At Maan Plastic Surgery, Dr. Maan understands that breast sagging is a common issue that can affect self-confidence. With a breast lift in San Jose, patients can achieve a more youthful and lifted appearance without compromising their natural shape. Dr. Maan strives to help patients feel comfortable and confident in their bodies through personalized, safe, and effective procedures.
What Is A Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape breasts that have lost their firmness and youthful appearance due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining breast tissue is tightened and lifted to create a more youthful and perky look. The result is a more youthful, natural-looking breast shape that helps women feel confident and comfortable in their skin.
What Does a Breast Lift Correct?
- Sagging breasts due to pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Drooping breasts due to weight fluctuations
- Breasts with nipples that point downwards
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Loss of breast volume and shape due to aging
- Breasts that appear flat or elongated
- Stretch marks or excess skin around the breast area
To learn more about how a breast lift in San Jose can help you, contact our office today for a consultation.
Types of Breast Lift
Crescent lift
The Crescent Lift is the least invasive breast lift, typically recommended for patients with only mild sagging. This technique is ideal for women who need minimal correction and want a subtle lift. During the procedure, Dr. Maan removes a crescent-shaped piece of skin at the top of the areola, just above the nipple. The incision is small, resulting in minimal scarring that is often discreet. This lift is perfect for women looking to achieve a small enhancement in breast position, especially if there is a slight droop after pregnancy or weight loss.
Benelli ("donut" or circumareolar) lift
The Benelli lift is for patients requiring a more significant lift than the Crescent Lift but with less invasive scarring. This technique is often called the “donut” lift due to the doughnut-shaped incision made around the areola. The Benelli lift is effective for patients who wish to correct nipple asymmetry or re-size the areola while achieving a slight lift. Dr. Maan will remove tissue from around the areola and then tighten the surrounding skin. While this procedure typically leaves scars that blend with the areola border, it may also result in some flattening of the breast shape. As such, this technique is often
Anchor lift (inverted "T")
The Anchor Lift, or inverted “T” lift, is the most invasive and comprehensive breast lift technique for patients with more significant sagging and drooping breasts who need a substantial amount of reshaping. During the procedure, Dr. Maan will make three incisions: one around the areola, one extending vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and one along the inframammary fold (the natural fold under the breast). This approach allows for the removal of excess skin and tissue, repositioning the breast to a more lifted shape. While this technique results in more visible scarring, it is the most effective for women with considerable sagging.
Vertical ("lollipop") lift
For women who want a more moderate breast lift without significant alteration to the breast size, the Vertical (or “Lollipop”) Lift offers an ideal solution. This technique helps reshape breasts that have some drooping but not as much as those requiring an Anchor Lift. Dr. Maan creates two incisions: one around the areola and one vertically down from the areola to the breast crease. This allows for the removal of excess skin and the lifting of the breast without the need for a horizontal incision beneath the breast. The result is a firmer, more defined breast shape with scars that can be easily hidden under bras or swimsuits.
Does a Breast Lift Also Add Volume?
Breast lift surgery primarily focuses on reshaping and lifting the existing breast tissue but can also create the illusion of added volume. By repositioning the breasts and repositioning the nipples, the breasts can appear fuller and more rounded. However, breast lift surgery does not involve using implants or fat grafting to add volume to the breasts. Patients interested in increasing their breast size may want to consider combining a breast lift with breast augmentation for a more comprehensive result.
Candidates for Breast Lift:
- Women with sagging or drooping breasts due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations
- Women with asymmetrical or elongated breasts
- Women with stretched skin or loss of breast volume due to aging
- Women in good overall health and with realistic expectations for the outcome
- Women who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Women who do not plan to have more children in the future
Your Breast Lift Session
Your breast lift session will begin with a thorough consultation with Dr. Maan. During this meeting, you will discuss your medical history, current health status, desired outcome, and any concerns you may have about the procedure. Dr. Maan will evaluate your breast size and shape and may take measurements and photos for reference.
On the day of your breast lift in San Jose, which usually takes 2-3 hours, you will be given general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Maan will create incisions in strategic locations on your breasts, such as around the areola, down to the breast crease, or horizontally across the breast crease. Through these incisions, he will remove excess skin and reshape the underlying breast tissue to create a more lifted and youthful appearance.
Once the desired result is achieved, Dr. Maan will close the incisions using sutures or adhesive strips. You may be required to wear a supportive bra or bandage to aid in the healing process. Dr. Maan will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing properly.
Your Journey to Recovery: Side Effects & Downtime
You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following your mastopexy. These side effects are normal and should subside within a few days to weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks and may need to wear a supportive bra or bandage to aid in the healing process. While the recovery process varies from patient to patient, most can return to work and resume light activities within a week or two of their breast lift in San Jose.
Breast lift FAQs
When can I go braless after a breast lift?
After a breast lift, it is essential to wear a supportive surgical bra or sports bra for at least 6-8 weeks to ensure proper healing and minimize strain on the incisions. Going braless too soon can interfere with the healing process and may impact the results. Once your surgeon approves, typically after two to three months, you can go braless occasionally.
Do breast lifts sag over time?
While a breast lift provides long-lasting results, natural aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, and changes from pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause some sagging over time. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, wearing supportive bras, and maintaining a stable weight can help prolong the effects of the procedure.
How many cup sizes do you lose with a breast lift?
A breast lift does not significantly alter breast size unless combined with a reduction or augmentation. However, since excess skin is removed, some patients feel their breasts look slightly smaller, typically by half a cup size. The primary goal of a breast lift is to improve shape and position, not reduce volume.
Do nipples still get hard after a breast lift?
In most cases, nipple sensation is preserved after a breast lift. However, temporary changes in sensation, including numbness or heightened sensitivity, are common during the healing process. These changes typically resolve within a few months. Long-term sensation changes are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon.
What to expect after a breast lift?
After a breast lift, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few weeks. Most patients return to work and light activities within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery, including resuming strenuous activities, typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Why Choose Dr. Maan For Your Breast Lift in Los Gatos?
Dr. Maan at Maan Plastic Surgery is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. With a background in plastic and reconstructive surgery from Stanford and a specialization in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, he has the knowledge and experience to provide you with safe, personalized, and effective care. Dr. Maan listens carefully to his patients’ concerns and educates them on the tools available to achieve their goals. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule your consultation with Dr. Maan today.
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