Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Restore a firmer, more youthful breast shape with a breast lift by Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS. Natural-looking results tailored to your goals.
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What Is a Breast Lift
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure in which your surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes your breasts for a firmer, more youthful appearance. Depending on factors such as the severity of drooping, skin elasticity, and breast size, a variety of breast lift methods can be used to achieve the desired results. For those seeking to increase or restore volume as well, a breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation. During your personal breast lift consultation, Dr. Garazo will explore your breast lift options with you and help you determine which techniques and procedures will work best to achieve your goals.
Before & After Gallery
See how Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS's breast lift techniques result in improved breast shape, position, and overall contour.
Before
After
Before
After
Types of Breast Lift
Breast lift techniques are selected based on the degree of sagging and the results you want to achieve. Dr. Garazo offers multiple approaches to address different levels of breast ptosis, each designed to restore a lifted, natural-looking contour.
Periareolar Lift
Best suited for patients with mild sagging, this technique uses a single incision around the areola. It provides subtle lifting with minimal scarring, making it a good option for those seeking modest improvement with the least visible marks.
Vertical Lift
Also known as a lollipop lift, this approach uses incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. It addresses moderate sagging and allows Dr. Garazo to reshape the breast more precisely than a periareolar technique alone.
Anchor Lift
The most comprehensive breast lift technique, using an anchor-shaped incision pattern to correct significant sagging. It provides the greatest degree of lift and reshaping, making it the preferred approach for patients with advanced ptosis seeking more dramatic rejuvenation.
Overview of the Procedure
Understanding each phase of the breast lift process helps you feel confident and prepared from your first consultation through your full recovery.
Breast Lift Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Garazo reviews your medical history, evaluates your breast anatomy, discusses your aesthetic goals, and presents before-and-after photos. He will then provide a personalized breast lift treatment plan tailored to your objectives.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Dr. Garazo provides detailed pre-operative instructions including medication adjustments, lifestyle recommendations, and what to arrange for your recovery period at home.
Day of Surgery
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Garazo makes discreet incisions based on your degree of sagging to lift, reposition, and reshape breast tissue for a firmer, more youthful contour.
Follow-Up Appointments
Post-operative visits allow Dr. Garazo to monitor your healing, remove sutures, and address any concerns as you progress through recovery.
Social Readiness
Most patients with non-strenuous jobs return to work within a few days. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks after surgery.
Ideal CandidatesFor a Breast Lift
A breast lift is sought by women who want to restore a firmer, more youthful breast shape without necessarily changing their size. The best candidates maintain a fairly stable weight, are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations.
A breast lift may be right for you if you are:
- Women of all ages who are unhappy with sagging or drooping breasts
- Physically healthy women who do not smoke
- Women who maintain a fairly stable weight
- Those with specific, realistic expectations about the results
Why ChooseDr. Garazo for a Breast Lift
Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience performing breast lift surgery, specializing in techniques that restore natural shape and position tailored to each patient.
Experience, Recognition, and Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Garazo is known for his meticulous surgical approach, thorough consultations, and commitment to patient safety. Recognized six times as "Best Plastic Surgeon" in the Herald-Mail Tri-State Community Choice Awards, he personally meets with every breast lift patient to ensure individualized treatment planning.
Personalized Technique and Natural-Looking Results
His extensive experience with breast anatomy and advanced lifting techniques allows him to tailor each procedure to the patient's unique anatomy, degree of sagging, and aesthetic goals.
CombineYour Breast Lift
A breast lift is often combined with other cosmetic procedures for a more complete body makeover tailored to your individual goals.
Breast Augmentation
A breast lift restores shape and position while breast augmentation adds volume, together addressing both sagging and loss of fullness.
Breast Reduction
Combining a lift with a reduction removes excess tissue while repositioning the breast to a higher, more youthful position.
Abdominoplasty
A breast lift combined with a tummy tuck addresses changes above and below the waist in a single session for a more youthful silhouette.
Breast LiftFAQs
How much does a breast lift cost in Maryland?
The cost of a breast lift varies depending on anesthesia time and any special considerations. After your consultation, Dr. Garazo will provide an exact quote. We accept cash, check, card, and offer financing through CareCredit.
What incisions are used in breast lift surgery?
Breast lift incisions include the anchor (inverted T), vertical (lollipop), and periareolar (around the areola) techniques. Depending on how much breast sagging you have, Dr. Garazo will determine which incisions will allow him to create the best results possible.
Will I have visible scars after a breast lift?
Yes; however, Dr. Garazo thoughtfully places incisions to be inconspicuous and sutures them carefully so that scarring fades beautifully. You can further minimize the look of breast lift scars by following all aftercare instructions and keeping your scars away from UV light.
What anesthesia is used during a breast lift?
You'll be asleep and numb during breast lift surgery with general anesthesia.
What aftercare will I need after a breast lift?
Each patient receives personalized post-op guidelines, but in general, you'll be asked to wear a compression garment, avoid strenuous activities, care for your incisions, and attend your follow-up appointments so we can track your progress.
How long should I take off work after a lift?
Depending on the type of work you do, you may choose to take 1-2 weeks off, more if your job is physically demanding.
Will a breast lift affect nipple sensation?
You may experience temporary changes in nipple sensation as you heal, and although much less common, some patients may have permanent changes.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Many women can breastfeed after a breast lift, but some may experience difficulties, especially if the nipples were repositioned significantly and milk ducts and nerves were compromised. Dr. Garazo is very careful not to disturb these tissues when possible.
Is a breast lift permanent?
Breast lift results can last for several years, but surgery cannot stop the natural aging process. Time, gravity, and weight fluctuations will eventually impact your initial results.
Breast lift vs. augmentation: the difference?
A breast lift raises and reshapes sagging breasts, while breast augmentation increases breast size using implants. Combining both procedures often achieves the best of both worlds—beautiful shape and volume and a perkier position.
Will a breast lift change my bra size?
Probably; a breast lift changes the shape and position of the breasts by removing excess skin and tissue, so it's common for patients to see a subtle change in cup size.
Will a breast lift improve breast symmetry?
Yes, a breast lift can improve symmetry between each breast and it can also reposition the nipple-areola complex to be more centered on your newly reshaped breasts.
Can a breast lift correct tuberous breasts?
Yes, a breast lift can help correct tuberous breasts, especially when combined with breast augmentation. Breast implants are highly effective in creating a youthful roundness to tuberous breasts.
Written by Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS
Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast procedures. Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS brings over 25 years of surgical experience and a commitment to natural-looking, personalized results.
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Discuss your breast lift goals with Dr. Garazo and receive a personalized plan to restore a firmer, more youthful breast shape at our Hagerstown center.