About A Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure aimed at raising and reshaping sagging breasts to create a more youthful and uplifted appearance.

Excess skin is removed during the procedure, and the breast tissue is repositioned to restore firmness and improve breast contour. A breast lift can also reposition the nipple and areola to a more elevated position on the breast. 

  • Average Cost: $16,500
  • Typical Recovery Period: Four to Six Weeks
  • Discomfort Level: Relatively Moderate
  • Anesthesia Options: Local, General, or IV Sedation
woman laying on a bed with black lingerie on

Incisions in a breast lift: the options

A breast lift can be performed with several types of incision patterns. These include:

  • Around the border of the areola
  • From the nipple vertically to the breast crease
  • Within the breast crease

The choice of incision patterns will reflect the issues that need to be resolved for the individual woman. However, the one aspect of the surgery that holds true, no matter which incisions are necessary– you can expect a stunning result when Dr. Graw performs your breast lift. She is meticulous in performing these surgeries and a perfectionist trained in the latest surgical techniques, who holds a unique, aesthetic eye. Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, and you will experience no discomfort, but when you wake up, you will have your newly-reshaped breasts in place.

Why undergo a breast lift?

Women have their own personal reasons for choosing to have a breast lift, which include:

  • Breast sagging
  • Breasts sitting lower on the chest wall
  • Skin quality changes–oftentimes, poor skin elasticity
  • Breast volume loss after breastfeeding
  • Low-hanging nipples 
  • Dramatic weight loss, causing a deflated appearance to the breast 

    Mastopexy (breast lift) combined with augmentation

    In some cases, a breast lift is performed in combination with breast augmentation. This allows lost breast volume to be restored, to recreate a youthful appearance to the breasts. For a combination procedure, you can trust in the skills of Dr. Grace Graw.

    Healing after breast lift surgery – the rules

    Sleep on your back, with your upper body on extra pillows, or a wedge, to limit swelling. Some stitches may be dissolvable, while others may be removed at a follow-up appointment. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Graw will discuss when you should start wearing a soft, support bra. No underwire bras should be worn for about four weeks. The incision lines will initially be red, but over time, will fade to a thin white line. Total recovery time, including results of the scar, take place over the span of one year.

    Recovery time after a breast lift 

    Your reshaped, lifted breasts will either be bra-free, or be protected with a surgical support bra, depending on your operation. You can expect swelling and bruising for about two weeks, with some discomfort at the incisions, and may have numbness for a month or longer. You should be relatively comfortable, as you will have a pain regimen prescribed by Dr. Graw for the initial stages of healing. 

    Dr. Graw performs breast lifts servicing Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & Atherton. 

    What is the Breast Lift procedure?

    A breast lift in Palo Alto, at Graw Beauty, is a customized surgery, with the approach specifically planned to resolve all the issues of concern of the individual woman. The procedure typically has the following steps:

    • A full evaluation of your skin quality, nipple location on your breast mound, and degree of sagging are performed, along with a thorough consultation with you about your aesthetic goals.
    • A personalized surgical plan is developed to resolve several conditions, including sagging, nipple position, and loss of breast volume.
    • Your surgical date is scheduled, and you are provided with full, pre-surgery directions to prepare for your procedure.
    • The surgery is performed, requiring several hours, often including moving the nipple location to be centered on the breast mound, reshaping the breast tissue to create a natural-looking mound, and removing excess skin to raise the breasts on the chest wall. Once complete, you will be released to the care of another adult to take you home to rest and recover.

    Why Choose Dr. Graw?

    Dr. Grace Graw has committed years of her life to an education at the most acclaimed universities in America, including the Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Her natural talent and skills were honed working under world-class plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, CA. She performs breast lifts with an extraordinary level of skill and the understanding that can only be found in a woman with children who has experienced these changes personally.

    Dr. Graw talking to a patient
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