BREAST SURGERY
Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes breasts that sit lower by removing loose skin and adjusting the supporting tissue. The decision begins with what you want to change: breast position, shape, size or a combination. A lift addresses a different concern from adding volume with an implant. Discuss your goals and treatment options with Dr. Bernard Salameh.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
What a lift can change
A lift can reposition the breast and nipple while reshaping the skin envelope. It may also address an enlarged areola. It is not primarily a size-increasing procedure, and it cannot reliably create the upper-breast fullness associated with an implant. If your main concern is breast weight or size, breast reduction may be the more relevant discussion. Choosing no surgery is also a valid option.
Is a breast lift worth discussing?
An evaluation may be useful when breasts have lost shape, nipples point downward, or one breast sits lower than the other. Good general health, stable weight and avoiding smoking are important considerations. Appearance alone does not establish candidacy. Discuss your goals, medical history, medications, previous operations and any breast imaging or biopsies so your surgeon can assess your situation.
Planning the operation
Incision choice depends on the amount of loose skin, breast shape, nipple position and skin quality. Different patterns leave different scar locations; the appropriate pattern cannot be selected from a photograph alone. Ask your surgeon to explain what each proposed incision is intended to accomplish, where the scars would sit and whether a separate procedure would better address your priorities.
Risks and tradeoffs
A breast lift involves permanent scars and the possibility of uneven shape, healing problems or a need for further surgery. Other risks include bleeding, infection, altered breast or nipple sensation, fluid collections and partial or complete loss of nipple or areola tissue. Anesthesia complications and blood clots are also possible. Your individual risk discussion should address your health and the extent of surgery.
Preparing for recovery
Recovery may involve dressings, a support garment and, in some cases, a temporary drain. Instructions should explain incision care, prescribed medicines, warning signs and follow-up. Ask specifically about lifting, exercise, driving and your work duties before making plans. Returning to one activity does not mean every restriction has ended; use your surgeon’s individual instructions rather than a fixed online timetable.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions about breast lift
Have a question that is not here? Request a consultation to discuss it with your surgeon.
Does a breast lift require implants?
Not necessarily. A lift reshapes existing tissue and skin. If increasing volume is also a goal, augmentation may be discussed separately, including its additional risks and whether a combined or staged plan is appropriate.
Where will the scars be?
The pattern depends on the amount of lifting and reshaping required. Your surgeon should show you the planned locations and explain the tradeoff between reshaping and the incisions needed to achieve it.
Would reduction better match my goals?
If reducing breast size or weight is central to your decision, ask about reduction. A lift primarily addresses position and skin; a reduction also removes breast tissue. The procedures should be compared against your own priorities.
When can I return to exercise?
The answer depends on your operation, healing and activity. Ask for instructions covering both everyday movement and strenuous exercise, and confirm progress at follow-up rather than using someone else’s recovery experience as your deadline.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Related procedures
Request a Consultation
Discuss your goals with our team
Request a consultation with Kassis Salameh Plastic Surgery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We can discuss your questions and help you understand the next step toward an individual surgical evaluation.
Call 270-822-1769 · Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Kassis Salameh Plastic Surgery
A Plastic Surgery practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky, led by Dr. Salam Kassis and Dr. Bernard Salameh: two double board-certified surgeons. Dr. Kassis focuses on facial surgery, including deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery. Dr. Salameh focuses on lipedema, breast surgery and body contouring.
996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite C1
Bowling Green, KY
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
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