Breast Lift in Bradenton & Sarasota, FL

Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and correct saggy breasts. Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag.

Mastopexy with Implants

Breast lifts can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume – for example, after pregnancy – breast implants can be inserted in conjunction with breast lift.

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Individual results may vary. Consult with our staff in choosing the best procedure that suits your needs.

Breast Lift Candidates

Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Lacerna. The best candidates for breast lifts are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. Results are especially pronounced for women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.

Initial Consultation for Breast Lift

Dr. Lacerna in Sarasota will examine your breasts and measure them while you’re sitting or standing. She will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure – such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin – and whether an implant is advisable. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.

Types of Breast Lift Incisions

Not every breast lift uses the same incision. Dr. Lacerna recommends the shortest incision that will give you the lift and shape you want:

Crescent lift – a small incision along the upper edge of the areola, for very mild sagging.
Periareolar (“donut”) lift – an incision around the areola, for mild sagging; it can also make a stretched areola smaller.
Vertical (“lollipop”) lift – an incision around the areola and straight down to the breast crease, for moderate sagging. It is the most common technique.
Anchor (inverted-T) lift – adds a third incision along the breast crease, for significant sagging or a lot of loose skin.

Breast Lift Recovery

A breast lift is an outpatient procedure, so most patients go home the same day. Expect soreness, swelling and bruising for the first week or two, and wear your surgical bra as instructed. Many patients return to desk work in about a week, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise usually wait four to six weeks. Your breasts settle into their final shape over a few months, and scars keep fading for a year or more. Dr. Lacerna and our team will see you at every follow-up visit and give you written instructions for each stage of healing.

Breast Lift with Augmentation

A breast lift raises and reshapes the breasts, but it does not add volume. If your breasts have lost fullness after pregnancy, nursing or weight loss, a lift can be combined with implants in a single surgery, known as an augmentation mastopexy. The lift restores position and shape while the implant restores upper-pole fullness. Learn more about breast augmentation in Bradenton & Sarasota.

Breast Lift Cost in Sarasota

The cost of a breast lift depends on the technique you need, whether implants are added, and the anesthesia and facility fees. You will receive an exact, all-inclusive quote at your consultation with Dr. Lacerna. Monthly payment plans are available through our financing partners.

Breast Lift FAQs

How long do breast lift results last?

Results last for many years. Aging, gravity, pregnancy and weight changes still affect your breasts over time, so keeping a stable weight helps you keep your results.

Will a breast lift leave scars?

Yes, every incision leaves a scar, but they are placed so a bra or swimsuit covers them, and most fade to fine lines over 12 to 18 months.

What is a lollipop breast lift?

It is another name for the vertical lift: an incision around the areola and one straight down to the breast crease, shaped like a lollipop. It suits moderate sagging.

Is there a best age for a breast lift?

There is no set age. The best time is when your breasts are fully developed, you are at a stable weight and you are done having children, as pregnancy can stretch the breasts again.

Can breasts be lifted without surgery?

Skin-tightening treatments can firm the skin slightly, but they cannot move the nipple higher or remove extra skin. Surgery is the only way to truly lift sagging breasts.

To find out which breast lift suits you, call (941) 954-4500 to book a consultation with Dr. Lacerna.