Breast Lift

Understanding Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. The surgery removes excess skin, tightens and raises the breast tissue, and lifts the nipples and areolas higher on the chest wall. The goal is perkier breast contours that sit naturally on your frame.

Why Choose Dr. Terrasse for Breast Lift Surgery in Lake Forest, IL?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Terrasse has spent more than 30 years serving patients on Chicago’s North Shore. Repeatedly named a “Top Doctor” by Newsweek, he brings technical precision and an artist’s eye for balance and proportion to every cosmetic breast surgery procedure. His philosophy emphasizes natural-looking results that refresh your appearance without looking overdone.

At Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery, you receive attentive care from consultation through recovery. Dr. Terrasse personally performs all aspects of your surgical procedures and remains accessible throughout your healing process, embodying the practice’s commitment to personalized service and exceptional outcomes.

What Causes Sagging Breasts?

Several factors contribute to breast sagging (breast ptosis) over time. Gravity constantly pulls breast tissue downward, and as collagen and elastin production slow with age, the skin loses its ability to bounce back. Smoking accelerates the breakdown of elastin in the skin, compounding these effects. 

Changes in breast volume also play a major role. Weight fluctuations stretch the skin envelope, and rapid or significant weight loss often leaves breasts deflated. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause breasts to enlarge as milk ducts expand, then shrink after nursing ends, leaving stretched skin behind. According to research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 55% of women who have experienced at least one pregnancy report adverse changes in breast shape afterward. 

Genetics and breast size further influence how much sagging occurs. Women with larger breasts tend to experience more pronounced ptosis due to the increased weight of the tissue.

Breast Lift Techniques

Dr. Terrasse offers several breast lift incision options and will customize the procedure based on your degree of sagging and desired breast shape and position.

Crescent Lift

This technique involves a small crescent-shaped incision along the upper half of the areola. It addresses very mild sagging and is most often performed alongside breast augmentation when only a slight lift is needed. Scarring is minimal and blends into the natural border of the areola.

Periareolar (Donut) Lift

This technique uses two concentric circular incisions around the areola to remove a donut-shaped portion of skin. The donut lift works well for mild sagging and can also be used to reduce the size of the areolas, if desired. Scarring remains confined to the areola border.

Vertical (Lollipop) Lift

For moderate ptosis, Dr. Terrasse makes two incisions: one around the outer areola edge and another vertically from the lower areola down to the breast crease. This incision pattern allows for more extensive reshaping and tissue removal while keeping scars relatively discreet.

Inverted T (Anchor) Lift

Women with significant sagging or excess tissue often require an anchor incision, which adds a horizontal cut along the inframammary fold to the lollipop pattern. While this technique produces more visible scarring, it provides the most comprehensive lift and is frequently combined with a breast reduction when volume needs to be decreased.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between these two procedures helps set appropriate expectations. A breast lift reshapes and elevates existing tissue without changing breast size significantly. Breast augmentation uses implants to add breast volume and fullness.

Many women benefit from combining the two procedures when they want lifted contours and increased volume. During your consultation, Dr. Terrasse can discuss whether a lift alone, augmentation alone or a combination approach will best achieve your aesthetic vision.

What to Expect During My Breast Lift Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. Terrasse begins with a candid conversation about your concerns. He will examine your breast tissue and take precise measurements. Using 3D imaging technology, you can visualize how different techniques may look on your frame. Dr. Terrasse will explain your options and the approach he recommends based on your goals, degree of sagging, breast size and shape, nipple position and skin elasticity.

How Should I Prepare for a Breast Lift?

Proper breast lift preparation sets the stage for a smooth surgery and recovery. In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you must stop smoking and/or using any nicotine products. You’ll also need to discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil. Dr. Terrasse will provide a complete list of substances to avoid.

Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours after breast lift surgery. Prepare a comfortable recovery space with pillows to keep you elevated and stock up on easy-to-prepare meals. Fill any prescriptions in advance so you have everything you need when you return home.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Mastopexy is an outpatient surgery that involves general anesthesia, and it typically takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Once you are comfortably under anesthesia, Dr. Terrasse makes the planned incisions and removes excess skin. He reshapes your underlying breast tissue to improve firmness and contour, then repositions your nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful location.

The incisions are closed in layers using fine sutures to reduce visible scarring. You will wake up from surgery in a compression garment designed to minimize swelling and support your newly lifted breasts.

What Is Breast Lift Recovery Like?

Most patients take one to two weeks off from work and normal activities. During the first few days, you can expect some bruising, swelling and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Wear your chest compression garment as directed to support your healing tissues.

Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for at least three weeks. We encourage you to go for short, light walks to promote circulation, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should wait until Dr. Terrasse clears you at approximately six weeks post-surgery. Scars will initially appear red or pink but will fade significantly over the following months.

When Will I See My Breast Lift Results?

You can expect an immediate improvement in breast position and shape, though final results emerge as swelling subsides over several weeks. Your breasts will appear lifted and firmer, with nipples that point forward rather than downward.

How Long Do Breast Lifts Last? 

The results from a breast lift are considered long lasting, with many patients enjoying their newly contoured breasts for 10 to 15 years before seeing recurrent sagging. While your breasts will continue to age naturally, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results for many years.

Can I Combine a Breast Lift With Other Procedures?

Many women choose to address multiple concerns during a single surgical session. A breast lift pairs naturally with breast augmentation when you want added volume along with improved breast position. Breast lift surgery is also a common component of a mommy makeover, which may include a tummy tuck and liposuction to restore pre-pregnancy contours.

Dr. Terrasse will discuss whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals and overall health during your consultation.