breasts can have an impact on a woman's self - confidence. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ranking of breast lift plastic surgery hospitals in New York City and provide a detailed price list, along with essential information about the procedure itself.

What is a Breast Lift?

Commonly referred to as a mastopexy, a breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise sagging breasts by modifying the contour and elevation. There are several reasons why breasts may become saggy. Overstretched suspensory ligaments of Cooper, excessive tissue, and skin can lead to a droopy appearance. Lactation is also a significant cause, as the engorged milk glands stretch the breast skin during breastfeeding, and once breastfeeding is complete, the skin may not regain its original elasticity.

During the procedure, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the remaining tissue to create a more contoured and shapely breast. In some cases, patients may choose to have breast implants added as part of the procedure to give the breasts more volume. However, it's important to note that a breast lift won't significantly change the size of the breasts, but it can be combined with breast augmentation or breast reduction.

Benefits of a Breast Lift

• Restores youthful shape: It helps bring back the perkiness and fullness of the breasts, making them look more youthful.
• Enhances breast contour: By removing excess skin and tightening the tissue, the overall contour of the breasts is improved.
• Corrects sagging & drooping: Addresses the issue of sagging breasts caused by various factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
• Boosts self - esteem & confidence: A more attractive breast appearance can have a positive impact on a woman's self - image and confidence.
• Improves breast symmetry: Can help create a more balanced and symmetrical look between the two breasts.
• Natural, long - lasting results: When performed by a skilled surgeon, the results of a breast lift can be long - lasting, especially with a healthy lifestyle.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Good candidates for a breast lift are individuals in good overall health who desire to enhance the shape and position of their breasts. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations and are looking to address issues such as sagging or drooping breasts, uneven breast shape, or loss of firmness due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. They should also be non - smokers and at a stable, healthy weight. Women who are done breastfeeding and/or having children are also more suitable candidates, as future pregnancy and breastfeeding can potentially affect the results of the breast lift.

How is a Breast Lift Procedure Performed?

The breast lift procedure begins with the patient being placed in the supine position. General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient does not feel any pain during the surgery. After that, an incision is made. The type of incision depends on the condition of the breasts and the amount of lifting required. The common types of incisions are:

1. Circumareolar mastopexy (doughnut breast lift): An incision is made around the areola only. This is suitable for mild sagging and can also be used to reduce the size of the areola.
2. Circumvertical mastopexy (lollipop breast lift): An incision is made around the areola and a vertical line heading downwards. It allows for more skin and tissue removal than the circumareolar lift and is often used for moderate breast droop.
3. Wise - pattern mastopexy (inverted - t breast lift): This involves an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line. It is used for severe breast droop and deflation as it allows for maximum skin removal and tissue tightening.

After the incision, the surgeon removes excess tissue and may decrease the size of the areola and shift the nipples to a higher position. In most cases, the nipple - areola complex (NAC) is preserved to prevent damage to the lactational ability. Once the excess skin, tissue, and fat are removed, the skin flap is put back in place and the incision is stitched. A bandage is applied over the operated area, and the patient is given a surgical bra to wear. Small tubes are placed near the incisions to drain any fluid or blood, which are removed after several days.

Recovery from a Breast Lift

Immediate Post - Surgery

After the surgery, the patient is moved from the operation theatre to a private recovery room and monitored for a few hours. If everything goes well, the patient can go home on the same day, assuming no other surgeries were performed simultaneously. However, it is essential to have someone accompany the patient home as they will not be able to drive themselves.

First Few Weeks

Plan to take 2 to 3 weeks off work for the breast lift surgery. There will be pain and swelling in the operated area, and the breasts will appear swollen for almost 2 weeks. There will also be redness and pain around the incisions. The areola and nipple are likely to be numb for a few days. In the early days, painkillers are given to help with pain. Patients might have to wear surgical bras for 2 to 3 weeks, after which they can wear regular bras, but no underwire bras should be worn for at least 6 weeks.

Long - Term Recovery

Most people can return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, with gradual resumption of exercise. It takes about 12 weeks for the breasts to settle into their final shape. However, the results of a breast lift are long - lasting, especially when maintained with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.

Aftercare for a Breast Lift

• Regular doctor visits: Visit your doctor regularly for some time to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
• Medication: Take your medicines as and when prescribed by the doctor.
• Healthy diet: Follow a healthy diet plan for better recovery. A diet rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals can aid in the healing process.
• Support system: Ensure the presence of someone with you to look after you, especially in the first few days after surgery.
• Bra wear: Do not wear push - up bras for 5 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Wear surgical bras in the early few days and switch to regular bras after the recommended time.
• Movement restriction: Avoid excessive movement of your breasts. Do not take a bath as long as the bandages are there, as wet bandages can cause infection. Do not bend, lift heavy objects, or engage in sexual activity for at least 2 weeks.

Success Rate and Risks of a Breast Lift

Success Rate

According to a survey, 80% of women are satisfied with breast lift surgery. Their bust is restored, and sagginess disappears. Most people experience long - lasting results, while others might need minor revisions after a few years.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any surgical procedure, a breast lift comes with potential risks. Some of these risks include infection, bleeding, and scarring. In rare cases, the surgery might not be successful. Failed surgeries can leave marks on the breasts, which can be subjected to hypertrophy. There might also be a difference in the shape of both breasts, in which case revisional breast lift surgery may be required. Other risks include deep vein thrombosis (cardiac and pulmonary complications), fat necrosis (fatty tissue found deep in the skin that may die), fluid accumulation, loss of nipple and areola (can be partial or total), negative reactions to the anesthesia, nipple or breast sensation change (can be temporary or permanent), and poor healing.

Alternatives to Breast Lift Procedures

Padded Bras

Padded bras or push - up bras give a rounded contour to the breasts without incisions. They lift the breasts and eliminate the droopy appearance. However, this is a non - permanent solution and only provides a temporary aesthetic improvement.

Vampire Breast Lift

In this procedure, platelet - rich plasma (PRP) injections are given. A numbing cream is first applied onto the breasts. After they go numb, PRP along with hyaluronic acid is injected into the breasts. It tightens the breasts and lifts them up, and hyaluronic acid increases the efficacy of PRP. It is a 20 - minute procedure.

Laser Treatment

High - power laser is used to stimulate the growth of collagen. It only targets the outer layers of the skin, rejuvenating the skin but having a relatively less significant impact on breast lifting compared to surgical methods.

Caci Bust Treatment

A device releasing electrical impulses is moved over the breasts. It hydrates the skin and gives strength to the tissue, improving the contour of the breasts.

Botox

Botox injections are given into the chest muscles. As a result, these muscles relax, and the back muscles contract to compensate, lifting the breasts higher. This effect can last for 3 to 4 months.

Thermage

Radio waves are used to tighten the skin of the bust. The production of collagen is stimulated, which helps lift the skin of droopy breasts.

Chest Exercises

Doing different chest exercises can strengthen the chest muscles, tighten the skin, and raise the breasts. It is more effective if performed under the supervision of an instructor, but it also takes time and consistent effort to see results.

Ranking List of Breast Lift Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City

MyMeditravel - Featured Clinics

Other Reputable Clinics

Doctors Plastic Surgery

At Doctors Plastic Surgery, they are known for their top - rated breast lift surgeons in NYC. Dr. Ross Ratner, MD FACS, a dual - board certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon, is renowned as one of the best breast lift surgeons. They offer affordable prices with great flexible payment plans. Patients have reported high satisfaction rates, with many praising the exceptional care and stunning results. The cost of a breast lift here varies based on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the complexity of the surgery, and the surgeon's expertise, and a personalized cost breakdown is provided during the consultation.

Shah Plastic Surgery

Dr. Nilay Shah at Shah Plastic Surgery offers breast lift procedures for women in New York and the surrounding areas. The cost of breast lifts varies depending on the technique recommended and other factors evaluated during the consultation. They also emphasize that cost should not be the sole deciding factor, as the experience of the surgeon, safety of the facility, access to emergency care, aftercare, and accessibility to the surgeon for follow - up appointments are crucial for a successful breast lift.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker is a well - known breast lift surgeon in New York. He is an active member of multiple professional organizations and a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. His breast lift procedures are uniquely personalized and tailored to each patient's anatomy and desires. He performs the surgery in a fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. The procedure is an outpatient one, and he provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, including detailed instructions on recovery and follow - up visits.

William Lao, MD

Dr. William Lao, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon, offers breast lift surgery on 5th Avenue in New York City. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years and has received numerous honors and awards. The average cost of breast lift surgery at his clinic typically starts at $8,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees. A personalized cost estimate is provided during the consultation.

Price List for Breast Lift in New York City

The price of a breast lift in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon's experience and reputation, the complexity of the procedure, the location of the clinic, anesthesia costs, and any additional services provided.

Some clinics provide a general price range. For example, at William Lao, MD, the price is approximately $10,000 - $20,000 (for an accurate cost, one should ask during the consultation). In Manhattan, according to one source, the cost of a breast lift with room charge and anesthesia not included is $4,500 - $8,500. However, many clinics offer price on request as they believe a personalized assessment is necessary to determine the exact cost for each patient.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Breast Lift Plastic Surgery Hospital

Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications

It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing breast lift surgeries. Check their educational background, professional affiliations, and patient testimonials. A skilled surgeon will be able to assess your individual needs accurately and perform the surgery with precision.

Clinic Accreditation and Safety

Ensure that the plastic surgery hospital is accredited by a recognized organization. Accreditation indicates that the clinic meets certain standards of safety and quality. The surgical facility should have the necessary equipment and staff to handle any potential complications during and after the surgery.

Cost and Financing Options

While cost is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration. Compare the prices of different clinics, but also look into the financing options available. Some clinics offer flexible payment plans to make the procedure more affordable. Additionally, understand what is included in the cost, such as anesthesia, follow - up appointments, and post - operative care.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the experiences of previous patients. Positive reviews can give you confidence in the clinic and the surgeon, while negative reviews may highlight potential issues to consider.

Aftercare and Support

A good plastic surgery hospital will provide comprehensive aftercare and support. This includes clear instructions on post - operative care, follow - up appointments, and access to the surgeon or medical staff in case of any concerns. The quality of aftercare can significantly impact the recovery process and the final results of the breast lift.

Conclusion

Breast lift is a life - changing procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost her self - confidence. In New York City, there