Nellie Movtchan, MDPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Nellie Movtchan, MD

Breast / Breast lift

Breast lift.A change in shape and position.

Pregnancy, weight changes and time can affect where your breasts sit and how they feel. A breast lift raises and reshapes existing tissue. Explore how it differs from adding volume, and which approach may fit your goals.

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Illustrative concept photograph; not a patient result

Understanding the procedure

What a breast lift can change.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes existing breast tissue by removing excess skin and adjusting the supporting tissue. The focus is position and contour.

If you would also like more fullness or a smaller breast size, talk with Dr. Movtchan about how that changes the plan. A lift, augmentation and reduction address different concerns.

Other breast procedures

Is it right for you?

Could a breast lift be right for you?

A consultation considers your medical history, anatomy, healing risks, and expectations. Bring your questions and discuss whether surgery fits your health and plans.

  • Discuss conditions or medications that may affect healing.
  • Be open about smoking or nicotine use.
  • Describe your own goals, rather than another person’s expectations.
  • Understand both the possibilities and the limitations.

Talk through your options

Your consultation with Dr. Movtchan.

Meet with Dr. Movtchan to discuss your options. Bring your medical history, prior procedures, medications, and the questions you most want answered.

Illustrative consultation scene; not Dr. Movtchan or her patients

  1. Your goals

    Describe the changes you notice and what you hope to preserve.

  2. Your options

    Discuss the proposed incision pattern, nipple position, scars, and whether changes in volume are also part of your goals.

  3. Your preparation

    Ask about anesthesia, the care setting, and what you would need to arrange beforehand.

  4. Your decision

    Talk through the potential outcome, risks, recovery, and costs before deciding.

Benefits & limitations

Risks and limitations.

Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance.

This is not a complete list; individual risks need a clinical discussion. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Changes in sensation
  • Asymmetry
  • Unfavorable scars
  • Wound-healing problems
  • Revision surgery
  • Loss of nipple or areolar tissue
  • Blood clots or anesthesia complications

Recovery planning

Planning for your recovery.

Plan for help at home and time away from your usual activities. Your instructions will address work, driving and exercise according to your operation and how you are healing.

  1. Before surgery

    Plan practical support

    Ask about transport, help at home, and time away from responsibilities.

  2. Early recovery

    Follow your care instructions

    Understand dressings, any drains, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.

  3. Returning to routines

    Check before increasing activity

    Discuss separate milestones for work, driving, lifting, and exercise. Arrange help with household tasks and caring responsibilities.

Recovery varies with the operation and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical team.

Questions

Questions about breast lift.

Will a lift make my breasts larger?

A lift does not primarily increase breast size. Added fullness may call for a separate discussion about augmentation.

Will there be scars?

Yes. The incision pattern depends on the correction needed. Ask where scars would sit and how healing may affect their appearance.

Should I consider future pregnancy?

Pregnancy and changes in weight can affect breast shape. Discuss your plans and whether waiting would better fit your circumstances.

How much recovery time should I plan for?

Plan around your operation, your work and the help you have at home. Driving, lifting and exercise may each have different restrictions. Dr. Movtchan will discuss when to resume them as you heal.

What should I ask about the cost?

You’ll receive a written estimate after your consultation. Review the surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia, follow-up and any additional care before deciding.