How Much Is A Breast Lift: What You Need to Know
A breast lift is one of the top five most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, with close to a million surgeries carried out every year. Many women opt for this option to rejuvenate themselves and feel more youthful. You may be interested in this procedure, which means you want to know how much it costs and how the surgery is carried out. Northland Plastic Surgery is here to help – so here’s everything you need to know!
Understanding Breast Lifts
A breast lift is also known as a mastopexy and often gets confused with other cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation or breast implants. Contrary to popular belief, a breast lift will not increase the size of your breasts. Instead, the procedure involves reshaping the breast tissue to raise or “lift” the breasts upwards. This gives them a perkier appearance and can reduce sagging.
Various incisions are used during a breast lift depending on the size and shape of your breasts, as well as your skin elasticity and breast tissue. Everything will be discussed with your surgeon beforehand so you’ll know exactly where the incisions are made and what scars they may leave. The surgery itself will typically take around 2-3 hours – though it largely depends on the individual and how much work must be done.
Breast lifts can be performed alone or in conjunction with breast augmentation. Many women opt for this option if they want to increase the size or shape of their breasts along with their placement. Generally speaking, anyone is suitable for a breast lift procedure provided you aren’t pregnant, breastfeeding, or underage. Breast lifts are popular with a wide range of clientele – older women seek this procedure to feel more youthful and confident. Women who’ve given birth like to undergo breast lifts to reverse the effects of childbirth on their breasts. You may also like this procedure if your nipples point downwards or off at an angle as the lift can improve their positioning.
How Much Is A Breast Lift? - The Costs Involved
Providing an exact cost for breast lift surgery is difficult as it can vary from patient to patient. With that being said, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests the average is just under $7,000 for the procedure which is true at Northland Plastic Surgery. It also only takes into account the cost of the actual surgery – it doesn’t include many of the other expenses involved, which we’ll talk about in just a moment.
If you’d like a more accurate quote for breast lift surgery, we advise you to book a consultation with our team today. Click here to visit our Breast Lift Surgery page and click the red button to call our team and schedule an appointment. Once there, we can discuss all the specifics with you and provide a full quote to show you how much your breast lift will truly cost.
The cost will be broken down and is likely to include all of the following:
- Anesthesia fees – You’ll need anesthesia throughout this surgery and multiple options may be available. You can choose which one you prefer, though most patients opt for general anesthesia.
- Surgeon fees – This relates to the average cost listed earlier. It’s the price the surgeon charges for their services and doesn’t include all the other costs we’re listing here. Prices vary based on the surgeon’s level of experience. You’ll pay more money for a more skilled surgeon, which also means a reduced chance of problems occurring during the procedure, making it a lot safer.
- Facility costs – This includes the costs of using the facility to conduct your breast lift. It covers the cost of surgical equipment, IVs, and anything else used during and after the procedure.
- Post-surgery garments – You’ll be charged for special garments or bandages used after your surgery to aid the recovery process. This will largely be a small fee compared to the others, but it all adds up.
- Medical tests & scans – Part of the breast lift costs involve any medical tests or x-rays taken before the procedure. These are essential to ensure you’re suitable for the surgery and can also be done after to detect any changes in your breast tissue as a result of the breast lift.
Preparing For Surgery
As noted above, you will need to get a medical evaluation with some general tests before a breast lift surgery is performed. A mammogram is also advised before surgery and will be compared with one after to see if there are any significantly worrisome changes in your breast tissue.
We will also provide more specific and detailed instructions before your surgery, including the following:
- Guidelines on what you should eat/drink 24 hours before the procedure
- Stop smoking a few months before your surgery is due
- Stop taking any anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements as directed by your surgeon before surgery as they can increase bleeding and lead to complications
Alongside these steps, you should arrange for someone to accompany you as they can drive you home after the surgery. It is not advised to drive yourself home and we won’t let you leave if that’s the case, leading to an overnight stay and additional costs for the breast lift procedure.
Expected Results
You will instantly see the results of your breast lift as your breasts look less droopy and are visibly raised higher. There will be significant swelling and redness, but you will see this fade within the next few days and weeks. Expect to see scarring from the incisions too and this will also gradually fade over months and years.
The results of a breast lift are extremely long-lasting and you can enjoy them for as long as possible if you maintain your weight and follow a healthy diet. It’s also advised to wear clothing that supports your breasts to further enhance the results and make them last even longer.
Recovery and Care
Recovering from breast lift surgery is relatively simple and you can leave the facility on the same day as your surgery. You’ll be monitored in our recovery area for a couple of hours until the anesthesia wears off. We will wrap your breasts in special protective bandages and gauze to reduce swelling and provide additional support for your breasts as they heal. Our team will provide a full list of instructions for how to care for your breasts after surgery and when you should return for a follow-up appointment to assess the recovery process.
You’ll likely experience some soreness and tenderness for a week or so after, but you can take prescription medication to ease this if you wish. Don’t take part in any vigorous activity for a few weeks and be sure you sleep on your back until the swelling and pain reduce.
If you’d like to learn more about breast lifts or are interested in booking this procedure, please get in touch with Northland Plastic Surgery today!