Over time, and especially following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, many women find that their breasts have lost the position, shape, and firmness they once had. A breast lift (mastopexy) is one of the most effective ways to restore a more youthful, elevated breast contour without adding volume through implants. At Richards Cosmetic Surgery in Las Vegas, Dr. Bryson Richards performs breast lift procedures with an emphasis on natural-looking, long-lasting results.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that repositions the breast tissue higher on the chest wall, removes excess skin, reshapes the breast envelope, and repositions the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position. It does not add volume, it restores position and shape. For women who want both a lift and more fullness, combining a lift with breast augmentation (implants) addresses both concerns in a single procedure.
What Causes Breast Ptosis (Drooping)?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormonal changes and repeated filling and emptying of breast tissue stretch the skin over time
- Significant weight loss, as breast fat is lost, the overlying skin may not retract fully
- Aging and gravity, the natural breakdown of skin collagen and elastin over time
- Genetics, some women have naturally lower breast position or greater skin laxity
Degrees of Ptosis and What Each Requires
Breast ptosis is graded on a scale based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast):
- Grade I (Mild): Nipple at the level of the fold. A periareolar (donut) lift with minimal scarring may be sufficient.
- Grade II (Moderate): Nipple below the fold but still pointing forward. A vertical (lollipop) lift is typically appropriate.
- Grade III (Severe): Nipple well below the fold and pointing downward. A full anchor (Wise pattern) lift is typically needed.
Dr. Richards assesses each patient’s degree of ptosis during the consultation and recommends the technique most appropriate for the degree of correction needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
- Women who are unhappy with the position or shape of their breasts but are satisfied with their volume
- Patients who have completed their family, pregnancy after a breast lift can reverse results
- Individuals at or near their goal weight with stable weight for at least six months
- Non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations
Will a Breast Lift Change My Cup Size?
A breast lift does not add or remove volume in any meaningful way, it reshapes what is already there. Most women find that after a lift, their breasts appear fuller and more projected simply because of the improved position and shape, even without any change in actual volume. Women who want to increase cup size along with improving position typically combine a lift with augmentation.
Recovery from Breast Lift Surgery
Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks. A supportive surgical bra is worn for three to four weeks. Strenuous upper body exercise is avoided for four to six weeks. Final results are fully visible at three to six months once swelling resolves and scars begin to mature.
Dr. Richards provides breast lift procedures to patients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and surrounding Nevada communities. To find out if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation at richardscosmeticsurgery.com.
Contact Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richards to Schedule a Consultation
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.