How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

If pregnancy, aging, or weight loss have left you with sagging breasts, you might wonder if you will ever see your perky, youthful contours again. A breast lift repositions your breasts and removes excess skin to restore your curves and boost your confidence. This procedure can be combined with other forms of breast enhancement or performed alone to achieve your goals.

What is a Breast Lift or Mastopexy?

Mastopexy is a breast procedure performed to correct sagging, drooping, or excess skin. Many factors can cause breasts to sag, but among the most common are hormonal changes such as pregnancy and age-related drooping as an effect of gravity. Genetics play a role in your skin’s elasticity so some people may be more prone to this effect than others. However, a breast lift can restore your youthful breast shape and position regardless of the underlying cause.

How is a Breast Lift Performed?

The details of your breast lift surgery will depend on factors, including how much sagging you have and how much loose skin your surgeon will remove. A breast lift can use one of several types of incisions, including:

An incision around the edge of the areola
A vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease
A horizontal incision in the breast crease

Your Specialty Aesthetic Surgery surgeon will determine which technique will maximize your results while minimizing scars. Each mastopexy is a customized procedure, so your surgeon will discuss in detail what you can expect during your procedure. Excess skin will be removed, and your breast volume will be lifted back to its correct position for a perkier, more shapely appearance.

How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

If you are considering a breast lift, you most likely want to know how long you can expect to enjoy your results. How long breast lift results last varies widely between different individuals. Most women are happy with their results for at least ten to fifteen years. However, surgical procedures cannot stop the effects of aging or gravity, so eventually, you will experience sagging again.

While mastopexy does not prevent the aging process, it does remove the effects you are currently dealing with. As a result, you can consider the procedure a “reset” that turns back the clock on drooping breasts. Even many years in the future, your breasts will look more lifted than they would if you had never had the procedure.

You can help prolong the results of your breast lift with these methods:

Consider waiting for a breast lift until you do not expect to become pregnant again
Wear supportive bras, especially during physical activities, and consider being measured and fitted by a professional
Use medical-grade skincare products to maintain your skin’s elasticity and delay the effects of aging.
Maintain a consistent weight since weight gain or loss will change how your results look
Discuss your concerns and expectations with your surgeon, who can provide you with further information

What is Recovery Like After a Breast Lift?

You will have a surgical bra supporting your breasts after your procedure, and you can expect some soreness and swelling. Most people start to feel more like themselves within a few days and can return to light-activity jobs within a week or two. You can resume more strenuous exercise after four to six weeks, with limits on lifting or other activities that put strain on your chest.

Swelling will improve significantly after the first few weeks, letting you start to appreciate your results. However, your results will continue to evolve and settle into position for up to six months so that you will see continued improvements.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Mastopexy is an excellent solution for women who are bothered by drooping, flat-looking breasts. Good candidates should have no major health problems and reasonable expectations. Candidates may be of any age, although results will last longer if you do not anticipate future pregnancies.

Only a consultation can determine whether you are a breast lift candidate. You should not have this procedure if you have certain medical conditions. People who are in the process of losing weight may see their best results if they wait until they achieve a stable weight before having the procedure.

Do I Need a Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, or Breast Reduction?

If your breasts droop, that may not be their only problem. If your breasts have lost volume or you prefer them to be larger, you may be a candidate for breast augmentation with your breast lift. On the other hand, breasts that sag because they are large and heavy may benefit from breast reduction and lift. Recovery time is not usually increased by combining procedures, so discuss all your concerns with your surgeon.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about breast lifts? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.