Breast Lift FAQs

If you’re a candidate for a breast lift, you probably want to know more about what to expect. Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions our patients have about breast lifts. You can also request a consultation with us for more information.

A breast lift, sometimes referred to by the technical term mastopexy, lifts and reshapes the existing breast tissue. In some cases, a breast lift may also include resizing and repositioning the nipples for a more aesthetic look.

Like breast augmentation, a breast lift is an enhancement procedure that improves the shape and appearance of your breasts. However, a breast lift will not add more volume to your breasts, and the procedure does not require any implants.

The best candidates for a breast lift are those women who have a generous amount of natural breast tissue, but who are unhappy with the shape or placement of their breasts. Women who have ptosis, or a droopy appearance to their breasts, are also good candidates for a breast lift. Women considering a breast lift should be in good physical and mental health, not currently pregnant or nursing, and should maintain realistic expectations about their results.

Pricing varies based on your individual goals and treatment plan. For transparency, we list approximate starting prices on our Pricing page. Your exact cost will be confirmed during your consultation and typically includes surgeon, facility, and anesthesia fees (when applicable). Because of this, the best way to get an accurate breast lift cost estimate is to come in for a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic surgeons. We are also pleased to offer several cosmetic surgery financing options.

Everyone wants the best breast lift results – those that will look good and complement their body. There are many Tampa breast lift doctors, but not all of them can deliver the results you want. Dr. Castellano and his team have decades of aesthetic experience and hundreds of satisfied repeat patients. During your consultation, you can see more before and after images and find out how we are able to create a more youthful and perky breast appearance with breast lift surgery.

There’s no single “best” age to get a breast lift. The right time for you will depend on your specific circumstances and personal preferences. Many women choose to wait until they’ve finished having children to get a breast lift, although this is not a requirement in order to be a good candidate for this procedure.

Breastfeeding is still possible after a breast lift, but if this is important to you, let your surgeon know during your consultation. Some surgical techniques are better than others for preserving the function of milk ducts.

A breast lift on its own reshapes and raises the breasts rather than adding volume, so it usually does not significantly change your bra size. However, in some cases, your new breast position and contour may make you feel more comfortable in a slightly different cup size or band.

Most insurance plans do not cover breast lifts, as they are considered cosmetic procedures. If a breast lift is considered medically necessary, such as severe excess skin that causes rashes or infections, some insurance plans may cover part of the costs of a breast lift. For more information about your specific health coverage, call the number listed on the back of your insurance card.

It’s very common to incorporate a breast lift with other breast enhancement procedures. Breast augmentation and breast reduction both frequently include a breast lift for more beautiful results.

Although a breast lift will definitely improve the shape and placement of your breast, it will not add volume. As a result, most women find they still wear the same bra size following their breast lift, although their breasts will sit higher on the torso, and have a perkier, firmer look and feel.

Temporary changes in nipple sensation are common after breast lift surgery and usually improve as healing progresses. Permanent changes are less common but possible.

Dr. Castellano will discuss your options during your consultation to decide whether or not combining procedures is right for you. Not every woman needs or wants to include a breast lift with their augmentation. However, in the right candidate, combining procedures can deliver beautiful results.

Yes. A breast lift can often correct mild to moderate asymmetry by reshaping and repositioning the breasts for better balance.

This is an option that Dr. Castellano will discuss with you during your consultation. It’s very common to incorporate a breast lift along with reduction surgery in order to give the breasts a higher placement and firmer texture, as well as reshaping the remaining breast tissue.

Before your procedure, Dr. Castellano will discuss your appearance goals so that he has a clear understanding of your hopes following the procedure. During surgery, he will take one of a few different approaches for lifting and reshaping the breast. Most often, the first incision follows the curve of the areola, followed by a vertical incision down the underside of the breast. This is referred to as a lollipop incision. Alternatively, the incisions may continue along the inframammary crease below the breast on either side, resulting in an anchor-shaped incision. After the breast tissue is reshaped, the nipple and areola can be reduced in size and repositioned, if needed. Finally, Dr. Castellano uses a special layering technique to close the incisions, which will reduce skin tension in order to achieve less noticeable scarring.

Mild to moderate pain or discomfort can be expected in the first week or so after a breast lift, but this should be easily managed with pain medication and rest. Most people report feeling the most discomfort in the first few days after a breast lift, and many of our patients feel well enough to return to work in 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

Following your breast lift, you can expect to feel a little sore and uncomfortable at first, usually accompanied by some swelling. Dr. Castellano will ask you to wear a special garment to support your new shape and help you feel more comfortable. Most breast lift patients are back to their normal daily routine within a week or two, but more vigorous activities should wait until you feel more comfortable.

Scars after a breast lift are inevitable, but Dr. Castellano makes every effort to ensure that you’ll heal beautifully. He also carefully places incisions where they’ll be hidden by your favorite bra or bikini top. Most women are so pleased with their end results that scars are not a concern.

Breast lift results are long-lasting, but aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and gravity can affect breast shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps to preserve results.

You should notice a difference almost right away after your breast lift, with the effects becoming more apparent as post-operative swelling dissipates. Most patients can see their final results after a few months, although some continue seeing improvements even longer.

Like any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, changes in nipple sensation and visible scarring. Dr. Castellano or Dr. Giglio will discuss these risks with you in more detail during your consultation and will explain the many steps we take to minimize them.

Nonsurgical treatments may offer minimal improvement for mild laxity, but they cannot achieve the lifting or long-lasting results of surgical breast lift procedures.