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Breast Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Anna Wooten is a nationally recognized expert in Breast Augmentation. For more information about this procedure please view our Breast Augmentation page.

A breast lift (technically referred to as mastopexy) restores shape and volume to the breast without the use of implants*. A breast lift is designed for women who want “perkier” breasts, but not an increase in overall size. During the procedure, Dr. Anna Wooten raises the position of the nipples and surrounding areola in order to keep symmetry within the new breast shape*. She is also able to reduce the size of an overlarge areola*.

Breast lift surgery is popular among women who have experienced diminished breast volume or sagging due to aging, nursing or weight loss. Dr. Wooten has helped women from Pittsburgh to Cranberry Township and beyond look and feel their best with cosmetic surgery*. Contact us online today or call 724-759-7777 to schedule your breast lift consultation.

*results may vary

In 2006, Dr. Wooten spent several months studying in Brazil, learning about the Brazilian breast lift technique, which results in a more natural breast shape, as well as better healed scars*.

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Procedure Options and Considerations

Are you thinking about a breast lift? Find out more about our breast lift surgery by scheduling a consultation. During your appointment, you’ll encounter a number of options and choices.

The effects that motherhood, aging, and weight loss can have on a woman’s breasts do not have to be permanent. If you want to maintain your current breast volume, but would like to create a more youthful look by lifting the nipple and breast tissue, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift*. The procedure takes 2-3 hours. After surgery, you’ll remain in the recovery room for 1-2 hours before you go home. Lastly, it will take about 3-5 days before you’re able to return to work.

Methods

At Beleza Plastic Surgery, we offer our patients options for lifting and shaping the contour of the breast and surrounding tissue. Regardless of method, our goal is always to leave a shorter scar with a longer lasting result*.

*results may vary

During your initial consultation, Dr. Wooten will explain the lollipop method (with limited scar incision) as well as the Brazilian method that provides women with long-lasting upper breast fullness, giving the illusion of an implant*. Some surgeons refer to the latter surgery as the “implant look without an implant.”

Dr. Wooten explains why she uses mesh for some women to achieve optimal breast lift results.

Dr. Wooten may recommend the use of a supportive tissue scaffolding, called mesh, for certain patients to reinforce the strength of the woman’s breast tissue. Dr. Wooten places mesh during surgery, and it is absorbed into the patient’s own tissue during the year following surgery, thereby leaving behind a restrengthened collagen network. Dr. Wooten does this to ensure that they enjoy long-lasting results from their cosmetic surgery at Beleza. The use of a mesh scaffolding lessens the likelihood that patients’ tissues will re-sag and that they will want or need another lift in the future. The mesh itself is made of a material which is very similar to the absorbable sutures Dr. Wooten uses during surgery.

Lollipop Breast Lift

This type of lift is so named because of the surgical scar produced. The incision goes around the areola with a vertical scar extending down to the crease of the breast. If desired, an implant may be added for increased volume*. The Brazilian breast lift is usually performed with this type of incision.

Brazilian Breast Lift

Until recently, breast lifts without implants have not provided the best long-term improvement. In 2007 Dr. Wooten traveled to Curitiba, Brazil, and worked for several weeks with renowned surgeon, Dr. Ruth Graf, who developed the Brazilian breast lift technique. Dr. Wooten’s objective was to learn every detail of Dr. Graf’s unique approach to this surgery, so that she could offer Brazilian Breast Lift in Pittsburgh. The Brazilian breast lift is similar to a typical breast lift with a lollipop incision, except that the breast is augmented with the patient’s own tissue. Today, Dr Wooten performs the Brazilian breast lift for Beleza’s cosmetic surgery patients who desire long-lasting results without an actual implant*.

*results may vary

Breast Lift With Implants

It’s common for patients to also want to increase cup size. In these cases, Dr. Wooten will combine the breast lift procedure with the surgical insertion of breast implants. The combination of the the two procedures can help women achieve a firmer, more youthful bust*. There are obvious advantages to lifting and enlarging the breasts at the same time, as opposed to having two separate procedures:

The patient will only have to undergo one recovery period as opposed to two.

Recovery

Five days after your breast lift surgery, you should be able to resume your normal routine*. You most likely will be wearing a compression bra in order to decrease post-operative discomfort and encourage proper healing. Soreness and swelling will resolve within weeks. However, Dr. Wooten will instruct you not to lift anything or engage in strenuous exercise for up to eight weeks.

Scarring After a Breast Lift

The incisions from your surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that your history of scarring will affect your result*. If you tend to heal well, with small, light scars, this will probably be how you heal from the breast lift procedure*. Others, such as those who have a history of keloid scarring, may not heal well. Fortunately, Dr. Wooten minimizes her incisions and places them so as to conceal the majority of the scar*.

*results may vary

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Pittsburgh?

Breast Lift FAQs

What Is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

Over time, a woman’s breasts change shape and lose their firmness. This happens for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, gravity, weight changes and heredity.
A Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy, raises the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. A Breast Lift can also help reduce the size of a woman’s areola if it has become enlarged over time.

What Can I Expect during My Consultation with Dr. Wooten?

During your consultation, be prepared to discuss your goals, health status, current medications, previous surgery, any family history of breast cancer, past mammogram results. Dr. Wooten will evaluate your general health status, perform a physical examination of your breasts, take measurements and photographs. She will discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment.
She will discuss the surgical procedure, risks and complications and the use of anesthesia for your procedure. If you plan on having children or plan to lose a considerable amount of weight, you should discuss this with Dr.Wooten prior to Breast Lift surgery.

What Steps Should I Take to Prepare for My Breast Lift Surgery?

Dr. Wooten will develop a personalized plan to meet your specific needs. Common preparations include ordering blood tests, baseline mammogram, discontinuing the use of certain medications including aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements that can cause increased bleeding.

What Risks Are possible after a Mastopexy?

The decision to have a Breast Lift surgery is extremely personal. Like all surgeries, there are risks associated with a breast lift. A crucial part of your decision is weighing the potential benefits against any possible risks and complications.
Breast Lift surgical risks include, but are not limited to:
• Anesthesia complications
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Undesired scarring
• Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
• Breast asymmetry or shape and contour irregularities

What Happens during a Breast Lift Surgery?

Your Breast Lift surgery can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on breast size and shape, the size and position of your areolas, the degree of breast sagging and your skin quality and elasticity. Dr. Wooten may make the incisions one of three ways: around the areola, around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease.
Once the incision is made, Dr.Wooten will lift and reshape the underlying tissue, reposition the areola and nipple, reduce the size of enlarged areolas and remove any excess skin to compensate for a loss of elasticity. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures or skin adhesive may be used to close the skin. Dressings and a surgical garment will be applied after the procedure.

Will Breast Lift Surgery Leave Scars?

All surgical procedures will leave scars. These scars may be very minor and hidden in the areola or more significant ones that extend on the breast or in the crease under the breast. If you are concerned about scarring, discuss this during your consultation. Dr. Wooten recommends that patients apply Biocorneum, an advanced scar treatment gel that has been very effective in reducing the appearance of scars.

Is a Breast Lift a painful procedure and what can I expect during my recovery?

Patients may experience some discomfort, and medication can be taken to manage this. Swelling, bruising, and numbness may occur and persist for a few weeks. Patients can expect a recovery time of about seven to ten days after the breast lift procedure. A soft support bra may need to be worn for several weeks after surgery.

When can I resume normal activities?

It is recommended that you move around as much as possible during the first week, slowly increasing your activities as tolerated. You may shower the day after surgery. Most patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks. It is important to avoid any strenuous activity or lifting for at least 10 days after surgery.

Will my breasts be the same size after a breast lift?

Breast Lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts. It is designed to change the contour and position of your breasts. If you’re interested in modifying the size or fullness of your breasts, consider Breast Augmentation surgery with a Mastopexy.
During a breast lift procedure, Dr. Wooten does remove excess sagging skin & tissue in order to lift the breast. This results in a slightly smaller breast*. If this is an issue for you, and you would prefer to maintain or even enlarge the size of your breasts with your surgery, you may want to incorporate a volumizing measure – such as breast implants or a fat transfer – into your procedure*.

Will my new breast shape last forever?

The results of your Breast Lift surgery is immediately visible. The final results will become more apparent over the next few months as the swelling resolves and your breasts fully heal. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly constant*. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of any woman’s breasts.
*These results should be long-lasting, although your breasts will likely continue to change due to gravity and age. In order to retain your new look as long as possible, keep a healthy lifestyle and maintain your current weight.

How is the nipple lifted during a breast lift procedure?

“Often, patients ask me if I remove the nipple and place it back in the breast. This is very wrong – I never actually remove the nipple. During surgery I simply change the positioning,” says Dr. Wooten.

Contact us for your Breast Lift consultation!