How Long Does A Breast Lift Last?

By: Dr. Sean Kelishadi, M.D. FACS

1/20/2020

When undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is only natural to wonder how long your new and improved look will last before you begin to see changes and/or need a revision. The good news is that many surgical options boast a fairly long ‘shelf life,’ especially when the patient follows postoperative care instructions closely and maintains a healthy lifestyle. As with any procedure, though, the results – and their longevity – can vary greatly from patient to patient and depend on a wide variety of factors including genetics, lifestyle, and more. Mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, is no exception.

If you are considering a breast lift and are curious about how long your results may last, it is important to first understand some of the basics about the procedure, what kind of outcome you can expect, and how to prolong your results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi and the expert medical team at SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, are committed to providing the most exceptional level of patient service and care from the first appointment through to recovery and the maintenance of the patient’s results. During your initial one-on-one consultation, Dr. Kelishadi will examine your individual case, discuss your goals and concerns, answer all of your questions fully, and explain your options and procedures in great detail. After this, the experienced and highly qualified plastic surgeon will recommend a treatment plan and if a breast lift is the best procedure to address your specific aesthetic needs.

What is a breast lift?

Mastopexy, more commonly known as breast lift, is a procedure during which excess, stretched out, and loose skin is removed from the breast. The remaining skin and tissue is reshaped and restructured to produce a higher, lifted, and more youthful appearing contour. On its own, or when performed in conjunction with breast augmentation involving breast implants, a breast lift can produce dramatic and highly satisfactory results for many women.

Reasons for a breast lift

Some of the most common reasons that women experience sagging breasts and seek a breast lift procedure include:

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding

A breast lift is a highly effective and relatively straightforward way to address and correct these complaints and boost a woman's self-esteem at the same time.

What can I expect from a breast lift procedure?

Performed under general anesthesia, a breast lift typically takes between 1-2 hours, but can take longer if it's part of a combined procedure like mommy makeover, or breast augmentation plus lift. Following the surgery, patients can expect a moderate level of discomfort, swelling, and sometimes bleeding, most of which resolve and subside over the first week or two. Ice, pain medication, and over-the-counter remedies can be used for local symptom relief, and your plastic surgeon can give you further recommendations for a speedy recovery and ideal outcome.

How long will my breast lift results last?

Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer to this question, which is commonly asked by Dr. Kelishadi's Newport Beach, CA patients. When it comes to a breast lift, much like many other cosmetic surgeries, the longevity of the results relies heavily on the individual, their genetics, their lifestyle, and other factors. Fortunately, though, there are some things you can do to prolong your results. These include:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Whether or not you have undergone a cosmetic procedure, it is always a good idea to keep up with a balanced diet and regular fitness regimen once cleared by your physician. This is especially important for men and women who want to promote speedy healing and long-lasting results.

Avoid sun exposure: Again, this is always a good rule for anyone. In the case of breast lift patients, avoiding the sun helps to maintain healthy skin and skin elasticity. The elasticity of the skin is a crucial factor in keeping the breasts as lifted and supported as possible. Avoiding sun exposure and damage can prolong your breast lift results.

Wear supportive clothing: Though it may not always be the most comfortable or stylish option, wearing a supportive bra is one of the best ways to preserve and prolong your breast lift results. This is particularly important for women who are active and engage in regular exercise or physical activity as well as those who have fairly large breasts. The motion and weight of your breasts can speed up the effects of gravity, making supportive undergarments a necessity for prolonging the results of your breast lift.

Choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon: Without a doubt, the most important thing you can do to give yourself the best possible chance for a lasting and ideal result is to select a highly-skilled plastic surgeon to perform your breast lift. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi and the team at SSK Plastic Surgery have performed countless mastopexy procedures for women in Newport Beach, CA, and take great pride in helping each woman achieve her goals and maintain them for as long as possible. With the contour of a woman’s body being one of her dominant physical features, it is imperative that patients choose a surgeon that has extensive experience, unmatched skill, and an artistic eye when it comes to performing a breast lift.

How do I get started?

If you think a breast lift may be right for you, the most important step is to be evaluated by renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sean Kelishadi. Call our office today, and learn more about how a breast lift can improve your contour and enhance your life – and how you can enjoy your new look for many years to come!

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.