Breast Lift in Pasadena

A breast lift is a surgical procedure called a mastopexy. It is a combination of procedures to lift the breasts higher on the chest wall and reposition the nipple so it is in a natural, youthful position at the front of the breast.

The type of procedure is based on the patient. The incision placement will be based on the degree of sagging that has occurred. The incisions are often placed around the nipple area, but in some cases of extreme sagging, there may be an incision from the center of the nipple to the bottom of the breast.

As with any invasive procedure, you can expect some swelling. Sleeping on extra pillows or a foam wedge will help limit swelling. Drink lots of water and avoid salty foods during healing. If you carefully follow all of our post-op procedures, you should heal quickly without much concern about excessive swelling.

While the results are long-lasting, over time, you may experience a greater amount of skin laxity. Caring for your skin correctly helps keep it firm and healthy. Typically, the results last many years before another procedure is needed, if at all.

The procedure is geared to produce symmetrical, round, plump (and natural-looking) breasts. Some slight variations in the structure of the chest wall, ribs, or spine may create minor imperfections in matched breasts.

Yes, and a breast augmentation and lift are often done at Athēnix. Our surgeon will discuss your options during your consultation.

Yes, although it is recommended to wait to have breast surgery until you are done having children because of the impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding on the shape and characteristics of the breast. If the nipple structure is left intact, breastfeeding is possible, but other variables may occur during the procedure that could affect breastfeeding.

The type of incision used in a breast lift depends on the degree of sagging and the specific goals of the patient. At Athēnix in Pasadena, your surgeon may recommend a crescent incision for minimal sagging, which is placed along the upper edge of the areola. For moderate sagging, a lollipop or vertical incision, running around the areola and down to the breast crease, may be suggested. More significant sagging may require an anchor incision, which follows around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease. The most suitable incision technique will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Recovery after a breast lift typically involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days, which can be managed with medication. Most patients feel well enough to return to light work within about a week. More strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow for proper healing. While initial results are visible soon after surgery, it can take several months for final results to fully develop as swelling subsides and scars begin to fade.

It’s possible to experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after a breast lift. Some patients notice temporary numbness or heightened sensitivity, which often improves over several weeks or months. In rare cases, changes in sensation can be long-lasting or permanent, depending on individual anatomy and the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon at Athēnix in Pasadena will carefully review these possibilities with you before surgery to ensure you have realistic expectations.

While a breast lift offers long-lasting enhancement to breast shape and position, it does not stop the natural aging process. Over time, factors such as gravity, aging, weight changes, and pregnancy can influence your results. However, many patients enjoy their improved breast contour for years, especially when maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Periodic follow-up with your surgeon can help monitor and maintain your outcomes.