Life-Changing Results

See the Before & After Gallery

Breast Lift

Age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss can all lead to breasts that droop or sag. Whatever the cause, many women are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts. At the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, we want you to look and feel your best, and our expert surgeons have extensive experience performing breast lifts to revive your figure and your confidence.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Lollipop and Donut Breast Lifts Explained by Dr. Horowitz

Summary:

  • Dr. Horowitz discusses two types of incisions for breast lifts: the vertical or “lollipop” lift and the periareolar or “doughnut” lift.
  • The lollipop lift involves an incision around the areola and straight down, resembling a lollipop when healed.
  • The doughnut lift entails removing a doughnut-shaped piece of skin around the breast and using a purse-string suture to tighten the skin.
  • The doughnut lift is suitable for patients needing minimal lift, while the lollipop lift is more versatile for different degrees of sagging.
  • Dr. Horowitz emphasizes the importance of selecting the right procedure for each patient based on their specific needs and degree of sagging.

Transcript:

(00:04) [Host] Dr. Horwitz, let’s talk about the scars from a breast lift. Are they traditionally the same scar type, or are there different options for scars that patients can have? What determines the scar type? 

[Dr. Horowitz] I use two different types of incisions for a breast lift. The one that’s most commonly used is a vertical or lollipop lift. It’s called a lollipop lift because when it heals, it is shaped like a lollipop. The incision goes around the areola and then straight down.

(00:38) The other incision that’s used is a peri areola or, moving to other food groups, a doughnut lift. We have doughnuts and lollipops.

[Host] So we can remember them.

[Dr. Horowitz] So we can remember them, that’s it. So, the doughnut lift I find is better for a more select group: a woman who needs a little bit of a lift but does not need much tightening. Basically, what we’re doing is taking a doughnut-shaped piece of skin out from around the breast and then doing a purse string suture that goes from the skin. So it’s a

(01:12) stitch that goes all the way around, and then it’s tied like a purse string handbag, and that tightens the skin down to the right size, and then that’s the only incision that the patient has. All operations, including these, have good points and bad points. You have to select the right patient for the right procedure. You can’t just do that procedure because the patient comes in and requests it. If she has too much drooping or sagging of the breast, then that won’t be the right operation for

(01:49) them.

Edited for clarity and ease of reading.

What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to address breast sagging and restore your breasts to a perkier, more youthful position. Most breast lift patients choose a breast lift to address changes that occur with age, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or after weight loss. A breast lift is also often used to remove excess skin and tighten breast tissue after a breast reduction.

At the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, we will work to understand your unique concerns and goals to find the right treatment plan for you. Our knowledgeable board-certified surgeons can rejuvenate your breasts with a breast lift alone, or you may combine a breast lift with other surgical procedures like breast reduction or breast augmentation for optimal results.

To determine if you are a candidate for a breast lift and to determine your best treatment options, your PCPS surgeon in Newport Beach will perform a physical examination and review your medical history. Your surgeon may recommend you undergo a baseline mammogram before and after your mastopexy to help identify any changes in your breast tissue. 

We’ve helped thousands of patients achieve long-lasting results from their breast lifts by restoring the position and shape of their breasts. As board-certified surgeons with decades of combined experience, our providers offer the best care, from consultation to post-op. Our team can also discuss your financing options to help you manage the costs of your breast lift surgery.

Types of Breast Lift Procedures

Mastopexy, or a breast lift procedure, is an operation that offers different options to correct breasts having different extents of sag. The most common type is as follows

Standard Mastopexy

In this method, an incision is made around the areola and extended from there into the breast crease. This is very applicable for the condition of having moderate to extreme drooping, in which total lifting and redefinition of the breast could be provided.

Lollipop Lift 

This procedure is less invasive. An incision will be made around the areola, followed by a straight incision down the breast in the shape of a lollipop. It is suitable for moderate sagginess and offers more discrete patterns on the scars.

Donut Lift

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which, with a small incision around the areola, excess skin is removed; it is an ideal condition for mild sagging. It is ideal for people who want an inconspicuous lift with minimal scarring.

Anchor Lift

A lift where incisions are performed around the areola and along the breast crease down to the underside. It forms an anchor to create more lift and is suitable for severe sagging cases.

California Breast Lift

This new procedure combines the traditional breast lift with fat transfer. Fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, is injected into the breasts to give volume and shape. This provides a more natural result, and this technique is particularly useful for patients with mild to moderate sagging.

Benefits of Mastopexy

A breast lift, or mastopexy, can make a dramatic difference in any woman’s appearance and confidence. Mastopexy can improve the way the breasts look by raising and firming them in women whose breasts have dropped or lost their breast shape and firmness due to a variety of reasons, such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight fluctuations. Among many other benefits of mastopexy, a breast lift may also correct an improper fit of clothing. 

Furthermore, a breast lift procedure can help in removing the back and neck pain experienced due to the weight of sagging breasts. However, the outcome of the breast lift is permanent but requires a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle to last longer. Provided they choose a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon and follow post-operative instructions, patients can look forward to the many advantages that the procedure has to offer in years to come.

Before After

Discover Our Before & After Gallery

Explore More Breast Lift Results

Schedule a Consultation for a Breast Lift in Newport Beach

If you are looking for a breast lift in Newport Beach to make your appearance more attractive and gain confidence, schedule a consultation with our experienced surgeons at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach. At your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, assess your candidacy, and tailor a treatment plan to help you reach the desired results.

Learn More About Breast Lift

Our expert surgeons typically perform mastopexy using general anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Standalone breast lift surgery often takes two to three hours. However, it could be longer if you combine it with other procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, or liposuction.

Our world-class surgeons can use different breast lift techniques during breast lifts, including several incision patterns. At Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, our plastic surgeons may discuss the following options for you to choose from:

Standard Breast Lift

During a standard breast lift, your surgeon will tighten your breast tissue and remove excess skin. For minor breast lifting, our board-certified surgeons can perform a periareolar breast lift surgery (also called a “donut” lift). This technique involves making incisions around the areola.

Other patients need an incision around the areola and another extending down towards the breast crease. This is called a “short scar” or “lollipop” incision. When a more significant lift is required, your surgeon may also place another incision along the breast crease, commonly known as an “inverted T” or “anchor” lift.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the different incision techniques and recommend the option that is best for you, depending on the degree of lift needed. If you have concerns about the appearance of your nipples, your surgeon may also recommend a nipple correction. Sometimes, depending on your goals, surgeons may also place implants of your choice to restore volume to the top of the breasts.

California Breast Lift®

California Breast Lift®, also known as a natural breast lift, is a fat transfer breast enhancement that offers a natural alternative to breast implants and surgical breast lifts. With a fat transfer, you can enhance your breasts’ size, shape, and contour using your natural fat cells. This procedure also offers the slimming benefits of liposuction.

A fat transfer to the breasts involves two parts. For the first part of your procedure, our breast lift experts will use liposuction to obtain the fat cells from other areas of your body. Common areas that our patients select include the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. Your surgeon will use a cannula (thin tube) device to break up and remove unwanted fat cells. Next, they will gently process and purify these fat cells.

Your board-certified surgeon will then make lipo-injections into the breasts with your purified fat cells. They will make multiple injections to ensure even distribution for a smooth breast contour.

After a standard breast lift, your surgeon may place small tubes at your incision sites to drain excess fluid, which they will remove at your follow-up appointment. Our team will also provide you with a surgical bra that you should wear as often as possible for about the first three weeks after breast lift cosmetic surgery. The surgical bra will help with the healing process and minimize swelling.

Most patients will need to take at least one week off work and up to a month for strenuous jobs. Today’s work-from-home culture may allow you to return to work sooner, however.

You can expect swelling, tightness, and general discomfort for a few weeks. Since you won’t be able to do any lifting during this time, you may want to arrange for help with household chores or childcare. Your surgeon may prescribe pain relievers as needed, but many patients only need over-the-counter medication.

The breast lift recovery process will also depend on which breast lift procedure is used. The California Breast Lift® is less invasive and more natural than the traditional method and often requires less downtime. Most patients take about a week off of work after a California Breast Lift®. To make sure that the transferred fat cells settle properly and optimal results are achieved, you should avoid lying on your stomach or putting pressure on your breasts for several weeks

Mastopexy ranks very high in patient satisfaction. In one recent national patient survey, 95 percent of respondents ranked the breast lift surgery as “worth it.” Many women notice that breast lift surgery enhances their appearance, improves the fit of their clothes, boosts their body confidence, and elevates their enjoyment of life. 

Swelling may hide your breast lift results for several weeks. Once you take off your surgical bra, you can start to enjoy a perkier breast appearance with less sagging. The swelling will continue to subside over the next several months, and your scars should continue to fade.  

You can expect to see 75 percent of your final results in three to four months. The remaining improvement may take up to a year. To maximize and maintain your results, avoiding significant weight gain is essential.  

Many patients enjoy long-lasting results from their breast lifts. You may need a future revision, depending on your sun exposure, smoking, genetics, and significant weight fluctuations. However, patients don’t usually need breast revision until a decade or more after their initial breast lift.  

The results of a California Breast Lift® are also long-lasting and often permanent. With this procedure, you can enjoy enhanced breast size, symmetry, and contour, as well as slimming and fat reduction at your liposuction sites. A California Breast Lift® may provide more natural-looking results with smaller, less noticeable incisions.  

If you want to give your breasts a youthful lift, mastopexy may be the right treatment option for you. Our renowned board-certified plastic surgeons in Newport Beach can perform breast lifts to help you improve the following concerns: 

  • Large breasts that were reduced with a breast reduction and now need a lift
  • Nipples that point downward or extend past the breast crease
  • Sagging that occurs with age
  • Excess skin and tissue from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

Ideal candidates are healthy, maintain a stable weight, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have realistic expectations about their breast lift procedure. 

Candidates for a natural breast lift must also have enough excess fat for the transfer. The California Breast Lift® may be the right treatment if you want a natural-looking, subtle breast enhancement. If you have significant sagging or want more dramatic results, your surgeon may recommend a standard breast lift. 

The cost of a breast lift varies depending on several factors, such as your unique treatment plan, geographic location, and your provider’s experience. On average, a breast lift in Newport Beach at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery costs $8,800 to $13,200, but this doesn’t include all associated expenses, such as anesthesia and facility fees.

Your actual cost will depend on your individual procedure and its complexity, including whether you are having a standard breast lift or a natural breast lift with fat transfer. If you choose to undergo a California Breast Lift®, the cost of your procedure will be influenced by how many areas receive liposuction. We encourage you to request a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach for an accurate estimate.

A breast lift will mildly reduce the size of your breasts by removing excess skin, but its main purpose is to lift and reshape them. Overall, it is probably not much reduced in size, especially when you already have a generous amount of breast tissue.

Although a breast lift is considered to produce long-lasting results, it remains a non-permanent kind of cosmetic procedure. Huge and frequent fluctuations in weight or pregnancy can be the signs of gradual worsening of achieved results due to the overall aging process. In this case, however, if you conduct proper care over your outcomes and maintain a balanced lifestyle, you can enjoy the outcome of a breast lift for many years.

Like any other breast lift surgery, a breast lift procedure may have some risks. There are risks of scarring, bleeding, infections, and alterations in sensation of the nipples. All these are low risks if performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. You should discuss them with your surgeon before you undergo the treatment.

Generally, it would be recommended to wait at least six months to one year after completing breastfeeding if you are opting for a breast lift, as this allows enough time for your breasts to recover and stabilize fully. You should get the advice of your surgeon regarding what is appropriate in your individual case.

Whether you will need a breast augmentation to be done together with a breast lift would depend on your goals and how much volume you’d want. For example, when your breasts have already lost significantly in volume because of pregnancy or weight loss, you may need a lift along with a breast augmentation for you to get the look that you want. Your plastic surgeon will make recommendations based on your needs when you go for a consultation.

Take the Next Step

As soon as you step into our Newport Beach office, our welcoming staff will carefully listen to your concerns and guide you through your treatment journey. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery will be happy to discuss your cosmetic goals, review the pros and cons of the treatment you are considering, and create a personalized treatment plan that will deliver the best outcome for you. 

To learn more about breast lifts and the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 617-1168 or by filling out the consultation request form below.

Request a Consultation
Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

Hear What Our Patients
Have to Say…

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“Everything I hoped for and more!”

“What can I say about my experience here… It was amazing! Everything I hoped for and more! Not only is Dr. Nichter a perfectionist, he’s also an expert at what he does! I am very pleased with my results! All of his support staff are amazing as well! Everyone makes you feel so welcome and cared for.”*

Laura M. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“10/10 recommend coming here…”

“The whole process was so easy and I was so well taken care of. 10/10 recommend coming here, don’t even second guess it, you’re at the right place!!! I went to multiple appointments at other surgeons and nothing comes close to how professional and amazing this office is.”*

Dominica F. (Yelp Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“I couldn’t be more satisfied.”

“Dr. Horowitz is an amazing plastic surgeon who makes everything look so natural and beautiful. He is very kind, artistic and works magic. I am very happy with my results and he did exactly what I wanted/described. I couldn’t be more satisfied. The staff at his office are very patient and supportive throughout the whole process. …”*

Joanne L. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“… truly a life changing experience…”

“I had the the most AMAZING experience with Dr. Nichter. I first got breast implants with him back in 2006 and it was perfect. May 2021, I went back to get a full mommy make over with him (breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction of arms, chin & things). Dr. Nichter and his staffs are amazing from the beginning to end. It has been truly a life changing experience …”*

Patcharin S. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“Dr. Horowitz is amazing.”

Dr. Horowitz is amazing. I’ve seen him for several surgeries and he is as kind now as he always has been, and knowledgeable too! He is very patient with my millions of questions and works hard to make me feel comfortable and at ease. His staff is great, they are always very welcoming! I love this place. …”*

Irish M. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“My experience was amazing.”

“Dr. Horowitz is very warm, professional and makes you feel comfortable. He did my breast augmentation for me about a month ago and I couldn’t be happier. My experience was amazing. I didn’t feel rushed during my consultation & he always made sure that I understood everything. …”*

Ashley Z. (RealSelf Review)

View More Testimonials

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“Everything I hoped for and more!”

“What can I say about my experience here… It was amazing! Everything I hoped for and more! Not only is Dr. Nichter a perfectionist, he’s also an expert at what he does! I am very pleased with my results! All of his support staff are amazing as well! Everyone makes you feel so welcome and cared for.”*

Laura M. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“10/10 recommend coming here…”

“The whole process was so easy and I was so well taken care of. 10/10 recommend coming here, don’t even second guess it, you’re at the right place!!! I went to multiple appointments at other surgeons and nothing comes close to how professional and amazing this office is.”*

Dominica F. (Yelp Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“I couldn’t be more satisfied.”

“Dr. Horowitz is an amazing plastic surgeon who makes everything look so natural and beautiful. He is very kind, artistic and works magic. I am very happy with my results and he did exactly what I wanted/described. I couldn’t be more satisfied. The staff at his office are very patient and supportive throughout the whole process. …”*

Joanne L. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“Dr. Horowitz is amazing.”

Dr. Horowitz is amazing. I’ve seen him for several surgeries and he is as kind now as he always has been, and knowledgeable too! He is very patient with my millions of questions and works hard to make me feel comfortable and at ease. His staff is great, they are always very welcoming! I love this place. …”*

Irish M. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“… truly a life changing experience…”

“I had the the most AMAZING experience with Dr. Nichter. I first got breast implants with him back in 2006 and it was perfect. May 2021, I went back to get a full mommy make over with him (breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction of arms, chin & things). Dr. Nichter and his staffs are amazing from the beginning to end. It has been truly a life changing experience …”*

Patcharin S. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“My experience was amazing.”

“Dr. Horowitz is very warm, professional and makes you feel comfortable. He did my breast augmentation for me about a month ago and I couldn’t be happier. My experience was amazing. I didn’t feel rushed during my consultation & he always made sure that I understood everything. …”*

Ashley Z. (RealSelf Review)

View More Testimonials

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

Hear What Our Patients
Have to Say…

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“Everything I hoped for and more!”

“What can I say about my experience here… It was amazing! Everything I hoped for and more! Not only is Dr. Nichter a perfectionist, he’s also an expert at what he does! I am very pleased with my results! All of his support staff are amazing as well! Everyone makes you feel so welcome and cared for.”*

Laura M. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“10/10 recommend coming here…”

“The whole process was so easy and I was so well taken care of. 10/10 recommend coming here, don’t even second guess it, you’re at the right place!!! I went to multiple appointments at other surgeons and nothing comes close to how professional and amazing this office is.”*

Dominica F. (Yelp Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“My experience was amazing.”

“Dr. Horowitz is very warm, professional and makes you feel comfortable. He did my breast augmentation for me about a month ago and I couldn’t be happier. My experience was amazing. I didn’t feel rushed during my consultation & he always made sure that I understood everything. …”*

Ashley Z. (RealSelf Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“I couldn’t be more satisfied.”

“Dr. Horowitz is an amazing plastic surgeon who makes everything look so natural and beautiful. He is very kind, artistic and works magic. I am very happy with my results and he did exactly what I wanted/described. I couldn’t be more satisfied. The staff at his office are very patient and supportive throughout the whole process. …”*

Joanne L. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“Dr. Horowitz is amazing.”

Dr. Horowitz is amazing. I’ve seen him for several surgeries and he is as kind now as he always has been, and knowledgeable too! He is very patient with my millions of questions and works hard to make me feel comfortable and at ease. His staff is great, they are always very welcoming! I love this place. …”*

Irish M. (Google Review)

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Newport Beach

“… truly a life changing experience…”

“I had the the most AMAZING experience with Dr. Nichter. I first got breast implants with him back in 2006 and it was perfect. May 2021, I went back to get a full mommy make over with him (breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction of arms, chin & things). Dr. Nichter and his staffs are amazing from the beginning to end. It has been truly a life changing experience …”*

Patcharin S. (Google Review)

View More Testimonials

Rewards Program Newport Beach

Radiant Beauty
at Any Age

Become a part of BioSpa’s new loyalty program – Ageless. Take control of your appearance and show off your youthful and empowered self with year-long savings on your favorite treatments and products.

Become a Member Today
Rewards Program Newport Beach

Natural Results for Every Body

Become a part of BioSpa’s new loyalty program – Ageless. Take control of your appearance and show off your youthful and empowered self with year-long savings on your favorite treatments and products.

Become a Member Today