Breast Lift

Introduction to the Breast Lift procedure

The medical name for breast lift is mastopexy. A woman’s breasts can lose elasticity and shape over time. Women often realize a loss of firmness following pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations and aging. Dr. Ditesheim has worked with a variety of patients who feel the desire to improve upon the appearance through a breast lift.

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Good candidates for Breast Lift surgery

  • You are unsatisfied with the shape of your breasts due to a loss of volume. Your breasts may have a sagging appearance.
  • Your breasts have a flat shape.
  • Your nipples fall below the crease when you are not wearing a bra.
  • Your breasts are different sizes causing one to fall downward more than the other.
  • You are at a maintained, stable body weight.
  • You are a non-smoker or plan to quit smoking well in advance of the scheduled procedure.

“I don’t feel like I need to hide my breasts anymore. I am more self-confident and proud of my body!” -R.M.  Charlotte, North Carolina

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Breast Lift Procedure Overview

A breast lift, or mastopexy, corrects sagging breasts by removing the excess skin and repositioning the nipple. During the breast lift procedure the breast tissue is lifted and re-contoured to provide a more natural shape. The nipples are repositioned to give them a more youthful appearance consistent with the adjusted shape. Finally, excess breast skin is removed to make up for lost elasticity. Some of the incision scars will be concealed while others may be more visible. However, the lines do fade significantly over time. Please click here to view our before and after gallery.

A breast lift may not change the size of your breasts, but it can add roundness to the top of your breasts. In a traditional breast lift, the excess skin is removed from the lower part of the breast in order to conceal the scars as much as possible. Once you have discussed your expectations with Dr. Ditesheim, then he will evaluate the options that meet your goals. Based on your breast size, weight, skin elasticity and level of sagging, Dr. Ditesheim will suggest the surgical technique that will provide the highest level of success.

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Dr. Ditesheim’s Approach to Breast Lift Surgery

Dr. Ditesheim is concerned with improving upon the breasts you already have, so you can project a more positive sense of self. One patient of Dr. Ditesheim’s, Elaine, is elated with her improved appearance. She expressed to us she can now go on vacation with her family and actually wear a bikini and participate in beach activities like she used to do. And, most importantly, her family is more than excited that she has her life back.

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Short Scar Technique

Dr. Ditesheim specializes in the Breast Lift short scar technique which incorporates two incisions: one around the areola and one vertically from the areola down to the breast crease. During the procedure, a “lollipop incision” is blended around the nipple and partially down the breast.

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Combination Breast Procedures

Many women who are seeking a breast lift also want to be smaller in size. This type of mastopexy is essentially a breast reduction, except that the emphasis is more on skin tightening rather than on size reduction. This combination provides for a more proportionate appearance. 
Additionally, some women want to increase the size of the breasts at the time of the breast lift. In this case, breast implants are added instead of removing excess skin to restore breasts to a fuller, more enhanced appearance. Information on breast reduction and breast augmentation is also available on our website or feel free to call us for more information at (704) 754-8351.

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Breast Lift Pre-Operative Overview

Dr. Ditesheim and his experienced staff will provide you with pre-surgical information that includes guidelines about drinking, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Additionally, you may be required to have a mammogram exam before the procedure depending upon your age and medical history. Dr. Ditesheim’s veteran staff has a wealth of experience in preparing patients and families for the recovery process.

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The Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift procedure usually lasts between 2 – 4 hours. The procedure is usually done as an outpatient, under general anesthesia administered by a physician anesthesiologist to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Breast lift procedures may be performed in a partner hospital near the office or in our own AAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) accredited surgical suite. Our surgical facilities are built and run by AAASF standards, to ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.

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Breast Lift Recovery

Most women report some discomfort along the incision line, but the pain is usually mild. Most of our patients take about one week off work to slowly restart normal activities. Dr. Ditesheim usually requests a Breast Lift patient to wait about a month to add more vigorous activity.

We want to make sure that your surgical experience and recovery is as pleasant as possible. Our experienced staff will provide you with postoperative guidelines and instructions for the most comfortable and successful healing. Our staff is here to ensure that your recovery is a success story waiting to be told.

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Breast Lift Cost

During your consultation with Dr. Ditesheim, he will review the best treatment options for your Breast Lift and which technique and procedure will achieve the greatest results.

We accept all major credit cards and offer affordable payment options through CareCredit®. Please refer to the link for information, or call our office at
(704) 754-8351.

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