Breast Lift in Minneapolis-St. Paul

What is a Breast Lift?

Over time, our breasts experience changes in skin elasticity, causing drooping and loss of volume. These changes can result from an array of factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, fluctuations in weight, gravity, and hereditary reasons. The dark skin around the nipples, also known as the areolas, can also increase in size with age. A breast lift in Minneapolis-St. Paul can help to restore the youthful lift of your breasts as well as reduce areola size.

Cost of a Breast Lift

Breast Lift: $10,000.00

This includes your surgical fee and all follow-up visits with Dr. Rocheford. This estimate also includes the facility fee and anesthesia costs. This is an estimate and may be different depending on your specific situation. It does not include the cost of your pre-operative physical, lab tests, or medications. Dr. Rocheford does charge $100 for consultations, and that fee is deducted from the price of your surgery or in-office procedure.

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Details of Breast Lift Surgery

  • Surgery: Surgery is done under general anesthetic at an outpatient facility or hospital. The surgery takes between 1 – 3 hours and is an outpatient surgery, meaning the patient does not need to stay overnight.
  • Discomfort: Mild to Moderate. Anticipate 2 – 7 days of pain medication.
  • Bruising: Improves in 7 – 10 days.
  • Swelling: Improves in 7 – 10 days.
  • Bandages: Removed the day after surgery.
  • Stitches: Internal stitches dissolve.
  • Work: You may return to work in 3 – 7 days.
  • Exercise: May be resumed in 2 weeks.
  • Final Result: Following scar maturation, about 6 months. Results last 7 – 10 years

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Patients who are healthy, non-smokers, and at a stable weight are often good candidates for breast lift surgery. Also, those who are bothered by sagging breasts and enlarged areolas can benefit from this procedure. It is important that patients understand that breast lift surgery is meant to lift the breasts, not increase the size of the breasts like breast augmentation.

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Breast Lift FAQs

What is a breast lift?

Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is youthful and uplifted.

Will breast lift surgery change the size of my breasts?

Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller or smaller, you might want to consider either breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery.

What will happen during my consultation?

You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss things like why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome, as well as any medical conditions, drug allergies, and concurring treatments. Dr. Rocheford may also give an examination and take photos for your medical record and discuss all options available for treatment given your medical history and desired results.

How should I prepare for surgery?

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take or adjust certain medications, stop smoking well in advance of surgery, and even get a mammogram for a baseline look at your breast tissue.

What are the procedure steps?

The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on breast size and shape, the size and position of your areolas, the degree of breast sagging, and skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin. Medications are administered for your comfort, including intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. After Dr. Rocherford makes the incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height. If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

What risks are associated with breast lift surgery?

The decision to have breast lift surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The risks include unfavorable scarring, bleeding (hematoma), infection, poor healing of incisions, changes in nipple or breast sensation - which may be temporary or permanent - anesthesia risks, fluid accumulation, and pain, which may persist.

How long do breast lift results last?

The final results of your breast lift will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle. Incision lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time. The results of your breast lift surgery will be long-lasting. Over time, your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity. But, you’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.

Questions to ask Dr. Rocheford?

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery? How many years of plastic surgery training have you had? Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals? Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified? Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Where and how will you perform my procedure? What surgical technique is recommended for me? How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery? What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure? How are complications handled? How can I expect my lifted breasts to look over time? What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my lifted breasts? Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

Is a breast lift right for me?

Individuals who are generally healthy, nonsmokers, at a stable weight, and struggling with sagging breasts are typically the best candidates for a breast lift.

What is the recovery process like for a breast lift?

After your breast lift procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with Dr. Rocheford.

How long does it take for breast lift scars to heal?

Following Dr. Rocheford’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

How long does a breast lift last?

A breast lift can last for 10-15 years, but it can differ from person to person.

Is a breast lift painful?

Since anesthesia is used during the procedure, you won’t feel any discomfort. After the procedure, you may feel some soreness, but you will be prescribed pain medications that should assist in reducing any pain you’re feeling.

When will I see the results of my breast lift?

It typically takes a few months to see the full results of a breast lift.

What should I avoid after a breast lift?

You will want to avoid lifting objects until your recovery is complete and sleeping on your side or stomach, and smoking or drinking alcohol.

When will swelling go down after a breast lift?

It can take a few months for the swelling to fully dissipate after a breast lift.

When can you shower after a breast lift?

We recommend you wait at least 24 hours before showering after a breast lift. After those 24 hours, we encourage you to take gentle showers with antibacterial soap for 2 weeks. You will discuss the timing with Dr. Rocheford after the surgery. We recommend you avoid taking baths for at least 6 weeks while your incision sites continue to improve.

Can you breastfeed after a breast lift?

Breast lift surgery will not affect breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breast, so Dr. Rocheford may recommend waiting.

Will pregnancy affect my breast lift?

Pregnancy not only affects the size of your stomach but also changes the size and shape of your breasts. As a result, you may be encouraged to wait for your breast procedure if you are considering having children in the future.

Do I need implants with my breast lift?

Breast lifts on their own do not include implants, however, a breast lift is often combined with an augmentation to increase the volume. Whether you need implants or not can only be decided through a consultation with Dr. Rocheford.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia and takes between one and three hours to complete. Incisions will be made on the breasts to allow for repositioning of the breast tissue to improve the breast contour. There are three main breast lift incision options, which include:

  • The Donut Lift- The donut lift requires an incision around the areola and is often used for patients with a mild amount of ptosis (drooping).
  • The Lollipop Lift- This incision is made around the areola and down to the breast crease. Patients with moderate droop can benefit from this option.
  • The Anchor Lift- This option is used for patients with moderate to severe ptosis. An incision is made around the breast areola, down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease as well.

After the breast tissue is repositioned and excess skin is removed, incisions will be closed and bandages will be placed.

There are several types of breast lifts. The first illustration is the Donut Lift. This is for patients with a mild amount of droop and results in a scar around the areola.
The second lift is the Lollipop Lift. This is for patients with moderate droop and results in a scar around the areola and down to the infra-mammary crease.
The third illustration is the Anchor Lift for patients with moderate to severe droop which results in an anchor-type scar. The best type of lift for you can be determined at your consultation and is based on your breast measurements.

Breast Lift Recovery

Following breast lift surgery, patients may experience bruising and swelling, pain medication can help to control any discomfort. Any bandages can be removed the day after surgery, and internal stitches will dissolve with time. Most patients can return to work in three to seven days, and exercise in two weeks. Final results can often be seen after six months, with effects lasting seven to 10 years. Minneapolis-St. Paul breast lift patients are typically very happy with their results, but sometimes they will combine their procedure with breast augmentation to enhance the fullness of their breasts. If you are interested in breast lift surgery in Minneapolis-St. Paul, contact us today at 651-739-1100 to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Rocheford.

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Meet Dr. Rocheford

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dr. Heather Rocheford provides a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Request a private consultation to learn how she can customize treatments to your exact needs. Request Consultation