Breast Lift Lexington, KY

A mastopexy, more commonly known as breast lift, may be performed for a variety of reasons. The aging breast will inevitably sag over time, due to gravity, factors such as weight loss and sun exposure, and after child bearing. Sometimes, younger women also may suffer from premature sagging, which we call “ptosis.” Other women suffer from asymmetrically shaped breasts or would like a large nipple or areola to be reduced. Quite simply, the goal of a mastopexy is to sculpt the breast into a more elevated position and reposition the nipple to create a more youthful and attractive appearance.

Often the mastopexy is performed along with breast augmentation, but not necessarily. Dr. Gerstle will take the time to explain your options, and you can discuss your desires and needs in order to tailor a natural and beautiful result. Everyone who works with you, from our office staff to your surgical team, is there to support your vision and work together to create the a happier you! We’d love to see you in our our Lexington, KY office

today!To find out more about mastopexy (breast lift) procedures at Lexington Plastic Surgery, PLLC, request a consultation or call our office at (859) 279-2111.

see before and afters

Breast Lift Safety

Breast lift surgery is a common procedure that Dr. Gerstle has personally carried out thousands of times. You will certainly experience some swelling and pain following the procedure, but serious complications are rare. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of the most serious risks—including reaction to anesthesia, infection, loss of sensation, and bleeding. Dr. Gerstle will talk through these risks with you so that you can make an informed decision. He will also discuss with you the degree of scarring that will occur. Dr. Gerstle is very practiced with mastopexy and does his best to hide scars in inconspicuous places under the breast or in folds of the skin when possible.

The Breast Lift Procedure

The doctor will ask you to stand so that he can mark the incision points and decide on the precise spot that your nipples will be lifted to. If the size of your areolas or nipples will be reduced, this will be marked as well.

The incision type used will be selected to give you the best shape per the discussions you’ve had in consultation with Dr. Gerstle. Some skin will be removed during the procedure to tighten up the décolletage area as much as possible. Minor breast lifts generally consist of an incision around the nipple area, while a more significant lift may require additional incisions discreetly placed under the breast.

Breast Lift Post Op

Following the surgery, you will be given pain medication and postoperative instructions. Dr. Gerstle will schedule a follow up appointment with you the following day after surgery, but he is always readily available to his patients on his personal cell phone and via email.

Breast lift surgery has a relatively quick recovery period. You will, of course, be groggy and feel sore and swollen at first, so please ensure that there is someone to drive you home after the surgery. The pain can be managed with prescription pain medication for several days and then with over the counter medication thereafter. Most patients can return to office work within two weeks.

It will be important to sleep with your chest elevated for several weeks following the procedure, so be sure to have plenty of extra pillows around at night. Having a few specialty surgical bras will provide extra support and light compression to aid in healing in the weeks and months following the surgery. Dr. Gerstle recommends limiting strenuous activity for about a month after the procedure.

You will be able to see the difference in the projection, or profile, of your breasts from the start. After several months, you will have mostly healed and will have a good idea of the final result, but it will take up to a year for your breasts to completely heal and for your new breasts to be fully unveiled.

Benefits of a Breast Lift

Restoring a youthful appearance of the breast
Correction of breast asymmetry
Reshaping nipple/areola region
Restoring lost volume and firmness of the breast
Removing excess, sagging skin
Regaining a feeling of confidence, self-esteem, and femininity

The New You—Working With Dr. Gerstle

Dr. Gerstle understands that every woman is unique, and so is her anatomy. During your initial consultation, he will review your general health, including whether you smoke, any prescription medications or supplements you are currently taking, and what you expect to get out of the breast lift surgery. Dr. Gerstle will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam.

With the latest surgical techniques in mind, he will sit down with you in consultation and devise a plan to meet your needs. A minor breast lift generally consists of an incision around the nipple area, while a more significant lift may require additional incisions discreetly placed under the breast.

You may require a mammogram or other testing prior to the procedure, and Dr. Gerstle will ask you to refrain from smoking for at least six weeks before and after the procedure..
Once you and Dr. Gerstle create a plan together, you will undergo the procedure in our office-based AAAASF certified outpatient surgery center. Most patients undergo a general anesthetic for the duration of the procedure. The surgery takes about two to three hours to complete, and patients return home after several hours in the recovery area.

Breast Lift FAQ

Why do women undergo a breast lift?

Factors such as age, weight, and past breastfeeding can cause breasts to sag and become deflated. Sometimes women have simply never been satisfied with the lift or firmness of their breasts. Even nipple placement and size can be a source of dissatisfaction. A breast lift can help to correct these conditions.

Is a breast lift permanent?

A well-performed mastopexy can be expected to yield results which last for many years. Several factors may affect how well the result can be maintained, however. Such factors include age, weight fluctuations, future pregnancies, and the placement of implants, if any.

Are there minimally invasive approaches to breast lift?

Many non-surgical approaches to breast lift are on the market today, but unfortunately, there is little scientific evidence to support their use. Dr. Gerstle is skilled in the least invasive surgical techniques to lift the breast, limit down-time, and achieve a lasting result.

What medications can interfere with a mastopexy?

Supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, and St. John’s Wort can all cause the blood to thin, as can NSAID pain relievers and aspirin. These can cause surgical complications. Be sure to discuss your use of these with Dr. Gerstle prior to the procedure; he will likely ask you to briefly discontinue them.

Can I smoke following a breast lift?

Breast lift surgery is the perfect time to quit smoking. You will want to pause smoking for at least six weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking interferes with the healing process, not to mention that it promotes wrinkles and deprives your skin and body of oxygen.

Will I be able to breastfeed after mastopexy?

Women who undergo a breast lift usually do not have a problem with breastfeeding, nor is there any risk to the baby. However, women who do become pregnant and breastfeed after undergoing a breast lift may see some new sagging of the breasts afterwards.

If I’m planning to have more children, should I wait on a breast lift?

That may be your best option; while it is vital to your growing baby, breastfeeding is one of the greatest contributors to sagging and deflated breasts, and you may wish to correct the sagging once you’ve finished breastfeeding.

Do implants provide the lift that I am looking for?

Not usually. In fact, implants will usually make saggy skin worse, as it adds weight to the equation. Sometimes only a lift is needed when breasts retain their volume after pregnancy or as a woman ages. When additional volume is desired, sometimes the two procedures are combined, as a breast lift does not increase breast size, although breasts will look somewhat fuller as they are lifted.

Will a breast lift create scars?

Dr. Gerstle does his utmost to minimize the appearance of scarring, but yes, there will be at least some visible scarring due to the incisions.

Can I combine a breast lift with a breast reduction?

Yes. When heavy breasts put undue pressure on the skin and tissues, a breast reduction can relieve the weight, eliminate the need for further breast lift procedures, and give you the freedom to move without constantly thinking about your breasts.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Like other breast enhancement surgeries, a breast lift has a manageable recovery time. Depending on the kind of work you do, you will likely be able to return to it within a couple weeks. Light activities such as shopping, laundry, and cooking can be resumed within a few days. It can take about a month for your body to be ready to go back to some low-impact exercise, which you can build on as you gain strength and stamina.

Am I a candidate for mastopexy?

Whether you have congenitally lax tissue or have been subject to the effects of aging, sun exposure, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations, if you are a healthy adult, mastopexy may be right for you.

What is a “Mommy Makeover”?

A Mommy Makeover addresses many issues of concern around the body via plastic surgery. Along with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, labiaplasty, and a butt lift, a breast lift is commonly a part of this overall body makeover! Talk to Dr. Gerstle if you are interested in this transformative surgery.

Is a breast lift permanent?

Unfortunately, your breasts are likely to begin to sag again at some point in the future. No procedure can stop the aging process, but a breast lift can certainly slow it down. The procedure will have greater longevity for a woman who gets a breast lift at 30 than for one who gets it done at 50, as the underlying tissues will have more inherent buoyancy. You can help to maintain the procedure by maintaining a healthy weight and eating collagen rich foods.

Breast Lift Surgery Financing

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs that can be used by your entire family. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance. Special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards.

Pay for health and wellness care at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the nation. Once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again at any location that accepts CareCredit. For more information and to apply, please visit CareCredit.com.

View Patient Before and After Request a Consultation with Dr. Gerstle

What our patients are saying…

After I gave birth to two beautiful babies and breastfed them both, I was sad to see that my breasts had lost all tissue they once had. To make matters worse, what little was left was sagging badly. I wanted to get my figure back so that I could be proud to wear a swimsuit again. Dr. Gerstle was wonderful about listening to my concerns about not wanting to look ‘fake’ and he gave me a natural, womanly figure back with implants and a breast lift. He did a great job and I recommend him and his amazing staff to anyone interested in plastic surgery.