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How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Question viewed 22,662 times
Tags: duration, last, longevity

long wanted to get a breast lift - mastopexy - but worried I'll spend thousands and end up with the same saggy breasts i started with. Am i right to be concerned?

46 answers to How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

+5

The Long Lasting Breast Lift

It is possible to obtain very long-lasting results from a breast lift. The newer techniques lift and reshape the breast with better internal support than the older techniques that simply tightened the skin.  Using the skin alone as a bra will not last as long because loss of skin tone is common among women seeking breast lift. Reshaping the architecture of the breast produces better shape and position and longevity for the breast lift!
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+5

Breast Lift duration

The duration of the breast lift procedure depends on a variety of skills including the condition of the breasts, the size of the breasts, life stage issues such as future pregnancy, lifestlye issues, the tyoe of breast lift performed, and surgical skill..
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+3

How long does a breast lift (mastopexy) last.

This is an excellent question.  If performed correctly, it should last the rest of your life.  This does depend on you.  Keep your weight constant and depending on your size  do not go braless that often if you are left with a D cup or greater.  You may sleep without one, however.  
Gary H. Manchester, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+3

Long lasting breast lift

If a breast lift is performed properly, then the breast should not return to it's preoperative droop for decades, if ever.  There is always some settling that occur, but the nipple position should not droop down.  Discuss with your surgeon the technique that is to be used.  Typically surgeons should not rely on simple skin lift.  The entire breast parenchyma is sculpted, allowing for a longer lasting lift.
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.doctorackerman.com

+2

How long does the breast lift last?

There is no question that the recurrence of breast ptosis happens but it is usually a bottoming out phenomenon and the position of the nipple is maintained. In general if a breast is larger the recurrence happens earlier. If your breasts are small the lift is stable. An implant will help the longevity of the breast lift procedure.
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast lift longevity depends on patient factors and surgical factors

A Mastopexy lifts the breasts. There are patient factors and surgical factors that may affect how long the result will last.  Patient factors: weight of the breasts; a patient with large breasts undergoing Mastopexy will have less longevity compared to a same patient with small breasts. Gravity will pull the larger breast down faster. If you have larger breasts, consider reducing the overall breast size as well. elasticity of the skin: a patient with poor skin... more
Lawrence Tong, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+2

Longevity of the breast lift

Have a mastopexy / breast lift will make lifetime changes to your breast.  However, having surgery does not stop the aging process and does not stop the effect of gravity.  So, over time, your breasts will slightly sag (over years); however, much less so that if you did not have the surgery.  So, having the surgery will have significant change and your breast will be permanently improved over what they used to be.  Please make sure that you are treated by a... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Duration of a breast lift

The length of time that a breast lift (mastopexy) will last depends on several factors. 1. The amount of elasticity of your skin.  The loss of skin elasticity is what leads to droopy breasts.  After a breast lift, the skin quality is not changed so their is still a risk of developing some drooping.  The sag rarely returns to the level that it was before surgery but how long the breasts stays perky can vary. 2. The technique used for the breast lift.  There are... more
Naveen Setty, MD

Plano Plastic Surgeon
+2

Durability of Breast Lifts

In comparison to breast reductions, breast lifts are performed for breasts that have a reasonable size, but saggy skin and skin support ligaments. These breasts have already shown that they have a tendency for the skin to stretch- which is the main factor that will set them up for re-stretching. Also, many patients with sagging breasts have lost significant breast volume, from aging, pregnancy or weight loss. These patients will probably require placement of an implant so that their breasts... more
Karen Vaniver, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Mastopexy is a breast tissue lift- not a skin lift!

The durability of a breast lift, as well as the cosmetic improvement is based on reshaping the breast tissue, not the skin. The older techniques are based on skin excision and the resultant scars. newer techniques that give better cosmetic results are based on breast tissue reshaping. I prefer the Goes Circumareolar lift or the Lejour lift. A hall-Findlay is a nice technique but without the same great shape of the Lejour technique.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.breastenlargement.net

+2

Breast lifts may hold up for years

Breast Lift surgery does work and will provide all patients with appreciable results. For those women whose original nipple complex falls below the breast and points south, so to speak, the results will be dramatic. As time passes the breasts will give up some of the lift based on the effects of gravity and aging resulting in the lower pole of the breasts sagging beneath the fold. The time frame will be different from patient to patient but we are talking about many years before one might... more
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast lift lasts if done INTERNALLY.

Hi. 1) It's all about the technique. Most breast lifts are done by tightening the "skin bra". But skin stretches, and you don't get a long term result. 2) In my opinion, breast lift should be done internally (Lejour or Hall-Findlay techniques). The breast tissue itself is shaped and lifted from the inside with internal sutures. We don't rely on skin tension at all. This approach tends to produce perky breasts for a long time.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

How long do breast lift results last

It is difficult to answer this question because there are so many variables involved with a mastopexy or breast lift (skin quality, breast tissue, type of procedure, age of patient, etc.) In general, a mastopexy can be expected to last 10-20 years provided you maintain your body weight and wear bras more often than not. A pregnancy after a breast lift could compromise your result and leave you in a position where you need a second procedure to correct your nipple position and improve your... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Surgery will last as long as you want

Most patients, barring any major life changing event like pregnancy or extreme weight shifts, will undergo breast lifts only once in their life. However, your body, and certainly your breasts, are constantly changing. You can experince this within each monthly cycle. If you have "sagging" breasts, (and sagging is not a universally defined condition, it means different things to different observers), then a mastopexy and/or an augmentation will help treat this. Your breast will... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast weight transfer to underlying muscles to increase lift longevity

Hi Anon, Up until recently, most lifting techniques were extremely limited in their ability to maintain upper pole fullness because they lack a secure way to suspend the breast internally. The skin envelope is also designed poorly because its weakest point (the vertical incision) is right at the center of greatest stress. This ofcourse, leads to the 'bottoming out' phenomenon which is most undesirable. There is a new lifting technique called the Ultimate Breast Lift that... more
Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.horndeski.com

+1

Breast Lift Results Last a Long Time

A breast lift is like turning back the hands of time - but the clock keeps ticking. That means many patients will always benefit from this procedure. There are certain factors that accelerate the breast aging process after this procedure (or even if you don't have surgery) They include:Very large and heavy breasts (with or without implants), fare skin with significant sun damage, smokers, stretch marks, large weight gains and losses, not wearing a bra, severe medical illnesses... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

You are right to be concerned, not all breast lifts are created equal

You are correct to be concerned. First of all, there are many "breast lift" techniques that provide very little in the way of a lift, such as periareolar techniques. Inverted-T techniques leave excessive scarring. The vertical technique is the best because it does provide elevation, but even it may not restore upper pole fullness. I often use a combination of a vertical lift and implants. The vertical lift treats the sagging and the implants restore... more
Eric Swanson MD

Leawood Plastic Surgeon

www.swansoncenter.com

+1

Longevity of a Breastlift

The longevity of a breastlift or mastopexy is a very good question. It can last 3-5 years. One can be guaranteed that there is no known breastlift technique that gives long-lasting superior fullness. A breastlift will re-shape the breasts and elevate the nipple, but will not provide long-lasting superior fullness without the placement of an implant.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Duration of a breast lift

There are several important considerations in breast lift. First is undergoing the appropriate procedure for the size and shape of your breasts. The donut or Benelli mastopexy will not last as long as the full mastopexy which has more visible scars. Secondly, if you combine a lift with augmentation, know that the weight of the implant may ultimately cause the breasts to sag. Generally, the smaller the breast, the less risk of recurrence. There is a balance to be drawn between... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long does a breast lift last?

A breast lift gives a very good result for about 10 years when the breasts are lifted to the proper position on the chest wall. Unfortunately, the natural effects of gravity will start acting over time and the breasts will begin to slowly sag again. There are certain techniques which will allow for a longer, lasting lift and a better shape such as the Stevens Laser Bra.
Robert Heck, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Some of the results from a breast lift can last forever

There are several factors that contribute to the longevity of your breast lift results. The first is when you have the surgery. If you are relatively young and have not yet gone through pregnancy, breast feeding and weight gain and loss, your results are likely to be more temporary. If you are older with severe breast sagging and have already had your children, it is unlikely that your breasts will ever sag as much as they did before your mastopexy. The other most important... more
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift procedures improve breast shape

A breast lift using a vertical technique should last a long time, assuming any sagging lower pole breast tissue was either moved, or removed. Nipple position tends to remain relatively stable with this technique. Adding an implant will accelerate the rate of sagging.
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is a lift worth it? yes but.....

I think your concern is valid, in a seminal study of breast lift the average time to recurrence was 2 years. sure, there are new techniques but I have personally switched to the awkward procedure of reduction/lift/augmentation all at the same time, sounds weird but it works because you remove the inferior, saggy breast tissue that is impossible to lift ( and keep lifted) and place an implant to correct shape and do a lift to properly position the nipple.
Rafael C. Cabrera, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long does a breast lift last?

Breast sag for many reasons. Some are predictable, pregnancy, weight loss, others are more insidious, aging and loss of elasticity. An easy answer is, how long to it take to become bothersome, and is there a cause that is likely to happen again? How long a breast lift lasts depends. Smaller breasts (including smaller breast implants), better skin elasticity, maintaining weight and a conscientious effort to support the breast, especially during physical activity can all help maintain... more
Joseph Mele, MD

Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift or breast augmentation?

Find the fold under your breast.  This position generally does not change.  A breast lift alone can tighten the lower part of the breast and raise the nipple but only up to that fold.  If you're looking for more fullness above this area, you might be better off with a breast augmentation plus lift.
Mario Loomis, MD

Middletown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift surgery results

I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to address your concerns. They will discuss the best and safest possible options for you. Unfortunately, plastic surgery does not guarantee permanent results. Factors, such as, pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss/gain, and even aging or gravity may affect the results of any surgical procedure. In order to achieve the results and goals you want, I recommend providing photos to your surgeon and make sure you both have a full... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lasting results

Depending on the procedure performed, weight gain, loss, or pregnancy all are factors which contribute to the time between surgeries.  The average is 5-10 years.  At that point, most women want another lift or larger/smaller breasts which can easily be accomplished.
Christopher K. Livingston, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Results of breast lift

There are number of different techniques available for lifting breasts, and many of them can produce excellent and dramatic improvements in the shape and appearance of the breasts. This operation is very effective in the appropriate patient.
Olivia Hutchinson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Results vary for every individual

A breast lift (mastopexy) should provide a long term result for each patient. Although ideally the result should last at least ten years or so, the length of the result depends upon many factors. The most important things to consider are: 1) What was the extent of the breast lift? Was it a crescent lift, a peri-areolar lift, a vertical lift or a full lift? The more extensive the lift, the less likely it is that the breast tissue will sag over time. 2) How bad were your breasts to... more
Kevin Brenner, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

How Long A Breast Lift Will Last...

A breast lift provides permanent results; however, gravity and the natural aging process continue to effect the size and shape of the breasts after surgery. There is no solid answer for how long a breast lift will last because every patient is different. Things affecting the size and shape of your breast include: pregnancy, weight loss or weight gain, the elasticity of your skin, the weight of your breast tissue and breast implant if applicable. To help maintain the results of your breast... more
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long does a breast lift last?

  This is one of the most common questions that we hear in our practice. The longevity of a breast lift depends on your tissue and also in the technique that the plastic surgeon uses for the breast lift. When researching your options, be sure to find a plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience with the many different breast lift techniques. In our practice, we stress the importance of creating an internal framework of the breast mound. This will ensure that the breast can... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Duration of breast lift

Unless you have very poor quality elasticity in the skin of your breast, the surgery will permanently improve the lift of your breasts and the position of your breasts on your chest wall. It is true that with age you lose elasticity and, at some point, will probably see some sagging again. However, this will still be quite an improvement over what you would see without surgical intervention. A consultation with your surgeon can help you best determine how to proceed and what you can expect. more
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift lasts a lifetime under certain conditions.

A breast lift (mastopexy) will last a lifetime provided there is no further pregnancies, the breasts are protected against gravity by supportive bra use, and there are no major weight gains and losses. 
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long will a Breast Lift last?

Hi there- There are many factors that will affect how long your breast lift makes you happy... Your skin quality, the qualities of your tissues, your lifestyle, the technique used, and yes, the education, training, experience, and skill of the surgeon you choose. Here's some more information on how best to find a surgeon you like and feel you can trust: In a previous entry, I described how common it is for patients who contact my Orlando plastic surgery and skin care center to make the... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+1

Breast Lift

A board certified plastic surgeon will lift the breast tissue and the nipple areola fix them to the chest wall then reduce the skin envelope. This is simply the PROPER mastopexy. It will lift your breast. But you are still aging and any more pregnancies or weight gain or loss will affect the breast. Gravity is still there and will affect your breast. So in the future, are you going to sag some? YES. How much, we will never know. But you will sag with or without the surgery. The surgery does... more
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift works well, but nothing lasts forever

The breast lift procedure does work. Like any surgical procedure different patients will have different results. It is standard to expect your result to last for years if no major changes to your body happens meanwhile. It is worth it but it is important to choose the right procedure and plastic surgeon.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Longevity of breast lift surgery

This is a great question to ask your surgeon. The answer depends on several factors. Are you planning to have children after your surgery? Pregnancy and especially breast feeding will increase the chance of breast ptosis recurrence. The quality of your skin before surgery is perhaps the most important factor. If your skin is very thin and loose with lots of stretch marks, then the risk of recurrence is higher. This is especially true for patients with major weight loss. Other factors to... more
Michael A. Jazayeri, MD

Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long does a Breast Lift Last

Great question. Having a Breast lift is not the same as casting them in concrete. The aging process will go on and gravity will continue to work against you in the maintenance of the perky look. A breast lift that involves reshaping of the breast tissue will be more long lasting than just tightening up the skin and it expecting it to act as a brassiere. Make sure that the surgeon you see is comfortable with working on the breast tissue as well as the skin. The results will change over... more
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

+1

Breast Lifts can last

Breast lifts can last a very long time, but it really depends on what changes your breast undergo following the surgery. With any Breast surgery, pregnancy, breast feeding, and significant weight changes can affect the long term outcome. Should any of these life events occur following your Mastopexy, you will likely need a revision, which is not the end of the world. This usually entails a smaller surgery than the first one, and can have outstanding results.
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+1

Longevity of breast lifts

Certainly, if you go through the expense and recovery from a breast lift you want something that will last as well as possible. There are several factors affecting the longevity of a breast lift. The first is what kind of skin elasticity and breast tissue firmness you have. The more lax the tissue and the less elastic the skin, the shorter the result will stay perky. The second is whether you need an implant to assist in volume replacement and firming of the breast. The final factor is... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Longevity of Breast Lift

The longevity of a Breast Lift depends on the quality and thickness of your skin, the weight of your breast and the breast lift technique used. If you have thin sun damaged skin, love tanning booths, you smoke or work in a smoking environment and have large breasts or large breast implants - the lift will last much less than in someone without such attributes. Finally, if you had a Hall-Findlay short scar Breast Lift in which the breast tissue itself is sculpted and re suspended higher on... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lift before and after surgery

Breast Lift procedures will produce noticeable and definitive results. The length of the results depends on the degree of volume ptosis, the skin elasticity, and the degree of torque exhibited by the pendulous breasts. These should be discussed with your surgeon.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long will a breast lift (mastopexy) last?

There are several factors that go into determining how long a breast lift will last and in the end it is unpredictable but some of these factors include: Age Genetic tendency Pregnancy following the lift decision to nurse length of time for nursing size of breasts during lactation Skin laxity history of sun exposure tobacco use Weight gain and loss prior to lift Weight gain subsequent to lift Menopause Size of implants placed with the lift All or any combination of these procedures... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lift longevity

For several years I have been using a 'vertical scar' technique for most breast reductions, which eliminates the long, horizontal incision in the inframammary fold below the breasts. I have also adapted this technique for breast lift surgery, and have been extremely pleased with the results. As with breast reduction patients, this new technique not only eliminates the horizontal incision, but also creates more impressive breast projection and maintains it better over time. The breast lift... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

This varies, but....

Hello, The longevity of a procedure varies between patients and with different techniques, but re-operative breast lifts are not the norm. Revisions if needed are usually minor unless the breasts are pretty large in which case they tend to sag again more often. Exceptionally active women tend to have more revisions as well probably due to "wear and tear." Gravity always wins at least to an extent. ;)
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

A breast lift operation is a great procedure for...

A breast lift operation is a great procedure for patients after child birth. As long as you don't have further pregnancies or have significant fluctuations in weight, your breast should hold up pretty well. Remember that as you age, the elasticity of tissues will weaken and the breasts will sag a bit.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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