Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Los Angeles
Candidates
Women seeking breast lift surgery are in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the possible results. Ideal patients for breast lift surgery have satisfactory breast volume but weakened breast tissue. Tissue laxity may be the results of pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process. Women in need of a breast lift may experience stage two, or higher, of ptosis (sagging).
- Grade One – Normal breast tissue, no sagging is present. The lower breast tissue sits above the breast fold and the nipple points outwards.
- Grade Two – Mild skin laxity and sagging present. The lower breast tissue sits on the breast fold and the nipple points outwards.
- Grade Three – Moderate skin laxity and sagging. The lower breast tissue sits below the breast fold, and the nipple has begun to droop downwards.
- Grade Four – Severe skin laxity and sagging. The lower breast tissue sits significantly below the breast fold and the nipple points downwards.
Breast Lift Procedure
Dr. Kao performs breast lift surgery as an outpatient procedure with the patient under propofol sedation or general anesthesia depending on the patient. The type of incision he uses depends on your breast size and shape, the degree of breast sagging, and size and position of your areola. Dr. Kao removes excess breast tissue and skin and pulls the tissues together to reshape the breasts. If needed, he also repositions the nipple/areolar complex, so they maintain a natural and youthful position. Dr. Kao places sutures deep within the tissue to help hold your lifted breasts in place.
Breast Lift Techniques
Dr. Kao is renowned for his breast lift incision techniques that result in little to no scarring. Incision placement and closure plays a significant role in determining how natural your breast lift results will appear.
- Circumareolar Mastopexy: Dr. Kao prefers this incision technique because it allows him the most control over the scar that develops. Dr. Kao makes an incision around the colored edge of the areola, which provides access to the breast tissue. Although other surgeons perform this technique, they often have many problems, including scarring, flattening of the breast mound, pleating of the skin around the areola, only able to move the nipple/areolar complex up to two centimeters, and not able to accomplish much of a lift in the breasts. Dr. Kao has been perfecting the circumareolar incision technique for 15 years. With his patience and meticulous work, Dr. Kao can achieve an almost perfect result, including:
- No visible scarring
- No pleating of the skin around the areola
- Maintaining the roundness of the areola
- Controlling the shape of the breast mound
- Able to move the nipple/areolar complex up to eight centimeters
- Inverted-T Mastopexy: Dr. Kao uses this incision technique for women with very heavy breast tissue and Grade 4 ptosis. This technique is most effective for women who have lost a massive amount of weight, have post-pregnancy/breastfeeding breasts, and poor skin elasticity. Dr. Kao makes an incision around the areola, down the lower breast tissue, and along the natural curve of the inframammary fold. When closing the incision, Dr. Kao places five layers of sutures. These layers of sutures control any tension placed on the bottom of the wound and prevent stretching of the incisions that can cause more extensive scarring. Dr. Kao reserves the inverted-T incision for women with larger breasts because it results in visible scarring. Dr. Kao takes great care to control the shape and quality of the scar, so it is as pencil thin as possible. Most patients feel that the thin, mild scar is well worth the support and results achieved.
- Internal Bra Mastopexy: For women with large, cumbersome breasts that require extra support but absolutely refuse an inverted-T scar, Dr. Kao performs the internal bra mastopexy. This technique combines the circumareolar incision for the skin and inverted-T shaping of the breast tissue underneath the skin, with an ACD Matrix for added support. The internal bra mastopexy is a revolutionary technique that provides long-lasting support to the breasts without inverted-T incisions on the skin. If you think you would benefit from an internal bra mastopexy, click here for additional information.
Improve the Appearance of the Areola
Along with the full shape of the breasts, the shape and placement of the areola help create a natural breast appearance. Dr. Kao’s incision techniques allow him to control the shape of the areola. During your surgery, an areola reduction might be performed to improve the size of the areola. For patients who are unhappy with having any scar around the edge of the areola, Dr. Kao offers tattooing of the areola to mask scars. It is Dr. Kao’s goal to provide a beautiful and natural-looking breast appearance with long-lasting results.
Combining an Augmentation With Your Lift
Patients with weak, sagging breasts who also desire an increase in breast volume should consider combining a breast augmentation with their breast lift surgery. Performing an augmentation in conjunction with your breast lift can restore an attractive fullness and strengthen the breast tissue during a one-time procedure.
Combining breast implants with your breast lift requires expert skill. Dr. Kao takes great care to balance tissue removal with implant size. The current size of your breasts compared to your desired implant size will impact the amount of tissue removed during your lift. Dr. Kao’s expert eye and attention to detail allow him to craft a new breast appearance that looks and feels natural.
If you desire implants to be placed during your breast lift, Dr. Kao will use a circumareolar incision. The combination of his pencil-thin incision technique and his meticulous attention to detail helps prevent any visible scarring. By minimizing scarring along the areolar border, Dr. Kao can preserve the natural appearance of the breasts.
Recovery
You will experience some bruising, swelling, and redness following your procedure. You may be required to wear a compression garment following your surgery to minimize swelling, facilitate healing, and help improve your results. You might experience some mild discomfort, but oral medication will be prescribed to control any associated pain. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for three to four weeks following your procedure.
All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to stay at an aftercare facility following the procedure. KO’AN Recovery Center is a post-surgical care facility situated just across the street from Dr. Kao’s surgical facility and is located in a federally and state-licensed healthcare center.
Breast numbness and loss of nipple sensitivity are usually only temporary. You can return to work after one week and resume your normal exercise routine after four weeks. Most major swelling should begin to subside after six weeks, at which time your final results should become apparent.
Results
Breast lifts are designed to provide long-lasting correction to the appearance of your breasts. However, your breast tissue is still subject to the natural aging process, and you may develop additional sagging over time.
If you wish to restore the youthful appearance of sagging breasts, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Kao is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He and his helpful, friendly staff are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact our office at 310-315-9211 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.
Related Blog Posts
Breast Lift in Los Angeles
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is designed to improve breast shape, position, and firmness when the breasts have begun to sag or lose their youthful contour. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, aging, and genetics can all affect breast tissue, skin elasticity, nipple position, and overall breast shape.
At Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, just west of Los Angeles, Dr. Chia Chi Kao performs breast lift surgery for patients who want a more elevated, balanced, and natural-looking breast contour. The goal is not simply to lift the breast higher. It is to reshape the breast, improve nipple position, reduce excess skin, and create a result that fits the patient’s body.
In our experience, many women considering a breast lift still have enough natural breast volume but feel their breasts sit too low, appear deflated, or no longer match the way they feel. A breast lift can help restore a more youthful breast position and improve the relationship between the breast mound, nipple, areola, and chest wall.
Some patients benefit from a breast lift alone, while others may need a combination approach. If you want more breast volume in addition to improved position, Dr. Kao may discuss combining your lift with breast augmentation or fat transfer to the breast. Your surgical plan is customized after a detailed evaluation of your anatomy, skin quality, breast tissue, and goals.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Good candidates for breast lift surgery are generally healthy patients who want to improve sagging, breast position, nipple placement, or stretched skin. A breast lift may be appropriate if your breasts have lost shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, aging, or natural changes in skin elasticity.
Patients commonly consider a breast lift when they notice that the nipples point downward, the breast tissue sits lower on the chest, the areolas have stretched, or the breasts look flatter and less supported than they used to. In our experience, many women do not necessarily want larger breasts. They simply want their natural breast tissue reshaped and lifted into a more youthful position.
You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you:
- Have sagging or drooping breasts
- Have nipples that sit low or point downward
- Have stretched areolas or enlarged areola size
- Have lost breast shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Want firmer, more elevated breasts without necessarily increasing size
- Have realistic expectations about scarring, recovery, and results
- Are in good overall health and able to safely undergo surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, nipple position, degree of sagging, areola size, and desired outcome. He will also determine whether a lift alone can achieve your goals or whether you may benefit from combining your lift with implants, fat transfer, or another breast procedure.
Understanding Breast Sagging and Ptosis
Breast sagging is often described medically as ptosis. Ptosis can range from mild to severe depending on where the nipple and lower breast tissue sit in relation to the breast fold. Understanding the degree of sagging helps Dr. Kao determine which breast lift technique may provide the best shape, support, and scar placement.
- Grade One: Minimal or no sagging. The nipple generally points forward, and the lower breast tissue sits above or near the breast fold.
- Grade Two: Mild sagging. The lower breast tissue sits near the breast fold, and the nipple may begin to sit slightly lower.
- Grade Three: Moderate sagging. The breast tissue sits below the breast fold, and the nipple may point downward.
- Grade Four: More advanced sagging. The breast tissue sits significantly below the breast fold, and the nipple often points downward.
These grades are only a general guide. Breast lift planning also depends on breast size, skin elasticity, tissue quality, areola position, previous surgery, and whether the patient wants to add volume. Dr. Kao will explain your degree of sagging and recommend the technique that best fits your anatomy.
How Breast Lift Surgery Is Performed
Breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on your anatomy, surgical plan, and comfort needs, anesthesia may involve sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Kao will discuss the appropriate anesthesia plan during your consultation.
The procedure begins with carefully planned incisions based on your breast shape, areola size, degree of sagging, and desired result. Dr. Kao removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to a more natural and youthful location. When needed, the areola can also be reduced to create better proportion.
Deep internal sutures may be placed to support the newly shaped breast tissue and help maintain the lifted contour. The goal is to improve breast position, firmness, and shape while creating a result that looks natural for your frame.
Because every breast lift is different, Dr. Kao customizes the incision pattern and reshaping technique to your anatomy. Some patients need only a more limited lift, while others require more extensive reshaping for heavier tissue, stretched skin, or advanced sagging.
Breast Lift Techniques
Breast lift technique matters. The incision pattern affects how much lift can be achieved, how the breast is reshaped, where scars are placed, and how well the result is supported over time. Dr. Kao selects the technique based on your breast size, degree of sagging, skin quality, areola position, and whether implants or fat transfer are part of the plan.
Circumareolar Mastopexy
A circumareolar mastopexy uses an incision around the edge of the areola, where the darker areolar skin meets the surrounding breast skin. This technique may be appropriate for select patients with mild to moderate sagging, areola stretching, or a need for controlled nipple repositioning.
In our experience, patients often like this approach because the scar can blend with the natural color transition around the areola. However, it must be planned carefully. The technique requires attention to tension, areola shape, breast mound contour, and long-term scar quality.
Dr. Kao uses meticulous closure and careful shaping to help support a refined breast appearance. The goal is to lift and reshape the breast while preserving a natural-looking areola and rounded breast contour.
Inverted-T Mastopexy
An inverted-T mastopexy, sometimes called an anchor lift, may be recommended for patients with heavier breast tissue, more advanced sagging, significant skin laxity, or major breast shape changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight loss.
This technique uses an incision around the areola, a vertical incision down the lower breast, and an incision along the natural breast fold. Although this approach involves more scar placement, it also allows more powerful reshaping and support when the breast tissue needs significant lifting.
When an inverted-T lift is needed, Dr. Kao focuses on careful scar placement, refined closure, and long-term breast shape. For many patients with more advanced sagging, the tradeoff of additional scars may be worth the improvement in breast position, firmness, and contour.
Internal Bra Mastopexy
For patients who need additional internal support, Dr. Kao may discuss an internal bra mastopexy. This approach is designed to provide structural support from within the breast, helping improve breast position and long-term shape in select cases.
An internal support technique may be considered for patients with heavier breast tissue, weaker support, recurrent sagging, or a desire for added reinforcement. It can also be part of a more advanced surgical plan when the goal is to create lift, support, and a more durable breast contour.
If Dr. Kao believes you may benefit from this technique, he will explain how it works, whether it is appropriate for your anatomy, and how it compares with other breast lift options.
Improving the Appearance of the Areola
The size, shape, and position of the areola play an important role in the overall appearance of the breasts. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and aging can cause the areolas to stretch or sit lower on the breast. During breast lift surgery, Dr. Kao can often improve areola position and proportion as part of the reshaping process.
When appropriate, areola reduction may be performed to create a more balanced relationship between the areola and breast mound. Dr. Kao carefully plans incision placement around the areola to help maintain a natural shape while reducing excess skin and improving nipple position.
Scar visibility varies from patient to patient. Dr. Kao will explain what type of incision is likely to be needed, where the scar will be placed, and how scar care should be managed after surgery.
Before and After Photos
Combining Breast Augmentation With a Breast Lift
Some patients want more breast volume but also have sagging, stretched skin, or a lower nipple position. In these cases, a breast lift alone may improve position but may not create the fullness the patient wants. Breast implants can add volume, while the lift reshapes the breast and improves nipple position.
Combining a breast augmentation with a breast lift requires careful planning. Dr. Kao evaluates your current breast size, skin quality, tissue support, desired implant size, nipple position, and long-term goals to determine whether a combined procedure is appropriate.
In some cases, patients may also consider fat transfer to the breast instead of implants or in combination with other techniques. Fat transfer can add subtle, natural fullness, while implants may provide a more predictable increase in size.
The goal is to create a breast shape that looks balanced, supported, and natural. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will explain whether a lift alone, augmentation alone, or a combined approach is the best match for your anatomy and goals.
Breast Lift Recovery
Recovery after a breast lift varies depending on the extent of lifting, incision pattern, whether implants or fat transfer are included, and your individual healing process. Some bruising, swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort are expected during the first stage of recovery.
You may be asked to wear a surgical bra or support garment to help reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Dr. Kao will provide detailed instructions for medication, incision care, sleeping position, bathing, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits.
Many patients return to desk work or light daily activities within about one week, depending on the extent of surgery and how they feel. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts are usually restricted for several weeks. Most patients gradually return to more normal activity around four to six weeks, with Dr. Kao’s approval.
Temporary breast numbness or changes in nipple sensitivity can occur after breast lift surgery. Sensation often improves over time, although every patient heals differently.
All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to recover at the KO’AN Recovery Center, a post-surgical aftercare setting near the Santa Monica surgical center. This can be especially helpful for patients who want added privacy, comfort, and professional recovery support during the early healing period.
Breast Lift Results
Breast lift results appear gradually as swelling decreases and the breast tissue settles into its new position. Patients typically notice an immediate improvement in breast position, but the final shape continues to refine over the following weeks and months.
A breast lift is designed to provide long-lasting improvement in breast shape and position. However, the breasts will continue to age naturally. Pregnancy, weight changes, gravity, and skin quality can all affect the breasts over time.
Maintaining a stable weight, wearing supportive bras, and following Dr. Kao’s post-operative instructions can help preserve your result. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will explain what type of result is realistic and how your tissue quality may affect long-term breast shape.
Will a Breast Lift Leave Scars?
All breast lift procedures involve some degree of incision and scarring. The location and amount of scarring depend on the technique used and the degree of lift required. Some patients may only need an incision around the areola, while others may need a vertical or inverted-T pattern to achieve better reshaping and support.
Dr. Kao plans incisions as carefully as possible and uses meticulous closure techniques to support refined scar healing. Most scars fade gradually over time, although every patient heals differently.
It is important to choose the technique that best matches your anatomy rather than choosing based only on scar length. In some cases, a more supportive lift pattern can create a better breast shape and longer-lasting result, even if it involves more incision placement.
Why Choose Dr. Kao for Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery requires a balance of technical skill and artistic judgment. The surgeon must improve breast position, reshape tissue, adjust nipple and areola placement, manage scar tension, and create a result that looks natural for the patient’s frame.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao brings extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. His approach is focused on natural-looking shape, proportion, and support. In our experience, patients often want a result that looks refreshed and elevated without appearing overly tight, artificial, or overdone.
At Kao Plastic Surgery, every breast lift plan is customized. Dr. Kao will evaluate your degree of sagging, skin quality, areola position, breast volume, and desired outcome before recommending the appropriate technique. If additional volume is needed, he may discuss breast implants, fat transfer, or a combined procedure.
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation
If sagging, deflated, or low-positioned breasts are affecting your confidence, a breast lift may help restore a more youthful, balanced breast shape. Dr. Kao will evaluate your anatomy, goals, and options to determine the best surgical plan for your needs.
To schedule your consultation, call (310) 315-9211 or request a consultation online. Kao Plastic Surgery serves patients from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding Southern California communities.
Individual results vary. Risks, benefits, incision options, recovery, and realistic expectations will be reviewed during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery
- What is a breast lift?
- A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that improves breast sagging by removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to a more youthful location. A breast lift can improve breast shape, firmness, and position without necessarily increasing breast size.
- How do I know if I need a breast lift?
- You may benefit from a breast lift if your breasts sit low on the chest, your nipples point downward, your areolas have stretched, or your breast tissue has lost shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, aging, or genetics. During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, nipple position, skin quality, and goals to determine whether a lift is appropriate.
- Can a breast lift increase breast size?
- A breast lift reshapes and elevates the existing breast tissue, but it does not significantly increase breast volume. If you want fuller breasts in addition to improved position, Dr. Kao may discuss combining your lift with breast augmentation or fat transfer to the breast.
- What is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?
- A breast lift improves breast position, sagging, and shape by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. Breast augmentation uses implants to increase breast size and fullness. Some patients need only a lift, some need only implants, and others benefit from combining both procedures.
- Can I combine a breast lift with implants?
- Yes. A breast lift can be combined with breast implants when a patient wants both improved breast position and increased volume. This combination can be especially helpful after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. Dr. Kao will determine whether a combined procedure is appropriate based on your skin quality, tissue support, desired size, and long-term goals.
- Can I have a breast lift without implants?
- Yes. Many patients choose a breast lift without implants when they already have enough natural breast volume but want a more elevated, youthful shape. In our experience, this is common for women who feel their breasts have dropped but do not necessarily want to be larger.
- Will a breast lift correct stretched areolas?
- A breast lift can often improve the size, shape, and position of stretched areolas. When appropriate, areola reduction may be performed as part of the lift to create better proportion between the areola and the breast mound.
- What breast lift incision will I need?
- The best incision pattern depends on your degree of sagging, breast size, skin quality, nipple position, and desired result. Some patients may be candidates for a circumareolar incision around the areola, while others may need a vertical or inverted-T pattern for stronger reshaping and support. Dr. Kao will recommend the technique that best fits your anatomy.
- Will a breast lift leave scars?
- Yes. All breast lift procedures involve incisions, so some scarring is expected. Dr. Kao carefully plans incision placement and closure to help scars heal as discreetly as possible. Most scars fade gradually over time, although every patient heals differently.
- How long is breast lift recovery?
- Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and whether the breast lift is combined with implants or fat transfer. Many patients return to light daily activities or desk work within about one week. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts are usually restricted for several weeks or until Dr. Kao clears you to resume them.
- Will I lose nipple sensation after a breast lift?
- Temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur after breast lift surgery. In many cases, sensation improves as swelling decreases and the tissues heal. However, every patient heals differently, and permanent changes in sensation are a possible risk that Dr. Kao will review during your consultation.
- How long do breast lift results last?
- Breast lift results are long-lasting, but the breasts will continue to age naturally. Pregnancy, weight changes, gravity, genetics, and skin quality can all affect the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help preserve your result.
- How much does a breast lift cost in Los Angeles?
- The cost of a breast lift in Los Angeles depends on the complexity of the procedure, incision pattern, whether implants or fat transfer are included, anesthesia, facility fees, and the details of your personalized surgical plan. A customized quote will be provided after your consultation at Kao Plastic Surgery.
