Are you one of the many women considering a breast lift to regain a more youthful, perky shape? We understand that embarking on this journey can be both exciting and nerve-wracking as you navigate the world of cosmetic surgery to find a surgeon and surgical plan that can safely give you the results you desire.
Lafayette cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kevin Duplechain has extensive experience and expertise with cosmetic breast surgery, and he takes pride in consulting with patients to help them make well-informed choices for their bodies. After all, meeting with a cosmetic surgeon is the first step towards a renewed sense of self-confidence and body positivity!
Below, Dr. Duplechain answers 13 common questions about breast lift cost, scars, recovery, and more.
Table of Contents »
- How much does a breast lift cost?
- Can I get a breast lift without implants, if I’m happy with my size but want perkier breasts?
- Can uneven breasts be fixed without implants?
- If my nipples point downward, do I need a breast lift?
- How long will a breast lift last?
- Will my insurance cover my breast lift?
- What is the recovery time after a breast lift?
- How many people get a breast lift each year?
- What are my chances of being able to breastfeed after a breast lift?
- What kind of breast lift incisions leave the least amount of scarring?
- Can I avoid the vertical breast lift scar?
- Does breast lift scarring ever fade completely?
- How can I choose the right surgeon for my breast lift?
How much does a breast lift cost?
The cost of a breast lift will depend on the specifics of your surgery plan. For example, you and Dr. Duplechain will discuss the best approach to achieve your goals:
- A standard breast lift
- A breast lift with implants (breast augmentation)
- A breast lift with fat transfer
Note that the final fee for your cosmetic surgery may include additional costs, i.e., if more operating room time is required to perform your surgery. The fee quote you receive will also vary depending on the complexity of the procedure necessary to meet your goals, so schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Duplechain to learn the details of the procedure he recommends to meet your goals.
After your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive, personalized estimate. At our cosmetic surgery practice, we offer financing options from CareCredit to break down costs into convenient monthly payments.
Can I get a breast lift without implants, if I’m happy with my size but want perkier breasts?
Yes, breast lift surgery is often performed without implants. Through incisions made on the lower half of the breast, the nipples are resized and raised (as needed), excess tissue is removed, and your breast tissues are reshaped and raised higher on the chest. This reveals a more youthful and perky appearance, as well as optimal nipple size and position, without altering the size of the breasts or adding fullness.
Can uneven breasts be fixed without implants?
Absolutely! In many cases, uneven breasts can indeed be made symmetrical without resorting to implants, with a personalized, artful breast lift procedure (or breast reduction, if necessary). Depending on the extent of the asymmetry, your surgeon can carefully reshape one or both breasts to create a harmonious, balanced look.
However, in some instances, a breast implant might be the ideal approach for achieving gorgeous symmetry, so schedule a chat with an experienced cosmetic surgeon specializing in breast surgeries to weigh the pros and cons of all your options, and let them guide you.
If my nipples point downward, do I need a breast lift?
The most common cause of downward-directed areolas and nipples is ptosis (sagging). This can occur congenitally, but it is more often due to breast changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. Surgical procedures can reposition your nipples: a breast lift is often the ideal procedure to restore a youthful nipple position, placing them higher on the breast mound and correcting any breast ptosis you are experiencing.
If your nipples point downward and you are considering getting breast implants, incorporating a breast lift into your procedure plan will be important to achieving natural-looking and lasting breast augmentation results.
How long will a breast lift last?
Typically, the rejuvenating effects of a breast lift can be enjoyed for a decade or even longer. However, the lasting power of your breast lift depends on a medley of factors, including your age, lifestyle, and genetic makeup. To maximize the lifespan of your newly lifted contours, it’s wise to maintain a stable weight, invest in supportive garments, and embrace an active, health-conscious lifestyle. A little care and attention can go a long way in preserving the stunning results of your cosmetic surgery.
Will my insurance cover my breast lift?
More often than not, breast lift procedures fall under the category of elective cosmetic surgery and, as such, don’t receive coverage from insurance providers. However, should the procedure be deemed medically necessary (perhaps due to persistent pain or recurring skin infections), insurance may approve coverage for part or even all of the associated costs. So, if you’re eyeing insurance coverage as part of financing surgery, have a candid conversation with your insurance provider about your policy and the extent of coverage before penciling in a surgery date.
What is the recovery time after a breast lift?
Breast lift recovery can vary somewhat, but the majority of patients resume most daily activities within 1-2 weeks of breast lift surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous lifting and exercise for at least 4-6 weeks to give your body time to heal. We will go over personalized recovery restrictions in your pre-operative appointment, and my team and I will be there for you every step of the way to answer questions and guide you back to your routine.
How many people get a breast lift each year?
According to the most recent statistics, over 167,000 women received breast lift (mastopexy) surgery in 2021. It consistently ranks as a top 5 cosmetic surgery nationally, and we perform many breast lifts at our Lafayette cosmetic surgery practice each month.
What are my chances of being able to breastfeed after a breast lift?
Luckily, breastfeeding is often possible after a breast lift, as this surgery doesn’t always affect the milk ducts/mammary glands. Still, you may face reduced milk supply or breastfeeding challenges, so it’s crucial to discuss your breast lift and breastfeeding intentions with your surgeon before the procedure so that they can discuss any options you may have to help preserve your milk supply.
What kind of breast lift incisions leave the least amount of scarring?
The periareolar incision, which is made around the edge of the areola, typically results in the least noticeable scarring. However, the choice of incision depends on the degree of sagging and your desired outcome, and will be determined based on Dr. Duplechain’s recommendations to meet your individual needs.
In addition to a periareolar lift, here are the other typical incision options for a Lafayette breast lift:
- The lollipop incision, or lollipop lift/vertical breast lift, involves an incision from the areola to the breast crease, offering substantial lift and reshaping.
- The anchor-shaped incisions, or anchor lift, involve three placements: one around the areola, one vertical incision from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast, and one horizontal incision beneath the breast in the crease, following its natural curve.
Can I avoid the vertical breast lift scar?
If you only need to correct mild to moderate sagging, a periareolar lift may be an option, leaving a subtle scar that is concealed within the edges of the areola (and no vertical scar!).
The vertical breast lift, also known by the name “lollipop lift,” works wonders for moderate to severe sagging, making the trade-off of the vertical scar (from the base of the nipple to the inframammary fold) well worth it for patients who are motivated to lift sagging breasts.
Does breast lift scarring ever fade completely?
While it’s true that breast lift scars generally fade to the point of near-invisibility over time, total disappearance is unlikely. As the months and years go by post-procedure, you’ll notice the scars thinning and blending with your natural skin tone, making them less and less obvious. To see the best results over time, be vigilant about following proper care practices, such as protecting your delicate scars from the sun and utilizing silicone gel sheets to help them look as flat and inconspicuous as possible.
How can I choose the right surgeon for my breast lift?
Look for a cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience in breast lift procedures, credentials, excellent before-and-after results, and a stellar reputation—check online reviews and ask around. Schedule consultations with potential surgeons, and be sure to ask questions about their experience with breast lifts. They should recommend a breast lift technique (or techniques) based on your anatomy and discuss the details and what you can expect. Ask to see before and after photos of their previous breast lift patients to help you get a sense of their aesthetic sensibility and what they can accomplish for you.
About Dr. Kevin Duplechain, Lafayette cosmetic surgeon
Dr. Kevin Duplechain is a Diplomate of several prestigious medical boards, including the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. With more than 25 years of surgical experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Duplechain proudly serves patients in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and beyond. He also regularly welcomes out-of-town patients to his practice who trust his meticulous surgical skin and artful eye for aesthetics to achieve remarkably natural-looking results.
Schedule your breast lift consultation by calling our friendly, helpful staff at (337) 456-3282—or contact us online to receive a call back!
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