Over time, it’s completely natural for a woman’s breasts to change. Factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and simply getting older can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and shape. As gravity takes its toll, many women notice their breasts starting to sag or look deflated—changes that can affect how they feel about their appearance.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgery that can help restore a more youthful, uplifted shape to your breasts. By removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue, this procedure raises your breasts higher on your chest for a firmer, more flattering contour that rejuvenates your figure and boosts your confidence.
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Procedures:
Mommy Makeover, True Form Tummy Tuck®, Liposuction (flanks, hips, axilla, bra line, lateral chest, outer thighs, inner thighs, back, arms), Breast Lift with an “internal bra,” Fat Grafting (lateral glutes), BodyTite (arms)
Age: 37
Height: 5’4″
Weight, Dress, and Bra Size Before: 176 pounds, Size 8-10, 36 DDD bra
Weight, Dress, and Bra Size After: 133 pounds, Size 4, 36 C bra
Children: 2
After undergoing a mommy makeover transformation with Dr. Patronella, this lovely patient said she feels happier, and clothes shopping has become more fun! More frequent vacations have become a way of life for her now that she’s feeling more confident with her look.
Our gallery of before and after breast lift photos features real women, just like you.
Patients choose Dr. Patronella for his skill and expertise in breast lift surgery. Beyond achieving stunning, natural-looking results, patients consistently express gratitude for the compassionate care and support they receive from Dr. Patronella and his team throughout every stage of their breast lift experience.
The cost of a breast lift in Houston varies depending on several factors, including the extent of correction needed, whether you include breast augmentation with your lift, or whether you choose to combine your breast lift with other cosmetic procedures. Other costs associated with your breast lift may consist of anesthesia and post-operative supplies (such as compression or surgical bras). To make the cost of breast lift surgery more manageable, Dr. Patronella also offers financing options.
Dr. Christopher K. Patronella is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience and extensive expertise in breast surgeries. Dr. Patronella understands how physical appearance can impact confidence, which is why he always strives for 100 percent patient satisfaction. He wants all of his patients to feel comfortable throughout the entire breast lift process—from the consultation to the surgery to post-operative care.
His accredited ACPS Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art operating facility in Houston, where he performs your procedure and offers personalized recovery support, including home nursing visits and scar therapy programs. Dr. Patronella and his team provide each patient with the highest level of care and safety, along with gorgeous, natural-looking results.
If you’re ready to explore your options for a breast lift in Houston, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Patronella is the first step. During your consultation, he will listen to your concerns and goals for treatment, as well as outline what you can expect from the surgery and your results.
To determine if you’re a good candidate for a breast lift and learn more about the procedure, contact us today at (713) 575-1996 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Patronella.
Also called mastopexy, a breast lift is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the breasts by elevating their position on the chest. Excess skin is removed from the breasts to eliminate any sagging. The breast tissue is reshaped and lifted for a more perky, bouncy look. The areolas may also be resized and repositioned to accommodate the new youthful position of the breasts.
No woman’s breasts can defy gravity forever. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural aging process can all impact the appearance of the breasts, leading to sagging. Breast lift surgery removes excess sagging skin, eliminating the appearance of droopy breasts and restoring perky, younger-looking breasts.
Many women who want their breasts to be rejuvenated still desire a natural appearance. Dr. Patronella enhances the firmness, position, and overall appearance of the breasts while maintaining a subtle look that complements the natural shape and features of your body.
Sagging breasts often cause the areolas and nipples to shift down as well. Women who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy may also have larger areolas due to the skin stretching out to accommodate the previously larger breast size. During breast lift surgery, Dr. Patronella can reduce the size of the areola and move the areola and nipple to a more aesthetic position on the newly elevated breasts.
Candidates for breast lift surgery are in good overall health, at a stable, healthy weight, and do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery. Ideal candidates for a breast lift may also struggle with one or more of the following concerns:
Good candidates for breast lift surgery should also have realistic expectations for the outcome of their surgery and a clear understanding of what a breast lift can and cannot achieve.
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During this initial appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to share your goals, ask questions, and undergo a personalized evaluation. Dr. Patronella will explain the surgical breast lift options available and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and desired outcome. Whether you are addressing changes from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the effects of the natural aging process, his goal is to help restore a youthful, uplifted breast silhouette that enhances and complements your figure.
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After your breast lift consultation, Dr. Patronella will provide you with preparation instructions to follow in the days leading up to your procedure. You may be required to get a lab test or medical evaluation before surgery to ensure that you are healthy and in good condition to undergo breast lift surgery. Sometimes, a mammogram may be needed before and after a breast lift to check the breast tissue. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit before your procedure—typically, it is advised to stop smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery. Additionally, you may need to adjust certain medications you are taking to avoid the risk of bleeding during and after your breast lift.
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Planning ahead for your recovery is also recommended. Set up a dedicated, comfortable recovery space in your home, with essentials like pillows, electronics, water, snacks, and any necessary medications within easy reach. Because you’ll need to avoid lifting your arms initially, it’s helpful to organize clothing, toiletries, and frequently used items at waist height ahead of time. Loose and comfortable clothing that buttons up or zips is also helpful to keep you from lifting your arms in the early days of recovery.
Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Make sure you have your prescriptions filled before the day of your surgery, including any antibiotics, pain medications, or anti-nausea medications. Having ice packs or cold compresses on hand can help ease swelling in the initial days after your breast lift. Following Dr. Patronella’s preparation and recovery guidelines to the letter will help ensure a safe and complication-free recovery.
Breast lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. It can take two to three hours, depending on the amount of correction needed.
Dr. Patronella exclusively uses an anchor incision, also known as an inverted-T lift, for his breast lift patients. The anchor lift is the most comprehensive and addresses breast sagging, stretched skin, and loss of breast volume and shape. This method involves three incisions: one around the outside of the areola, a vertical line extending from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the natural fold beneath the breast. The shape of these incisions resembles an anchor or an upside-down “T,” which gives the technique its name. The anchor lift allows Dr. Patronella to remove a larger amount of excess skin, reposition the nipple to a higher, more youthful location, and dramatically reshape the breast tissue.
Dr. Patronella can also combine your breast lift with breast augmentation or a breast reduction to restore volume or remove excess fat and tissue, respectively.
Once the breasts, nipples, and areolas have been appropriately adjusted, Dr. Patronella will carefully and meticulously close the incisions to minimize scarring. While an anchor lift does result in more scarring compared to other breast lift types, the scars are discreet, easily hidden by a bra or swimsuit, and typically fade significantly over time with proper care. Dr. Patronella also offers a customized scar therapy protocol to help reduce the visibility of your breast lift scars.
Recovery after a breast lift is generally well tolerated and involves several phases. Immediately following surgery, you will be groggy from the anesthesia and will require someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first day or so. In the first week, you will experience some soreness, swelling, and tightness. To help with recovery, Dr. Patronella may recommend EXPAREL®, a long-acting anesthetic that he injects into the treatment site during your breast lift procedure, and will prescribe pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort you may feel. You will also need to wear a compression garment on your breasts to support and protect your new contours and help minimize swelling.
By the second week, you’ll likely feel more comfortable, as your tissues heal and swelling and bruising diminish. You’ll be able to resume light daily activities and return to work, as long as it is not physically demanding. More strenuous activities and exercise, especially those involving your upper body, should be avoided for at least four to six weeks or until Dr. Patronella clears you.
Over the coming months, the contour of your breasts will continue to refine as the tissues settle, swelling dissipates, and incision lines gradually fade. Dr. Patronella provides personalized recovery plans, follow-up visits, and scar treatment recommendations to ensure your healing process is smooth and your breast lift results are stunning and long-lasting.
Most patients will see their initial breast lift results within two weeks as swelling and bruising diminish. As your body heals over the following weeks, your breast contour will continue to improve, and the tissues will settle into their new position. Noticeable refinement becomes more visible around four to six weeks after your breast lift, with final results becoming noticeable by three to six months.
Once your final breast lift results are revealed, you will have firmer, more shapely breasts that rest higher on your chest. Your nipples may also be resized and repositioned in a more centered and pleasing position on the breasts. Overall, the results of your breast lift will be more youthful, perky, well-shaped breasts.
The results of a breast lift are designed to last many years, but they don’t stop the natural aging process. Over time, some gradual sagging may still occur due to the effects of gravity and skin changes; however, most breast lift results typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Factors such as genetics, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and skin elasticity can all impact the longevity of your breast lift results. However, wearing supportive bras and maintaining a stable weight can help prolong your results and keep your breasts looking youthful for years to come.
If you’re bothered by sagging breasts, loss of contour, or changes to your breasts caused by aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, a breast lift can help. If you’re ready to restore a more youthful, uplifted breast silhouette, it’s time to schedule a breast lift consultation with Dr. Christopher Patronella. To learn more and find out if a breast lift is right for you, call our office today at (713) 575-1996.
Whenever an incision is made on the body, there is a possibility of scarring. This includes breast lift surgery, although scars from this procedure are easily concealed with a bra or bathing suit. The prevalence of scarring will vary from patient to patient, depending on the natural healing process, susceptibility to scarring, and post-operative aftercare.
To minimize the appearance of scars, Dr. Patronella advises his patients to begin his Scar Recovery Program approximately one month after their surgery with him. This treatment plan consists of topical products he’s selected to optimize the healing of scars and make them less visible over time. In some cases, he may also advise adding laser scar therapy to this regimen. Scars fully mature in one to two years.
A breast lift will not directly shrink your breasts (that requires a breast reduction procedure). However, a breast lift does tighten sagging skin and lift sagging tissues. As a result, many patients may find their breasts are more compact and firm after surgery, requiring new bras.
As pregnancy and breastfeeding can contribute to breast sagging and nipple changes, there is a possibility that the results of your breast lift will be affected. If pregnancy or breastfeeding adversely affects the results of your breast lift, you may need a subsequent procedure, so it is recommended that you wait for your breast lift until after you are done having children. However, this is ultimately a personal decision, as some women decide the benefits of a breast lift outweigh any potential disadvantages of postponing it.
Yes. Dr. Patronella frequently combines breast lift surgery with both body contouring procedures, such as the True Form Tummy Tuck®, as well as other breast procedures, including breast augmentation surgery, breast reduction surgery, or breast implant removal surgery.
A breast lift is an ideal addition to several other surgeries. Many women who have had implants and are in need of a revision also require a breast lift to eliminate sagging due to the weight of their implants as well as the natural aging process, and the same goes for women who seek a breast reduction. Women who have lost volume due to weight loss or pregnancy often experience sagging as well, which is why breast augmentation with a breast lift is commonly paired.
Many women choose to combine their breast lift with implant-based breast augmentation. By combining surgeries, women can get the best of both worlds: increased volume and perkier breasts. While women can choose larger implants with their breast lift, there are some considerations to think about. First, the larger the implant, the heavier the implant, and heavy implants tend to result in drooping and sagging breasts sooner than lighter implants. Also, many women who choose breast lift surgery have thinner, weaker skin due to loss of collagen and elastin. This skin cannot support a heavy implant as well as younger, thicker, and more elastic skin. If you wish to get larger implants, Dr. Patronella may add mesh to create an “internal bra” that supports the tissues and enhances the duration of your breast lift results.
By Dr. Chris Patronella I would like to talk to you today about the different implant types. It can be very confusing to manage the vast array of implants that we have available for breast augmentation. It can be a saline implant or a silicone implant. There are various profiles to consider, everything from […]
Learn MoreBy Dr. Chris Patronella In many circumstances, I will see a patient in a consultation who has sagging breasts and thinks she needs breast implants to restore fullness to the upper portion of the breasts, when, in fact, I will recommend no implant because I think I can restore a nice breast shape without it. […]
Learn MoreA breast lift (mastopexy) is a popular procedure designed to reshape and elevate sagging breasts. It’s an excellent solution for women looking to restore a youthful, perky appearance to their breasts after experiencing changes due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. However, one of the most common concerns among patients considering a breast […]
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