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Breast Lift

The breast lift, or mastopexy, is a breast enhancement procedure designed to help elevate and reposition sagging breasts. This surgery is often performed to restore the effects of weight loss or past pregnancies, but may also be used to address the effects of age. Primary reasons to have a breast lift:
  • You want to restore a youthful position of your breasts
  • You are experiencing sagging or drooping of your breasts due to pregnancy or weight loss

How a Breast Lift is Performed

Your breast lift will be performed in a way that is designed for your body and that best achieves your goals. Dr. Kramer will go through the details of your own specific breast lift prior to you coming in for your surgery. There are three common breast lift incisions: a circular incision around the areola, a lollipop or balloon-shaped incision around the areola and downward, and an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, downward, and then along the breast crease. The right incision for you will depend on several factors including the severity of your breast sagging, the direction of the nipples, and the amount of loose or excess skin. Once the incision is made, Dr. Kramer can lift and reshape the underlying breast tissue to create a firmer, more youthful structure for your breasts. If needed, the nipples will be repositioned to correct any downward pointing that may exist. Dr. Kramer will then remove any excess skin to improve skin elasticity and achieve a perkier, well-contoured appearance.

Restore a Youthful Lift to Your Breasts

As women get older, one of the biggest concerns they have about their bodies is drooping or sagging breasts. Perky and well-shaped breasts are one of the telltale signs of youth, so when pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural effects of gravity and aging take over, it can leave women feeling self-conscious and unhappy with their bodies. Dr. Kramer can perform breast lift surgery to elevate the breasts and restore a youthful, beautiful feminine silhouette. During your consultation, Dr. Jonathan Kramer will listen closely to your goals and will take a look at the existing condition of your breasts to develop a personalized breast lift treatment plan. Dr. Kramer believes in treating each patient as a completely unique individual in order to achieve the best, most natural looking results. Some women who are considering a breast lift may benefit by supplementing their surgery with breast implants. This is a good idea when women have experienced a loss in breast volume, in addition to the drooping or sagging. If only a breast lift is performed, the breasts may end up looking flat. Implants can be used to restore volume and a youthful shape once the breasts have been lifted.

Healing After Breast Lift Surgery

Your breast lift recovery will vary depending on the techniques used during your surgery. Most patients are able to return to work within a week of their breast lift procedure. Dr. Kramer recommends avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise for roughly six weeks in order to avoid unnecessary complications. The final results of your breast lift will help to restore a youthful position and perkiness of your breasts, helping to refine the curves of your feminine figure.

Breast Lift Q&A  

Where are the incisions located for a breast lift? 

The location and extent of lifting incisions depend on how much of a lift and tightening is needed and how much skin needs to be managed.  Minimal lifting is usually though an incision around the nipple-areola complex, like a donut.  Incisions then might extend vertically (lollipop), and continue along the inframammary fold creating an upside down “T” depending on what is needed to get the best result. With proper care, the incisions should heal well with minimal noticeable scarring over time. 

Do I need a breast lift or breast implants? 

This is a very common question and the answer will be different for each woman. In some cases, breast appearance can be improved with the addition of breast implants alone. Other times, particularly when a woman already has an adequate amount of existing breast tissue, a breast lift alone will create the desired look. Sometimes, women can benefit most from a combined lift/augmentation, which both adds volume and improves breast shape and position.  

What should I plan for after surgery? 

You will receive detailed post-operative instructions after your breast lift. Some discomfort should be expected for the first few days, prescriptions will be provided, but patients are generally comfortable using just over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Kramer recommends taking at least five days off from work, and possibly longer if you have a particularly strenuous jobPlan to have someone help you with basic tasks and childcare around the house for at least a week, and then you can start to add in light activity at about the two-week mark. Your incisions will heal gradually, and scaring should slowly fade over time. 

Could my breasts droop again after a breast lift? 

Most of Dr. Kramer’s patients enjoy the results of their breast lift for many years. That said, a breast lift will not “permanently” keep your breasts in a particular place or shape. For instance, if you have children after your procedure or experience weight fluctuation, your breasts can start to sag and lose shape. Wearing a supportive bra is very important to maintain your results, especially when engaging in physical activity. 

Getting Started with a Breast Lift in Boise

At Kramer Plastic Surgery, your breast lift will be approached in a personalized way to provide you with the youthful feminine silhouette you deserve. Years of board certified plastic surgery experience, top-level training, and life-enriching results are just a short drive away with Boise’s own Jonathan Kramer, M.D. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and make life happen.


Kramer Plastic Surgery