Breast Lift
(Mastopexy) in Raleigh & Cary, NC

At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are out-of-network with all insurance companies.

An implant serves to increase the size of an otherwise normal-shaped breast, while a breast lift aims to correct the shape of a breast. An ideal breast shape has a nipple that sits above the infra-mammary fold. Our double-board-certified plastic surgeon will work to determine the best surgery for you and your aesthetic goals.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Dr. Coan does not remove the nipple during a breast lift procedure. Instead, the nipple is maneuvered into the correct position to provide a youthful breast shape. In doing this, the nerve and blood supply are kept intact. While it is possible that some nerves may be affected during surgery, causing possible diminished nipple sensation, there are several nerves responsible for providing sensation to the nipple and breast. Both nipple hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are possible outcomes of surgery.

Yes, many patients will have some degree of nipple sensation after breast lift surgery. It is important to understand how very common sensation changes are in the early recovery period. Some patients may experience hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, or numbness. Typically, these changes are only temporary, and sensation regulates over the first few weeks after surgery. However, with any breast surgery, there is a chance of sensation change and/or loss postoperatively. Dr. Coan makes every effort during surgery to minimize the chance of complete loss of nipple sensation.

Depending on a patient's starting point and anatomy, Dr. Coan may recommend different incisions to accomplish the best aesthetic outcome. Breasts tend to heal quite well, but scarring can also be patient-dependent. The quality of scars can depend on genetics, skin quality, complexion and skin type, and lifestyle habits (i.e., degree of sun exposure, smoking, etc.). The best treatments for optimal scarring are time and avoiding sun exposure. The appearance of scars is typically best about one year after surgery. We also recommend Biocorneum, a silicone-based scar gel containing SPF. This is the only FDA-approved scar treatment on the market. We encourage our patients to incorporate it once all incisions are healed.

Breast lifts performed with proper surgical technique can be long-lasting. However, you can expect your breasts to continue to change over time due to natural causes, including general aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy/breastfeeding.

While nothing is permanent, breast lifts can last several years or even decades depending on the patient's age and lifestyle. Breasts are subject to changes that naturally occur in life, including weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Breast lifts are considered to be outpatient procedures. The actual procedure time takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, but this time can vary depending on if there are additional procedures being performed at the same time (fat grafting, augmentation, abdominoplasty, etc.). This total time does not include total prep and anesthesia time.

Breast lift scars are typically considered healed approximately 6 weeks after surgery. We judge patients' final results 3 months after surgery. However, it can take up to one year after surgery for scars to improve in pigment and texture and look their best.

We typically encourage our patients to resume normal activities, including exercise, 6 weeks after surgery.

Yes, a breast lift or mastopexy procedure is very safe and can effectively address drooping breasts. With any surgery, there are risks and benefits to consider. Safety is a priority, and this is why it is of paramount importance to select a board-certified plastic surgeon. Our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Coan, does everything possible to minimize risks before, during, and after surgery. Specifically, he abides by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines for optimal safety standards. Common and uncommon complications during a mastopexy procedure include swelling, bruising, bleeding, hematoma, sensation changes, asymmetry, and contour irregularities. Most of these are typically minimal to mild in nature.

A breast lift serves to address the overall shape of a breast. During the procedure, a small amount of skin is removed in order to tighten the envelope and produce a perkier, lifted breast. This also aims to correct the nipple position and overall breast shape. There are two typical incisions that Dr. Coan utilizes: a periareolar incision with a circle around the areola, or a “lollipop” incision with a circle around the areola and a vertical incision on the front of the breast. Depending on a patient's anatomy, Dr. Coan will recommend a particular approach for the best outcome.

During a breast lift procedure, there is a small amount of skin removed in order to tighten the envelope and produce a perkier, lifted breast. This aims to correct the overall shape of the breast. Subsequently, the vast majority of our patients incidentally feel smaller after having a breast lift. As a general rule, small, perkier breasts tend to feel smaller than large, pendulous breasts.

It is important to note that only about 50% of patients attempt to breastfeed after having a breast lift procedure. Of this sample size, there are patients who can breastfeed successfully. However, the success of breastfeeding also depends on a woman's ability to breastfeed prior to surgery.

Breast surgeries have a chance of impacting breastfeeding when certain incisions are used. This is because it may disrupt the nerves and ducts around the nipples. If youre concerned about breastfeeding, you may explore different incision patterns with the help of Dr. Coan.