Introduction
In New York City, nipple - lifting surgeries have become increasingly popular as a way to enhance the appearance of the breasts and boost self - confidence. Many factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can lead to sagging breasts and less - than - ideal nipple positioning. This article will provide an in - depth look at nipple lifting surgeries in New York City, including the different types of procedures, top surgeons, benefits, risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
What is Nipple Lifting Surgery?
Nipple lifting surgery is typically part of a broader breast lift procedure known as mastopexy. A breast lift is designed to reposition the nipple and elevate the breast tissue, addressing sagging and restoring a more youthful breast shape. The severity of breast drop is often judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold (inframammary fold).
Common causes of breast sagging and less - than - ideal nipple position include:
- Breastfeeding: During breastfeeding, the engorged milk glands stretch the breast skin. After breastfeeding, the glands return to their original size, but the stretched skin may lose its elasticity, resulting in saggy breasts and downward - pointing nipples.
- Aging: As women age, the skin loses its elasticity, and gravity takes its toll on the breasts, causing them to sag and the nipples to droop.
- Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight loss or gain can cause the breast tissue to expand and contract, leading to loose skin and changes in nipple position.
- Pregnancy: The hormonal changes and physical stress of pregnancy can lead to breast enlargement and subsequent sagging once the pregnancy is over.
Top Surgeons for Nipple Lifting Surgeries in New York City
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is an experienced plastic surgeon in New York City. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries in the last 10 years. He is double - board - certified in both the USA and Taiwan, a winner of the 2022 Top Doctor Award from New Beauty, and a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major and then earned a doctorate in medicine.
Dr. Lao offers different types of breast lift procedures. His surgeries typically take 2 - 3 hours, and the cost ranges from approximately $10,000 - $20,000. Patients are usually able to return home on the day of surgery and can return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks. The initial swelling will subside within a few weeks, and most patients will see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks as their breasts settle into place.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a top NYC breast surgeon. He performs breast - lift surgery at his quad A - accredited surgical facility. Dr. Weintraub has a strong aesthetic sense and combines medical science with artwork in his practice. He studied medicine at Cornell, and his practice is based on core values of humility and respect for patients.
He offers four common breast - lift options: crescent lift, circumareolar lift (also known as a donut lift), lollipop lift, and anchor lift. His patients often experience decreased sensitivity of the nipples rarely. Many patients can return to daily activities within a week, and the long - term results are youthful - looking, symmetrical, and attractive breasts.
Dr. Darrick 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. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and has also been recognized by Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Dr. Antell's breast lift surgeries are customized based on the patient's existing breast state and desired outcome. The surgery usually takes around two to three hours and is performed under “twilight” sedation. He has a high success rate in achieving firm, youthful, and natural - looking results.
Dr. Norman Rowe
Dr. Norman Rowe at Rowe Plastic Surgery in New York City and New Jersey is known for his expertise in breast lift surgeries. His team is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and they offer a variety of breast lift techniques.
The cost of a breast lift at Rowe Plastic Surgery can vary based on factors such as geographical area, surgeon's experience, and the length of the procedure. The recovery time for breast lift surgery is about two to three weeks, and the results can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
Dr. Kevin Tehrani
Dr. Kevin Tehrani is the founder and director of Aristocrat Plastic Surgery. He has performed hundreds of successful breast lifts. Dr. Tehrani uses various incision patterns based on the patient's specific needs, and he may also use an absorbable internal mesh (Galaflex 3DR) to support the breasts for long - lasting results.
He evaluates each patient's unique situation during the consultation and tailors a surgical plan to meet their individual goals.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York. He is an active member of multiple professional plastic surgery societies. Every breast lift procedure with Dr. Kolker is uniquely personalized and tailored to the patient's anatomy and desires.
His breast lift surgeries are performed in a fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. He offers different types of breast lifts and is skilled at achieving beautiful and balanced results.
Types of Nipple Lifting (Breast Lift) Procedures
Crescent Breast Lift
This is a less invasive option. A semi - circular incision is made along the top of the areola. It is ideal for patients with mild breast drooping and can also be used to correct nipple and areola issues, such as nipple or areola reduction. Sometimes, it may be combined with a breast augmentation procedure.
Circumareolar Mastopexy (Donut Lift)
An incision is made around the entire areola. This procedure can raise sagging breast tissue for a perkier appearance and can also reduce the size of the areola. It is suitable for mild to moderate cases of breast sagging.
Circumvertical Mastopexy (Lollipop Lift)
An initial incision is made around the areola, followed by a second vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the crease of the breast. This technique allows for more skin and tissue removal than the circumareolar mastopexy and is effective for moderate breast sagging. The scar may look like a lollipop shape and often fades over time.
Wise - Pattern Mastopexy (Anchor Lift or Inverted - T Lift)
This is used for severe breast sagging. Three incisions are made: one around the areola, a vertical line from the base of the areola to the crease of the breast, and a horizontal line along the breast crease. This method allows for significant tissue tightening and repositioning but may result in more noticeable scarring.
Augmentation Mastopexy
This combines a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants. It is suitable for patients who not only want to lift their breasts but also increase their size and improve their shape. The implants are typically placed beneath the muscle to produce natural - looking results.
No Scar Breast Lift
This procedure uses advanced technology such as ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to tighten and raise the breasts without the need for traditional surgical incisions. It is most effective for breasts with minimal sagging.
Who are the Best Candidates for Nipple Lifting Surgeries?
You may be a good candidate for a nipple - lifting (breast lift) surgery if you meet the following criteria:
- Have Saggy Breasts: Your breasts have lost their shape and volume, and the nipples and areolas point downward. This can be due to factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
- Stable Weight: You are at a stable, healthy weight. Significant weight fluctuations after the surgery can affect the results.
- Non - smoker: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so it is recommended that you do not smoke.
- Healthy Condition: You are in good general health and have no underlying medical conditions that could pose a risk during surgery.
- Done with Childbearing: If you have completed your family planning, including childbirth and breastfeeding, it is ideal as future pregnancies can affect the results of the surgery.
- Realistic Expectations: You understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the surgery and have realistic expectations about the results.
Benefits of Nipple Lifting Surgeries
- Improved Appearance: The most obvious benefit is the improvement in the appearance of the breasts. The nipples are repositioned to a more youthful and attractive position, and the breasts look perkier, firmer, and more symmetrical.
- Boost in Confidence: Many patients experience a significant boost in their self - confidence after the surgery. They feel more comfortable with their bodies and are more likely to engage in activities they may have previously avoided.
- Better Clothing Fit: With a more lifted and shapely bust, clothes fit better, and patients have more options when it comes to fashion.
- Long - lasting Results: When combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results of a nipple - lifting surgery can last for many years, providing long - term satisfaction.
Risks Associated with Nipple Lifting Surgeries
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved in nipple - lifting surgeries. These include:
- Scarring: Although surgeons try to minimize scarring, some scarring is inevitable, especially with more invasive procedures like the anchor lift. Scars may fade over time, but they may still be visible.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site. Surgeons take precautions to prevent this, but patients may need antibiotics if an infection occurs.
- Changes in Sensation: Nipple or breast sensation may change, either temporarily or permanently. This can include decreased or increased sensitivity.
- Fluid Accumulation: Fluid may accumulate in the breast tissue, which may require drainage.
- Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk, which can lead to cardiac and pulmonary complications.
- Fat Necrosis: Fatty tissue deep in the skin may die, which can cause lumps or changes in the breast texture.
- Loss of Nipple or Areola: In rare cases, there may be partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.
- Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Some patients may have negative reactions to the anesthesia used during the surgery.
- Poor Healing: The incisions may not heal properly, leading to uneven scarring or other complications.
- Possible Revisional Surgery: In some cases, a revisional surgery may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Surgery
Before the Surgery
- Consultation: You will have a consultation with the surgeon. During this meeting, the surgeon will go over your medical history, ask about previous surgeries or treatments, and examine your breasts. They will also discuss your desired outcome and recommend the most suitable procedure for you. You should stop taking certain medications, such as NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, before the surgery as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Pre - operative Testing: You may need to undergo some pre - operative tests, such as blood work, a mammogram, or other imaging studies, depending on your medical history.
- Preparation: You will be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to assist you for the first few days.
During the Surgery
- Anesthesia: Most breast lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia or “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor your condition throughout the procedure.
- Incision and Procedure: The surgeon will make the appropriate incisions based on the chosen procedure. They will then reshape the breast tissue, remove excess skin, and reposition the nipple and areola. The incisions are carefully sutured closed.
- Duration: The surgery usually takes 2 - 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
After the Surgery
- Immediate Recovery: After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with medication. You will likely be given a surgical support bra to wear.
- Home Recovery: You can usually go home on the same day or the next day after the surgery. You should rest frequently for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities, lifting, bending, or straining for at least two weeks. Follow the post - operative instructions carefully, which may include taking prescribed medications, keeping the incisions clean and dry, and wearing the support bra as directed.
- Follow - up Appointments: You will need to have follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor your healing progress, check for any complications, and remove any sutures if necessary. It may take several months for the final results to become fully apparent as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape.
Cost of Nipple Lifting Surgeries in New York City
The cost of nipple - lifting (breast lift) surgeries in New York City can vary widely. The average cost typically starts at around $8,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more. The following factors can influence the cost:
- Complexity of the Procedure: More invasive procedures, such as the anchor lift, may cost more than less invasive options like the circumareolar lift.
- Surgeon's Experience and Reputation: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons may charge more for their services.
- Anesthesia Costs: The type of anesthesia used and the length of the procedure can affect the anesthesia fees.
- Surgical Facility: The cost of using a surgical facility, including the operating room and nursing staff, is also a factor.
- Additional Procedures: If you choose to combine the breast lift with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, the overall cost will be higher.
It is important to note that most insurance companies consider breast lift surgeries to be cosmetic procedures and do not cover the cost. However, in some cases, if the surgery is part of mastectomy breast reconstruction, insurance may provide coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a breast lift painful?
Thanks to the use of anesthesia during the procedure, there should be minimal to zero pain. However, you may experience some soreness or mild pain following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over - the - counter pain medication or by applying cold compresses.
How long until I see results?
You will likely see some immediate results right after the breast lift. However, your breasts will continue to change and settle over the next couple of months. Most patients will see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks as the swelling subsides and the breasts adjust to their new position.