Breast Lift

Age, weight loss, or childbearing can unfortunately cause women’s breasts to droop and sag. A breast lift is a very popular cosmetic procedure specifically designed to raise a woman’s bust back to a more youthful positioning.

What is a Breast Lift?

Breast lifts in Manhattan and beyond are desired by women of all ages who have flat, sagging breasts or wish to correct breasts that are asymmetrical. Many factors over time can take their toll on your breasts. Aging and gravity alone can cause a loss of skin elasticity. When you add other influences, such as pregnancy and weight loss, your breasts can lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift in can help improve sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. This high demand is something that Dr. David L. Abramson sees daily at his offices in New York City, Franklin Lakes and Englewood, NJ.

Degrees of Breast Sagging

Ptosis, or sagging of breasts, can be measured by the degree of sagging. This is often categorized into 4 different levels.

• Level 1 Ptosis: Mild – The areola is above most of the breast tissue, but is around the level of the breast crease.
• Level 2 Ptosis: Moderate – The areola is still above some breast tissue, but is below the breast crease.
• Level 3 Ptosis: Severe – The areola is no longer above any breast tissue as it is at the lowest part of the breast, and in some cases points down.
• Level 4 Ptosis: Pseudoptosis – The areola is above most of the breast tissue, but is at the level of the breast crease.

Breast Lift Methods

There are three common incisions for a breast lift. The location and length of the incisions will depend on the amount of excess tissue to be removed and the quality of your skin.

Circular method

The circular method only requires an incision around the areola. This method is used for patients who only need minimal excision of skin and tissue to achieve ideal lifting. The areola is generally reduced in size during this process and made proportionate with the newly elevate bust position.

Lollipop method

This method uses a lollipop-shaped incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This too removes excess skin and tissue, but more so than the circular method. Minimal scarring will result from the lollipop method but fades overtime.

Anchor method

The anchor method involves an incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and then horizontally along the breast crease. This method is reserved for women who need extensive lifting that the two other methods cannot address. Any resulting scars can be hidden with ease in a bikini top.

Some of the cuts from a breast lift can be concealed in the natural contours, while others will be visible on the surface. When the incisions are completed, your breast lift surgeon will remove any excess skin and then reshape and lift the breast tissue. The remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed with sutures.

Dr. Abramson has vast experience with breast lifts. His caring demeanor and professional skills have earned the trust of hundreds of Manhattan women. Please set up a consultation with him today, so you can talk to a board-certified surgeon about your goals for a breast lift.

Is a Breast Lift Right for You?

Most women seeking breast lift surgery generally experience one or more of the following:

• They are bothered by breasts that sag or have lost shape and volume.
• Their breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous.
• When unsupported, their nipples fall below the breast crease.
• Their nipples and areolas point downward.
• They have stretched skin and enlarged areolas.
• One breast is lower than the other.

If you are interested in a breast lift, then there is some criteria you must meet in order to make you an ideal candidate. Typically, it is best to wait until you are at least 18 years old to make sure your breasts have fully matured. You should also wait until you are done having children since pregnancy and breastfeeding after a breast lift surgery can potentially reverse results.

To establish your suitability for a breast lift, please take some time to talk with Dr. Abramson. He will give you a thorough examination, listen to your goals for the procedure and determine the best course of action. His expertise has been instrumental in the lives of his breast lift patients.

Before & After Pictures

As more women choose a breast lift in New York and New Jersey, Dr. Abramson has increasing proof that his skills are producing successful results. He will be happy to show you some breast lift before and after pictures during your initial consultation.

Before and After Photos

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Consultation

Your breast lift journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. David Abramson. You will have a thorough discussion with him about your aesthetic concerns and your desired outcome. Then you will undergo an exam which will determine if you are a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery. From this exam he can also assess the most ideal techniques for your case.

Both you and he will decide together which technique would be best for you, and preparation and recovery instructions will be provided appropriately.

The technique will be explained in full so you are aware of each step of the procedure and recovery. Before and after pictures of women who have underwent the same technique will be provided, but since each technique is personalized to the individual, so please keep in mind that results vary. Please do not hesitate to mention any concerns or ask any questions you may think of during your consultation. The initial consultation is meant to provide you with all the information you need for a successful and smooth surgery and recovery. We look forward to helping you along you breast lift journey.

Incision Options

When considering a breast lift with Dr. Abramson, it is important to understand that there are three major incision options, each with its own unique approach and impact. The type of incision you choose will affect the placement of your breast lift and can influence both the surgical process and your recovery.

Dr. Abramson is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon, renowned for his expertise in breast surgery and innovative techniques. During your consultation, he will review the three incision options for breast lift in Englewood, explain the benefits of each, and help you make an informed decision.

The choice of incision will play a significant role in the success of your breast lift, influencing both the surgical process and the appearance of any resulting scars. Dr. Abramson is committed to minimizing visible scarring by carefully concealing incisions whenever possible.

Circular Method

The circular method, also known as the periareolar incision technique, involves making a single incision around the edge of the areola. This approach is often recommended for patients who need only a minimal excision of skin and tissue to achieve the desired lift. By confining the incision to the natural border of the areola, any scarring is less visible.

During the procedure, Dr. Abramson not only lifts and tightens the skin but also typically resizes the areola to ensure it remains proportionate to the newly elevated breast. This resizing is carefully performed to enhance the overall aesthetic balance and symmetry of the bust. The circular method is particularly effective for patients with mild to moderate breast sagging, where only a small amount of tissue needs to be removed for optimal results. This makes it a highly appealing incision option for many patients seeking a breast lift.

Lollipop Method

The lollipop method of breast lift incisions, also known as the vertical incision technique, utilizes a lollipop-shaped incision that starts around the edge of the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease. This technique is often recommended for patients who require a more extensive removal of excess skin and tissue compared to the circular method.

During the procedure, Dr. Abramson carefully makes the incision around the areola and then vertically along the breast, which allows for greater skin tightening and lifting. This approach is ideal for individuals with more significant breast sagging or those who need additional tissue excision to achieve their desired breast contour.

Although the lollipop method does involve more extensive incisions than the circular technique, Dr. Abramson is committed to minimizing visible scarring. The scars from this method are typically confined to the periphery of the areola and a vertical line down the breast, which often fades over time. You can expect a more pronounced lift and a well-defined breast shape while benefiting from discreet, less noticeable scars.

Anchor Method

The anchor method, also known as the inverted T incision technique, involves three key incisions: one around the areola, one vertically down to the breast crease, and one horizontally along the breast fold. We recommend this approach for patients who need a substantial removal of excess skin and tissue to achieve significant lifting and reshaping.

In this technique, Dr. Abramson first makes an incision around the areola, then extends it vertically down to the breast crease, and finally creates a horizontal incision along the natural breast fold. This comprehensive approach allows for extensive skin removal and reshaping, making it ideal for patients with more pronounced sagging or those requiring significant contour adjustments.

While the anchor method does involve a more extensive incision pattern, Dr. Abramson takes great care to ensure that the resulting scars are as discreet as possible. The horizontal scar along the breast fold is typically well-concealed in the natural breast crease and tends to fade over time. This breast lift incision method offers a thorough solution for patients in Englewood seeking a dramatic improvement in breast shape and position.

Visit Us in Englewood to Discuss Breast Lift Incision Options

If you are exploring your incision options for a breast lift in Englewood, you have come to the right place. Understanding the various incision options is crucial, as each has its own advantages and your choice will largely depend on factors such as your anatomy, the extent of lift required, and your preferences regarding visible scars.

During your initial consultation, we will evaluate which method will best meet your aesthetic goals while aiming to minimize visible scarring and potential complications. Dr. Abramson will consider your unique needs and preferences to ensure that the chosen technique aligns with your desired results. Please call us today and schedule a time to meet.

Preparing for your Breast Lift

Good preparation is a key factor for a successful surgery. Breast lift patients will receive preparation instructions that will be customized to their specific case, but general instructions include:

• Pick up all prescribed medications.
• Adjust current medications per Dr. Abramson’s specifications.
• Do not smoke or take anti-inflammatory painkillers three weeks before your procedure date.
• You will need someone to take you home once the surgery is completed. This person should ideally stay overnight with you to help with immediate recovery.
• Please notify the office if you start to feel under the weather.

The Procedure

Breast lift surgery starts with Dr. Abramson marking the incision locations. General anesthesia will then be administered, and then the procedure begins. He will make an incision either around the areola, down to the breast crease, and/or along the breast crease. Tissue and excess skin will be removed appropriately, and the nipple and areola will be repositioned to an aesthetically proportionate placement.

The whole procedure takes between one to two hours. It is performed on an outpatient basis so once the surgery is completed you will be taken to slowly and comfortably wake in the recovery room, and from there you will be taken home by a friend or family member.

Complementing Procedures

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a special surgery designed to redefine a woman’s body to look like it did pre-pregnancy. This surgery is actually a combination of breast and body procedures such as breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, and/or SmartLipo. Women can choose to undergo any amount of procedures they desire, but generally, women choose two to three procedures. A breast lift can be paired with a body sculpting procedure to create a beautiful, defined contour.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure which surgically inserts breast implants into the breast for a projected bust. This is often paired with a breast lift since breast lifts do not address lost volume. A breast lift combined with a breast augmentation will provide a full, lifted bust.

Recovery

Most patients go home after their surgery with the assistance of a family member or friend. This person should ideally stay at least one night with you to aid in the first night of your recovery. Please wear the support bra placed on you after surgery for at least 3 weeks, or unless otherwise specified. The sutures Dr. Abramson uses to close the incisions are self-dissolving, so they will not need to be removed during your follow-up appointment. Your follow-up appointment will be to assess the progress of your recovery and make sure you are healing smoothly. You can resume normal activities in six to eight days, and strenuous activities in four to six weeks.

The extent of the recovery period for your Englewood breast lift will vary from patient to patient based on your individual factors. This includes your age, your own personal health, and the extent of your surgical procedure. For most patients, the recovery process from their breast lift will typically last between several weeks to a few months – but with the most sensitive time being in the first couple of weeks.

The First Hours After a Breast Lift

Immediately after your breast lift surgery, you will spend a few hours in the recovery room under our care. You will be monitored to ensure that there are no complications from the procedure. Once you are all set and cleared, you can head home, but since the anesthesia can still have an effect on you, you will not be able to drive. You should arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours to ensure that you are safe and comfortable.

Initial Days

In the first four to five days after your surgery, it is important to take it easy and rest at home, and take this time off from work. During this period, spend plenty of time resting with your upper body elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing. Use pillows and blankets to keep yourself comfortably propped up.

Dr. Abramson may advise you to wear a supportive bra or garment to aid the healing process. These are designed to help reduce swelling and support your breasts while you heal.

If you feel any discomfort, taking over-the-counter pain medication should help, and Dr. Abramson may give you a prescription for stronger pain relief if you need it. For the next four to six weeks, you need to steer clear of heavy lifting and strenuous activities, including heavy exercise. However, gentle exercise is very important to help your circulation and to help you heal faster.

Making Your Recovery Easier

You can usually get back to light work, like office tasks, after about a week. Most Englewood patients start seeing the full results of their breast lift around three to four months after their surgery. Recovering from your breast lift might have its challenges, but there are plenty of ways to make the process smoother and more comfortable for yourself:

• Keep yourself entertained—now’s the perfect time to binge-watch your favorite TV shows or get lost in a new book.
• Incorporate gentle exercise, like short walks, to boost your circulation and aid healing. Just remember to avoid any activities that put strain on your chest muscles.
• Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water to support overall healing and recovery.
• Avoid smoking and drinking. Nicotine and alcohol consumption will hinder your recovery process and also make you more susceptible to complications.
• If you can, get help with childcare, pet care, or household chores.
• Preparing meals in advance can also be a huge time-saver.

Englewood Patients Should Call Us and Discuss the Breast Lift Recovery

By following each of these guidelines, as well as any personalized instructions that Dr. Abramson and his staff provide, you will make your recovery smoother and more comfortable. These tips will also help you support your healing and minimize complications and discomfort. If you have any additional questions about your breast lift recovery in Englewood, bring them to our team—we are here to serve you.

Cost of Breast Lift Surgery

For your financing needs, Alphaeon™ and Prosper® are offered, since breast lift prices can vary widely based on your needs and expectations. Dr. Abramson and his knowledgeable staff can provide you with more detailed and personal information about breast lift costs during your consultation.