Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Long Island, NY
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY
Over time, breasts change due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural effects of gravity. The breast lift procedure, also known as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery that restores a more youthful breast contour by removing excess skin, tightening breast tissue, and lifting the nipples to a higher position on the chest. Many women choose a breast lift to regain confidence and comfort when sagging or stretched skin begins to alter their natural shape.
At Charlotte Ann Rhee, MD, PC, you can expect highly personalized care from a board-certified female plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast surgery in Long Island. Dr. Rhee specializes in advanced breast lift techniques that minimize scars while creating natural, lasting results. Whether you’ve experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply wish to improve your breast profile, Dr. Rhee’s artistry and surgical precision can help restore your confidence and a balanced, lifted appearance.
Elevates and reshapes sagging breasts for a firmer, more youthful contour.
Techniques like the lollipop lift or inverted T incision are chosen based on the patient's breast size, shape, and amount of excess skin.
Typically a 1½–3½ hour outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia at Dr. Rhee’s accredited surgical suite.
Most breast lift patients return to work within 1–2 weeks, wearing a special bra for comfort and support.
Breast lift results can last many years when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
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A woman’s breasts may droop as a result of the natural effects of aging, heredity, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is performed to return a youthful shape and lift breasts that have sagged or lost volume and firmness.
The breast lift procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding breast tissue to create a firmer, more youthful contour. The nipple and areola may be repositioned higher on the chest to restore natural balance, symmetry, and a lifted appearance without significantly changing breast size.
Women wishing to enhance both the position and size of their breasts can achieve comprehensive rejuvenation by combining a breast lift with breast augmentation using silicone gel or saline implants.
A mastopexy may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or a surgeon’s office-based facility. It is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and lasts from 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours.
In all cases, breast lift surgery begins with the administration of anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Rhee will make the necessary incisions and then lift and reshape the breast tissue into its new, rejuvenated contour. Dr. Rhee will move the nipple and areola higher on the breast and remove extra skin around the perimeter if the areola is enlarged. Finally, she will trim the excess breast skin that is a result of poor elasticity.
When the mastopexy is complete, the skin is closed with stitches, tissue adhesive, and/or surgical tape. The stitches are placed in layers deep throughout the breast tissue or hidden in the breast crease. Additionally, some are visible, but all are in place to support the lifted breasts. All scars will mature with time.
There are several types of incision methods that can be used when performing a breast lift. The technique a surgeon chooses depends on the patient’s breast size, shape, and the degree of sagging. Additionally, the size and position of the areolas will need to be considered as well as the amount of excess skin and skin quality.
There are three common incision types to use during a breast lift. The first includes two rings around the areola in a doughnut shape. Dr. Rhee recommends this technique for a small-incision mastopexy and patients with small breasts and minimal sagging. The second type is around the areola and down to the breast crease, which produces a lollipop shape. Finally, if you add an additional half-moon incision along the breast crease to the lollipop incision, it is considered an anchor-shaped incision. Dr. Rhee will work with you to determine the best surgical technique for your specific needs and goals.
Breast lift surgery is designed to rejuvenate the breasts when time, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy cause the skin and tissue to lose firmness. It addresses sagging breasts, uneven shape, and downward-pointing nipples by tightening the breast tissue and removing excess breast skin. The result is a naturally lifted appearance with smoother contours and improved symmetry.
Women who experience stretched breast skin after breastfeeding or significant weight loss often find that their breasts have lost volume or appear deflated. The breast lift procedure corrects these concerns by elevating the breast mound and restoring the nipple position to create a youthful, proportionate look. For patients who wish to increase breast volume, Dr. Rhee can combine a breast lift with breast augmentation using breast implants for enhanced fullness and shape.
Breast lifts rejuvenate the breasts by trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissues to achieve an uplifted, youthful contour. After a mastopexy, the breasts are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. Breast lifts can also reposition and reduce the size of the areola, which may have stretched or drooped. If you are interested in breast lift surgery, Charlotte Ann Rhee, MD, offers free consultations to see if you are a good candidate.
“Dr. Rhee and staff are kind, caring, friendly people. My surgery went Amazing, not a complaint in the world. I HIGHLY recommend this surgeon and office.”
The best candidates for a breast lift are women who maintain a healthy weight, live an overall healthy lifestyle, do not smoke, and have a realistic expectation of their outcome. Additionally, women who are planning to have children are advised to postpone surgery, since pregnancy and nursing can counteract a breast lift’s effects by stretching the skin.
Candidates must have breasts that meet some or all of the following conditions:
Mastopexy can improve breast shape nicely for many patients. However, a breast lift alone may not provide every woman with the results she would like. Breast lift surgery is often combined with breast augmentation, the procedure that enlarges and enhances breast size and shape. Breast augmentation achieves natural-looking results with saline or silicone medical implants made of durable, cohesive materials. Benefits of combining mastopexy with breast augmentation include:
Lifting and enhancing breast size improves the overall appearance of the breasts.
Combining breast augmentation and mastopexy is as safe as a single surgery (cited in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Combining procedures minimizes related fees.
Overall recovery time does not increase substantially when procedures are combined.
After surgery, the breasts are wrapped with gauze dressings, and you may need to wear an elastic bandage or a surgical support bra. After a few days, this is replaced with a soft support bra, which is worn 24 hours a day for about a month.
The breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable after surgery, but this will pass in a few days. Any numbness in the breasts and nipples should lessen as swelling subsides. After one or two weeks, the stitches can be removed, and many patients return to work then.
A breast lift is designed to create long-lasting improvement in breast shape, firmness, and projection, helping women achieve a naturally youthful breast contour that better complements their body. Most patients notice an immediate difference in the position and feel of their breasts after surgery, with swelling gradually resolving to reveal smoother, more lifted curves.
If you agree on realistic goals with Dr. Rhee during your consultation, you should be very satisfied with the look of your lifted breasts. You will be able to see the results of your mastopexy immediately after surgery, and you may become even more satisfied as the swelling goes down and incision lines fade.
With proper support, stable weight, and a healthy lifestyle, your breast lift results can last for many years, allowing you to enjoy renewed self-confidence, improved posture, and comfort in your favorite clothing once again.
Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for her expertise, artistry, and compassion. With more than three decades of experience in plastic surgery, she has authored international publications on advanced cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery techniques. Blending the precision of an experienced surgeon with an eye for feminine balance, she is highly sought after by women throughout Long Island for her beautiful, natural results.
Using advanced techniques such as the lollipop lift and inverted T incision, Dr. Rhee refines breast shape, minimizes scarring, and enhances symmetry while maintaining natural sensitivity. Dr. Rhee and her team provide personalized instructions and ongoing care for throughout your breast lift recovery, ensuring your comfort and safety from the first day of healing to your final follow-up visit. In our private, accredited surgical suite, each surgical procedure is performed with precision, safety, and artistry to help women achieve the self-confidence and natural elegance they deserve.
If you are interested in learning more about our Breast Lift procedure, call (631) 424-6707 today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee is a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Long Island, NY, who specializes in Breast Lift surgery. Call (631) 424-6707 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rhee in her Huntington Station office!
The results of breast lift surgery are generally long-lasting. However, this is dependent on several factors. A patient’s age, dietary habits, general health, and genetics all factor into the resilience of tissue and skin. Patients are encouraged to wear proper supportive bras after surgery, to manage weight fluctuations, and to take care of their skin.
Besides the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, there are risks specific to mastopexy. These risks include the following:
All surgical incisions carry the risk of scarring. Scars are the result of tissue healing. The incisions made during breast lift surgery are typically thin. Initially, the skin looks red and raised along incisions. Over time, the skin should flatten and lighten. This process can take up to one year. Patients with very dark or very light skin may have more noticeable scarring. Scars may become more prominent due to sun exposure or tanning lamps.
To promote optimal healing of surgical incisions, patients should avoid:
Nipple position can be addressed during the mastopexy procedure. Depending on the initial evaluation of the breasts, Dr. Rhee may reduce areola size to achieve the proper proportion between the colored part of the breast and the breast mound itself. Nipples can also be lifted to reduce sagging and restore forward projection.
It is difficult to pinpoint the cost of mastopexy surgery because many variables contribute to this. Fees that patients can expect to determine the cost of their treatment include:
Insurance coverage is not typically available for mastopexy procedures. However, patients may consider special financing offers to manage the costs of care.
The breast lift procedure does not significantly change the size of your breasts, but it can make them appear fuller and more youthful by tightening remaining skin and elevating the breast tissue. If you wish to add volume, Dr. Rhee may recommend combining your mastopexy with breast augmentation using silicone or saline implants for a more comprehensive enhancement.
Most breast lift patients experience mild soreness and swelling for the first few days, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Rhee. You’ll need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks to protect your surgical area and support healing. Light activity can resume within one week, though full recovery may take several weeks, depending on your medical history and surgical procedure details.
Yes. Many women pursue a breast lift after pregnancy to correct stretching and restore firmness. Dr. Rhee recommends waiting at least six months after breastfeeding to allow breast tissue and hormone levels to stabilize before scheduling your breast lift surgery. This helps ensure optimal, long-lasting results and a balanced breast contour.
Yes. Breast lift surgery can correct breast asymmetry by adjusting nipple position, reshaping breast tissue, and tightening extra skin on one or both sides. Dr. Rhee often combines a breast lift with other breast procedures to create perfectly balanced, natural results that complement your overall figure.
