Breast Lift

BREAST LIFT IN NEW ORLEANS

woman smiling looking away

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts sagging breasts to a higher, more youthful position. Sagging can be caused by a number of factors, including weight loss, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and aging.

If your breasts have also lost volume and fullness, or if you are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts, Dr. Hendrick may recommend the use of a breast implant (breast augmentation) to restore lost volume. Depending on the severity of sagging (ptosis), the breast lift may be performed concurrently with the augmentation or staged into two procedures.

Dr. Hendrick has extensive experience performing breast lifts, which require specialized skills to provide a natural-looking result and preserve as much nipple sensation as possible. He will spend time with you during your consultation to hear your concerns about the appearance of your breasts and how you would like them to look. He will also tell you exactly what you can expect from your surgery.

You should inform him if you plan to become pregnant or lose additional weight in the future. If so, your breast lift should be postponed until you plan no further pregnancies and/or have reached a stable weight. Otherwise, the breasts could begin to sag again, requiring subsequent surgery.

WHAT CAN MASTOPEXY ACCOMPLISH?

A breast lift can:

  • Correct drooping/sagging breasts, lifting them higher on the chest
  • Reduce the size of the areolas (the darker skin around the nipple), if desired
  • Reshape the breasts for a rounded appearance
  • Boost self-esteem and confidence

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BREAST LIFT?

Dr. Hendrick performs his mastopexy procedures under general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the lift, incisions are often placed around the areolas, under the natural crease of the breasts, and/or in a vertical line from the crease to the bottom of the areolas. Dr. Hendrick then removes any excess skin and repositions the breasts and nipple/areolar complex. The skin edges are then sutured closed, and a surgical bra is fitted.

Post-operatively, you should expect to experience some tightness, swelling, bruising, and soreness after a breast lift. These symptoms will gradually subside in the weeks following your surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication to help with any discomfort you experience, and you will be fitted with a surgical bra after your surgery, which you must wear for several weeks.

Incisions are cared for each day by cleansing the incision lines with mild soap and water, and any external stitches will be removed during a post-operative examination.

Most patients take 7-10 days off from work after an augmentation. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. Be sure to always discuss activity restrictions with Dr. Hendrick to avoid any complication after surgery.

A full set of post-operative instructions will be provided to you prior to your surgery. Feel free to ask any questions during your pre-operative visit.

Breast lifts typically have long-lasting results, but aging, weight gain and loss, and pregnancy can all cause some subsequent sagging of the breast tissue. For the most enduring results, it’s best to wait until you are finished having children and know that you can maintain a stable weight after your breast lift procedure.

Since mastopexy is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance plans.

Contact the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery today to find out more about expert breast lift surgery.

Yes. If you would like to correct sagging and increase your breasts’ volume, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation may be the solution. We can help you decide if this is the right option for you when you speak with us in a consultation. 

The incisions for a breast lift are made where the resulting scars can be hidden by the breasts’ natural contours and easily covered by a bra or bathing suit top. Depending on your procedure, this might be around the edge of the areolas, along the fold below the breasts, or in a vertical line from the bottom of the areola to the fold below the breast. We do everything we can to minimize visible scarring and will discuss incision placement during your consultation.

It’s best to wait until you are done having children before getting a breast lift, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breasts and cause new sagging. If you do have children after your breast lift, there’s a small chance that the surgery will affect your ability to breastfeed. If this is a concern for you, you should raise it in your consultation with Dr. Hendrick.

At the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, we know that the cost of plastic surgery is a significant factor for our patients. We will evaluate your concerns and provide you with the most cost-effective plan to reach your goals. Since mastopexy is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance plans. To make this and other procedures more affordable, we work with both Care Credit and Prosper Healthcare Lending to offer financing plans. We invite you to come in for a consultation to receive your detailed cost-estimate.

Ready, Set, Let's Go!​

Trust your face and body in the expert hands of Dr. Velargo and Dr. Hendrick. Contact us today to learn more about the cosmetic, reconstructive, and non-surgical treatments tailored just for you. 

Ready, Set, Let's Go!​

Trust your face and body in the expert hands of Dr. Velargo and Dr. Hendrick. Contact us today to learn more about the cosmetic, reconstructive, and non-surgical treatments tailored just for you.