New York City is a hub for advanced medical treatments and cosmetic procedures, and breast lifting is no exception. Whether it's due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, many women seek breast lift procedures to restore a more youthful and perky appearance to their breasts. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 aspects related to breast lifting in New York City, including top surgeons, different types of procedures, and important considerations.
Top Surgeons for Breast Lifting in New York City
Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful breast lift procedure. Here are some highly - rated surgeons in New York City:
Surgeon's Name | Rating | Location |
---|---|---|
Dr. Peter Henderson, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 10 Union Sq E Frnt 2L, New York, NY 10003 |
Dr. Melissa Frey, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street Suite J - 130, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Philip Torina, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 5 E 98th St #2, New York, NY 10029 |
Dr. Heather Yeo, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 1283 York Avenue 9th Floor, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 425 W 59th st Lbby 5, New York, NY 10019 |
Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Mark Sultan, MD | 4.20 out of 5 stars | 1100 Park Ave #1b, New York, NY 10128 |
Dr. Colleen McCarthy, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Evelyn Cantillo, MD | N/A | 186 Joralemon Street 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
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. The severity of breast drop is judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold (inframammary fold). This procedure is usually needed for women after their late 30s, but occasionally, severe breast drop can develop in younger girls. The most common cause of breast sagging is breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, the engorged milk glands stretch the breast skin, and once breastfeeding is done, the breast glands return to their original size, but the stretched skin loses its elasticity, resulting in saggy - looking breasts with nipples that point downward.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
Circumareolar Mastopexy
Sometimes called a “doughnut” or “periareolar” breast lift, the incision is made around the areola only. This type of lift can address mild sagging and reduce the size of the areola. It is suitable for patients with mild ptosis (drooping) and results in minimal scarring. It is often used when the amount of sagging is relatively small, and the main goal is to reshape the areola and give a slight lift to the breast.
Circumvertical Mastopexy
Also known as a “lollipop” or short - scar breast lift, the incision is made around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards. This approach allows the surgeon to remove more skin and tissue than circumareolar mastopexy and is suitable for moderate breast sagging. It offers a significant reshaping while limiting scarring compared to more extensive procedures.
Wise - Pattern Mastopexy
Also known as the “inverted - t” lift, the incision is made around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line along the breast fold. This technique is recommended for more extensive lifting needs, such as significant sagging. It allows for additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue but may result in more visible scarring.
Augmentation Mastopexy
This procedure combines a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts. It is suitable for women who not only want to lift their sagging breasts but also increase their breast volume. The surgeon will carefully plan the procedure to ensure a harmonious result that takes into account the patient's desired breast size and shape.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
Undergoing a breast lift can bring about several benefits:
- Youthful Appearance: One of the primary benefits is achieving more elevated and perkier breasts, which can make a woman look and feel more youthful. The lift helps to counteract the effects of aging, pregnancy, and weight loss on the breasts.
- Improved Symmetry: Many women have some degree of asymmetry in their breasts. A breast lift can correct uneven breast positioning or asymmetrical nipples, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Enhanced Confidence: Women often experience a significant boost in their confidence after a breast lift. With a more lifted and reshaped profile, they feel more comfortable in clothing, swimwear, or lingerie.
- Long - Lasting Results: While natural aging continues, the benefits of a breast lift can last for many years. This makes it a worthwhile investment for women who are looking to improve the appearance of their breasts in the long term.
Candidates for a Breast Lift
Not every woman is a suitable candidate for a breast lift. Here are some factors to consider:
- General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health without uncontrolled medical issues. Any underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders need to be well - managed before undergoing surgery.
- Stable Weight: Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect the results of a breast lift. It is advisable for candidates to be at a stable weight for at least six months before the procedure.
- Breast Sagging Concerns: Women who have breasts that have lost shape or volume and are sagging are potential candidates. The severity of the sagging can be assessed by the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold.
- Areola and Nipple Position: Downward - pointing nipples or displaced areola due to loss of skin elasticity may indicate the need for a lift. In some cases, areola reduction can also be combined with the breast lift procedure.
- Nonsmoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking can impair healing as nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the surgical site. It is highly advisable for smokers to quit smoking at least a month before and after surgery.
The Breast Lift Procedure
Consultation
The first step in the breast lift process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will:
- Assess the patient's breasts, including the degree of sagging, breast tissue quality, and skin elasticity.
- Review the patient's medical history, including any past breast surgeries, medical conditions, and medications they are taking.
- Discuss the patient's goals and expectations for the procedure and recommend the most suitable type of breast lift.
- Explain the procedure, including the incision options, anesthesia preferences, and an estimated recovery timeline.
- Answer any questions the patient may have and address their concerns.
Pre - operative Preparation
Once the patient decides to proceed with the breast lift, they will need to prepare for the surgery. This may include:
- Undergoing a medical evaluation, including blood tests, mammograms, or other imaging studies as recommended by the surgeon.
- Stopping certain medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a specified period before surgery.
- Arranging for someone to drive them home after the surgery and stay with them during the initial recovery period.
- Preparing their home for recovery, including having comfortable clothing, pillows, and any necessary supplies on hand.
Surgery
Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort. The surgeon will follow these general steps:
- Preparation and Marking: The surgeon will mark the planned incision sites while the patient is standing to ensure the most precise placement and optimal lift.
- Incision Placement: Depending on the patient's specific needs and degree of ptosis, the surgeon will choose the appropriate incision type (circumareolar, circumvertical, or wise - pattern).
- Tissue Reshaping: Excess skin is removed, and the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve contour and firmness.
- Areola Repositioning: The areola may be reduced in size if necessary and moved to a higher, more youthful position on the breast.
- Closing the Incisions: Sutures are placed in layers within the breast tissue to create and support the new shape, and the skin is closed with meticulous technique to minimize scarring.
Recovery
The recovery process after a breast lift varies from patient to patient. Here's what to generally expect:
- First Week: Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal. Patients will wear a soft surgical bra to provide gentle compression and support. They may also be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort.
- Suture Removal: Most of the sutures dissolve on their own and do not require removal. However, the surgeon may schedule a follow - up appointment to check the incisions and remove any remaining sutures if necessary.
- Returning to Normal Activities: Many people can resume light activities within a week or two, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 - 6 weeks. The final results of the breast lift may take several months to become fully apparent as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape.
Cost of a Breast Lift in New York City
The cost of a breast lift in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience and reputation, the type of procedure, the location of the surgical facility, and anesthesia costs. On average, the cost of breast lift surgery in New York City typically starts at $8,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more. It is important for patients to have a detailed consultation with their surgeon to get a personalized cost estimate and understand what is included in the price.
Risks and Complications of a Breast Lift
Like any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries certain risks and potential complications. Some of these include:
- Infection or Bleeding: Proper wound care and following post - operative instructions can help minimize the risk of infection and bleeding. Patients may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Changes in Nipple Sensation: Temporary or, in rare cases, long - term changes in nipple sensation can occur. Most patients regain some or all of their sensation over time, but there is a small risk of permanent loss of sensation.
- Poor Healing or Scarring: Some individuals may be prone to less favorable scarring or delayed wound healing. The surgeon will use techniques to minimize scarring, but the appearance of scars can vary from person to person.
- Asymmetry or Revisional Surgery: Small differences in breast shape or position can occasionally occur, and revision surgery may be required to correct these issues. However, this is relatively uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon.
- Breastfeeding: Changes in breastfeeding can occur after any type of breast surgery. While the risk is low, it is important for women who plan to breastfeed in the future to discuss this with their surgeon before the procedure.
Combining a Breast Lift with Other Procedures
Many women choose to combine a breast lift with other procedures for a more comprehensive transformation:
Breast Augmentation
Adding implants can restore lost volume for a fuller appearance. This is especially popular among women who have experienced significant volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss. The surgeon will carefully select the appropriate size and type of implants to achieve a natural - looking result.
Breast Reduction
For those seeking both lift and reduction of excess tissue, breast reduction can be combined with a breast lift. This is beneficial for women with large, heavy breasts that cause pain, discomfort, or other physical problems. The procedure not only reduces the size of the breasts but also lifts and reshapes them for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Tummy Tuck or Liposuction
A “mommy makeover” approach can address multiple areas in one surgical session. A tummy tuck can help tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, while liposuction can target stubborn fat deposits in various areas of the body. Combining these procedures with a breast lift can provide a more complete body transformation.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
When selecting a surgeon for a breast lift, it is essential to do thorough research and consider the following factors:
- Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized plastic surgery board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met high standards of education, training, and experience.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience performing breast lift procedures. You can ask about the number of breast lift surgeries they have performed and view before - and - after photos of their patients to get an idea of their results.
- Reputation: Read patient reviews and testimonials to learn about other patients' experiences with the surgeon. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare providers.
- Communication Skills: A good surgeon should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with you, answer all your questions, and address your concerns. They should also listen to your goals and expectations and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Conclusion
Breast lifting in New York City offers a variety of options for women looking to improve the appearance of their breasts. From top - rated surgeons to different types of procedures, there are many factors to consider when deciding on a breast lift. It is important to thoroughly research your