Introduction
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to raise and reshape sagging breasts, providing a more youthful and lifted appearance. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence and cosmetic innovation, many women seek this procedure to enhance their confidence and body image. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the ranking and price list of breast lift surgery in New York City, exploring the various factors that influence the cost, the top clinics and surgeons, and what patients can expect from the procedure.
What is Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery is a surgical procedure designed to correct breast ptosis, or sagging. As women age, have children, or experience weight fluctuations, the skin and supporting tissues of the breasts can stretch and lose their elasticity, causing the breasts to droop. During a breast lift, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin, tightens the surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position on the breast. Some patients may also choose to have breast implants added as part of the procedure to increase breast volume.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Good candidates for breast lift surgery typically meet the following criteria:
- Have sagging breasts that have lost their shape and volume
- Have 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 (one breast is larger and/or a different shape than the other)
- Are done breastfeeding and/or having children
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
There are several different techniques for a breast lift, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the patient's individual needs and the severity of breast sagging:
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Circumareolar Mastopexy
Also known as the “doughnut” or “periareolar” breast lift, the incision is made around the areola only. This technique can address mild sagging and reduce the size of the areola. It is often used for patients with minimal breast ptosis and relatively small areolas.
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Circumvertical Mastopexy
Often called the “lollipop” breast lift, this procedure involves an incision made around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards. It allows the surgeon to remove more skin and tissue than circumareolar mastopexy and is suitable for patients with moderate breast sagging. The scarring is less extensive than a full breast lift but more than a circumareolar lift.
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Wise - Pattern Mastopexy
Also known as the “inverted - t” breast lift, the incision is made around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line along the breast crease. This technique is used for severe breast sagging and allows for the most extensive skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue. However, it also results in the most visible scarring.
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Augmentation Mastopexy
This is a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation using implants. It is suitable for patients who not only have sagging breasts but also desire to increase breast volume. The implants can enhance the overall shape and fullness of the breasts after the lift.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Breast Lift Surgery in New York City
The cost of breast lift surgery in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors:
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Surgeon's Expertise and Reputation
Highly experienced and well - regarded plastic surgeons with a proven track record of successful breast lift surgeries often charge more for their services. Surgeons who are double - board certified, have won awards, and are actively involved in research and teaching tend to command higher fees. For example, Dr. William Lao, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan, winner of the 2022 Top Doctor Award from New Beauty, and a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, has over 10 years of experience performing breast plastic surgeries. His fees reflect his extensive expertise and the high - quality results he delivers.
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Geographic Location
New York City has a high cost of living, and this is reflected in the prices of cosmetic surgeries. Cosmetic procedures in major cities like New York are generally more expensive than in smaller towns or less populated areas. According to Average Cost of a Breast Lift in 2024 - Top Cities and States, breast lift costs in NYC hover around $14,000, which is higher than the national average and many other major cities.
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Type of Procedure
The complexity of the breast lift technique used affects the cost. More complex procedures, such as the wise - pattern mastopexy for severe breast sagging, require more time and skill from the surgeon, and therefore, are more expensive. Augmentation mastopexy, which combines breast lift with breast augmentation, also adds to the cost due to the additional use of implants.
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Facility Fees
The cost of using the surgical facility is another significant factor. Surgical procedures can be performed in different settings, such as an outpatient hospital, a surgery center, or an in - office surgical suite. Outpatient hospitals usually have higher facility fees because they offer more comprehensive services and resources. According to Cost of single breast lift in New York, the average cash price for a single breast lift at a surgery center is $5,416, while at an outpatient hospital, it is $9,804.
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Anesthesia Fees
The type of anesthesia used (local, general, or IV sedation) and the anesthesiologist's fees contribute to the total cost. Longer and more complex surgeries typically require general anesthesia, which is more expensive than local anesthesia. The anesthesiologist's experience and the length of time they are involved in the procedure also impact the fee.
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Post - operative Care
Expenses for follow - up visits, medical garments, and medications during recovery add to the overall cost. Some surgeons may include follow - up visits in their fee, while others may charge separately. Specialized supportive bras and compression garments are necessary for a smooth recovery, and their cost can vary.
Price List of Breast Lift Surgery in New York City
The cost of breast lift surgery in New York City can range widely. Here is a breakdown of some of the price ranges based on different sources:
Clinic/Surgeon | Price Range | Details |
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Dr. William Lao | $10,000 - $20,000 | For an accurate cost, patients need to ask during the consultation. Dr. Lao has over 10 years of experience performing breast plastic surgeries and is well - known for his expertise. |
Surgery Center | $5,416 | The average cash price for a single breast lift at a surgery center includes provider fees, facility fees, prescriptions, and anesthesia fees. |
Outpatient Hospital | $9,804 | The average cash price for a single breast lift at an outpatient hospital, which offers more complimentary and support services but is more expensive. |
Manhattan Clinics | $4,500 - $8,500 | These prices are for breast lift without including room charge and anesthesia. Many clinics in Manhattan offer a range of cosmetic procedures. |
Dr. Alizadeh | Surgeon's fee starts at $15,000 | Does not include surgery center fees or anesthesia fees. Dr. Alizadeh has over 23 years of experience and is known for his innovative naturabra® breast lift technique. |
Top Clinics and Surgeons for Breast Lift Surgery in New York City
Clinics
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My Meditravel - Listed Clinics
My Meditravel lists 5 facilities in New York City offering breast lift procedures. These include Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS, Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics, RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center, Leonard Grossman, M.D., and New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery. However, most of the pricing information for these clinics is available on request only.
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Doctors Plastic Surgery
Renowned for offering breast lift surgeries at affordable prices with great flexible payment plans. Dr. Ross Ratner, MD FACS, a dual - board certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon at this clinic, is renowned as NYC's best breast lift surgeon. He combines surgical expertise with a warm bedside manner and utilizes the latest surgical techniques to ensure exceptional results tailored to each patient’s goals.
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Cosmoplastic Surgery (Dr. Alizadeh)
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience, has developed the innovative naturabra® breast lift technique. His procedure minimizes scarring and maximizes the long - lasting effects of the breast lift. He has a long list of high - profile patients and is highly regarded in the field of plastic surgery.
Surgeons
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Dr. William Lao
With over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries in the last 10 years, Dr. Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He has won numerous awards, including the 2022 Top Doctor Award from New Beauty, and is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. His patients praise his expertise and personalized approach.
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Dr. Ross Ratner
At Doctors Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ratner is known for his surgical skills in breast lift, breast reduction, breast augmentation, and other procedures. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and patients appreciate his caring and detailed approach.
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Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh
As mentioned earlier, Dr. Alizadeh has over 23 years of experience. He is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon who has trained hundreds of surgeons in 27 countries. His naturabra® technique has revolutionized the breast lift procedure, and he is committed to patient care and safety.
What to Expect During and After Breast Lift Surgery
Pre - operative Consultation
Before the breast lift surgery, patients will have a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, including any previous surgeries or treatments, and ask about current medications. They will also examine the breasts to determine the most suitable technique and treatment plan. Patients should be prepared to discuss their goals and expectations for the surgery. For example, they may want to know if they can combine the breast lift with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or reduction.
Day of Surgery
The breast lift surgery usually takes 2 - 3 hours. The patient will be placed under anesthesia (local, general, or IV sedation) to ensure a pain - free procedure. After anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make the incisions according to the chosen technique, remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola. Once the surgery is complete, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and a bandage will be applied. The patient will then be moved to a recovery room for monitoring.
Recovery Period
The recovery period after breast lift surgery typically requires some rest and limited activity. Here is a general timeline of what to expect:
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Immediate Post - operative
Patients will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours after the surgery. They may experience some swelling, bruising, and pain, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. A surgical support bra will be provided to wear around the clock for the first few days to help with discomfort and support the breasts.
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First Week
Moderate bruising and swelling may continue. Patients should avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, and other forms of vigorous activity. They can return to light daily activities, such as walking, but should rest as much as possible. The surgical dressings and any drains will be removed, and patients will continue to wear the surgical bra.
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Two Weeks
Most patients may start to feel back to normal and free of pain. However, they should still avoid vigorous activity or exercise. The incisions will continue to heal, and the scarring will start to fade.
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Four Weeks
Most patients are healed enough to resume their normal exercise routine. However, they should still avoid any activities that put excessive pressure on the breasts.
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Six Weeks
By this point, patients should be fully healed and can exercise without restraint, sleep facing down, and wear an underwire bra. However, it is important to follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.
Benefits and Risks of Breast Lift Surgery
Benefits
- Restores youthful shape and contour to the breasts
- Corrects sagging and drooping breasts
- Improves breast symmetry
- Boosts self - esteem and confidence
- Allows clothing to fit better
Risks
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Scarring
Any surgical procedure leaves scars. The extent and visibility of the scars depend on the type of incision used. However, the scars usually fade over time, but they will always be somewhat present.
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Infection
There is a risk of infection at the incision site. Patients will be prescribed antibiotics to reduce this risk, and they need to keep the incision sites clean and dry.
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Bleeding
Bleeding during or after surgery can occur, although it is usually minor. In some cases, additional treatment may be required to stop the bleeding.
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Changes in Nipple Sensation
Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation. In most cases, the sensation returns after a few weeks or months, but in rare cases, it may be permanent.
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Breast Asymmetry
There is a risk of some degree of breast asymmetry after surgery. This can be due to uneven healing or the natural differences in the breasts before