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(631) 935-0303

864 West Jericho Turnpike Huntington, NY 11743

Breast Lift | Breast Lift with Implants

Long Island Breast Lift and Breast Lift with Implants

Breasts are notorious for sagging which is why Dr. Vandegrift has become an expert at breast lift surgery in Long Island, NY. Ask any woman over the age of 25, and she’ll tell you that gravity is starting to take its toll on the appearance of the chest area. Add pregnancy or weight loss to the mix and sagging can be even more pronounced. 

The solution to breast sagging is a surgical breast lift, a procedure that removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissues, and lifts the breasts to a more youthful positioning on the chest wall. Due to its ability to shape and reform the breasts, this procedure is commonly included in mommy makeovers and post-weight loss body contouring procedures. Breast lift surgery can be performed on its own or paired with breast implants. 

If you’re interested in learning more about breast lift surgery in Long Island with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift, contact our office online or call (631) 935-0303 to get started today.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that shapes the breast area. A lift addresses skin laxity and breast ptosis (sagging).

During the procedure, excess skin is removed from the breast, and the breast tissues are reshaped and lifted. This procedure can restore youthful breast contours, position, and shape to the breasts.

A breast lift’s primary goal is to reshape and lift the breasts. Any woman with breast sagging can likely benefit from this procedure. Signs that a breast lift may be beneficial include:

  • Downward pointing nipple
  • Nipple that is lower than the inframammary fold (crease under the breast)
  • Changes to breast shape after weight loss, aging, or pregnancy
  • Breasts have lost youthful firmness and feel very soft
  • Enlarged or stretched out nipples or areola

The breast lift procedure varies depending on the amount of breast that is present. Dr. Vandegrift will use different incision patterns and surgical options depending on the size, shape, and amount of laxity present. 

Meet Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast and body rejuvenation that restores a youthful, supple appearance after pregnancy or weight loss.

While offering a full complement of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures including breast lift, tummy tuck, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, Dr. Vandegrift also has a special interest and expertise in both invasive and non-invasive facial rejuvenation. With a focus on keeping your look natural, she provides a holistic approach to each patient, specifically tailoring a treatment regimen that will leave you looking and feeling your absolute best.

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Why Should I Choose Dr. Vandegrift for my Breast Lift in Long Island, NY?

Dr. Vandegrift knows that relationships make a difference in the plastic surgery experience. As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Long Island and NYC, Dr. Vandegrift takes the time needed to make patients feel comfortable and validated throughout the process. Dr. Vandegrift combines technical skill, advanced surgical training, and a welcoming personality to create a unique patient experience. She prides herself on achieving exceptional results while ensuring that patients feel cared for and heard during every step of the surgical process. You can learn more about Dr. Vandegrift by visiting her about page.

Recovery After a Long Island Breast Lift

The majority of the breast lift recovery process will happen at home. Patients spend a short time in our recovery area before returning home to rest. The breast area will be wrapped in compression bandaging to help hold the breasts in place and to support the breast implants if they were placed.

Some patients may need drains after a breast lift procedure. Drains are small tubes inserted beneath the skin to remove blood and fluid accumulation from the healing tissues. If drains are needed, they are temporary and will be removed by Dr. Vandegrift at a follow-up visit. They are easily cared for at home, where they are emptied and measured.

Gentle walking is encouraged early in the recovery process. Patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities, including vigorous exercise, for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Adding Breast Implants to a Breast Lift Procedure

A breast lift does not significantly change the size of the breasts. Since the breasts are a different shape and have less loose skin, some patients will find minor changes in their bra sizing and fit. 

Patients who want to address breast ptosis while increasing their breast size should consider the addition of breast implants to their breast lift procedure. By combining breast augmentation with a breast lift, patients can enjoy the benefits of both procedures with one operation and one recovery period.

When breast implants are combined with a breast lift, a standard breast lift is performed, but before the incisions are closed, an implant is inserted into the breast. 

Learn More About Long Island Breast Lift

Breast sagging is one of the most common aesthetic complaints after aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. Breast lift surgery, with or without breast implants, can restore a youthful breast shape. If you’re experiencing breast sagging and are bothered by the appearance of your breasts, reach out to Dr. Vandegrift to explore breast lift surgery.

Learn more about our Long Island breast lift by contacting our office. A member of our team will help you schedule a personalized, one-on-one consultation with our skilled plastic surgeon so you can receive personalized treatment advice and recommendations. 

FAQ

Breast Lift | Breast Lift With Implants FAQs | Long Island, NY

Many women are good candidates for a breast lift procedure. Ideally, patients should be in good health with moderate to severe breast sagging. Patients should not smoke if they are planning plastic surgery, as smoking can interfere with the healing process. Patients considering a breast lift are invited to contact Dr. Vandegrift to schedule a consultation and learn more about this procedure.

Due to the customized nature of plastic surgery, it is impossible to estimate the cost of a procedure like a breast lift without an in-person meeting first. Patients receive a detailed estimate during their consultation visit with Dr. Vandegrift. Breast lift surgery combined with breast implants costs more than breast lift surgery performed on its own.

A breast lift usually results in some scarring on the breast. Most patients find the improvement in the shape of the breast compensates for the scarring that does occur. In time, scars fade significantly and become much less perceptible. The incision placement for a breast lift will depend on the extent of the breast sagging. Minor sagging can be addressed with a periareolar incision around the areola. Minor to moderate sagging may require a lollipop incision that adds a vertical incision down the center of the lower breast with an incision around the areola. Extensive sagging may necessitate a third incision along the base of the breast fold.

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia but can also be done with local anesthesia and sedation in some cases. Dr. Vandegrift will discuss your options for anesthesia before your procedure.

A breast lift is commonly paired with other treatments. One of the most common additions to this procedure is surgery for addressing body changes after pregnancy. In a mommy makeover, breast lift surgery is paired with liposuction and a tummy tuck to recreate a pre-baby shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childbirth.

During your breast lift consultation, Dr. Vandegrift will thoroughly examine specific factors about your breasts and anatomy to determine whether adding implants to your breast lift would benefit you and accomplish your aesthetic goals.

As these two solutions achieve different aesthetic goals, you should consider your current and desired breast size to determine whether you want to add breast implants to your lifting procedure.

Alone, breast lifts can:

  • Correct sagging breasts
  • Improve breast shape
  • Address lax skin
  • Correct symmetry concerns
  • Restore breasts to a more youthful position

Including implants with your breast lift can do all the above and:

  • Increase breast volume, size, and projection
  • Improve firmness

Typically, most women can enjoy the results of their breast lifts for 10 to 15 years. However, as each person’s body ages differently, other factors that influence how long breast lift results last can include lifestyle choices, genetics, weight fluctuations, and sun exposure.

Following your breast lift or breast lift with implants procedure, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or other activities that increase your blood pressure for at least six to eight weeks. However, to promote circulation and speed healing, Dr. Vandegrift recommends taking light walks as soon as you feel well enough to do so. Before your procedure, Dr. Vandegrift will verify all exercise and activity restrictions.

Typically, most patients feel better after one to two weeks and may resume primarily sedentary jobs at that point. However, patients with physically challenging careers should expect four to six weeks of recovery.

To support your new breast contours, you will need to wear a surgical or sports bra full-time for at least four to six weeks. Most patients experience swelling and bruising following a breast lift or breast lift with implants, but these effects gradually improve after a few weeks.

Most patients feel more comfortable about going into a breast lift consultation after completing some preliminary research. A wise way to prepare is to look at before-and-after photos of patients with a similar body type as yours to see what results you might expect. You can also bring example snapshots of what you hope to achieve to discuss realistic results with Dr. Vandegrift.

Neither procedure should prohibit you from receiving a mammogram. You should begin having mammograms annually after age 40, or as your physician recommends.

As breast implants are not lifelong devices, you can  expect to undergo breast implant revision surgery  at least once in your lifetime.  While there is no need to change them at a specific interval of time if you are happy with your shape and size, it is important to attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon and get routine screenings like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, to ensure your breast implants’ longevity and integrity.

Following your consultation, Dr. Vandegrift will provide you with thorough instructions on how to best prepare yourself for a breast procedure. Here are a few steps to get you started:

  • Get any blood tests or lab work required by your surgeon or physician.
  • Adjust your current medications per your surgeon’s instructions.
  • Schedule your baseline mammogram as soon as possible.
  • Stop using any nicotine products – smoking, vaping, patches, gum, etc. – at least four weeks before your procedure.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements for at least two weeks before surgery.
  • Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgical center and care for you for the first 24 hours.
  • Prepare and freeze some nutritious meals you can enjoy during your recovery.
  • Set up a clean, comfortable area in your home where you can rest while you heal. Equip it with plenty of blankets, pillows, and entertainment choices.