Breast Lift in Houston, TX

Dr. Bachilo will review your medical history and examine your breast shape, volume, position on the chest, and skin quality. She will discuss your concerns and recommend procedures that will best meet your desired look. Every patient is different, and Dr. Bachilo will design a personalized surgical treatment plan to address your specific goals. Many of our patients choose to complement the breast lift procedure with other treatments to provide a more comprehensive makeover. Ask Dr. Bachilo if you are a candidate for other procedures at the time of your breast lift.

In preparation for your elective cosmetic surgery, refrain from tobacco products and all nicotine-containing products, as well as stop taking certain medications.

The breast lift is performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital utilizing general anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort and safety for our patients. Additionally, a local anesthetic is often used to alleviate any potential discomfort after the surgery further.

The surgery may take from two to five hours, depending on your anatomy and your procedure’s extent. Breast tissue is lifted to a higher position on the chest wall during the mastopexy procedure. The nipple is also repositioned to a new higher position to match the new breast. Breast tissue is re-sculpted to a more attractive shape, and any excess skin is trimmed away. A breast lift can be performed without implants or combined with implant-based breast augmentation. The degree of scarring varies between individuals as every patient is unique.

There are several different kinds of breast lift depending on the patient’s needs, but the most common are: periareolar mastopexy, vertical mastopexy, and traditional or full scar mastopexy.

Periareolar Mastopexy (Donut Breast Lift)

also referred to as circumareolar lift or periareolar lift, Periareolar Mastopexy is designed for women who have a small amount of breast sagging and only need a small lift. The incision is well hidden at the edge of the breast and areola during this procedure. The incision can be done all the way around the areola as a “donut pattern,” which also allows for areola size reduction. As an alternative, an incision can be done only on the upper half of the areola as a “crescent pattern,” The lifting of the nipple is achieved in this way, but the areola stays the same size.

Vertical Lift

or vertical mastopexy, also called a short scar mastopexy, is ideal for women with more sagging in their breasts and has relatively wide breasts. The scar during this procedure is around the areola and vertically from the areola to the breast fold. This type of scar is sometimes referred to as a “lollipop incision.” A vertical lift allows for removing more saggy skin and achieves a perkier, more sculpted breast.

Traditional Lift

Full scar mastopexy is ideal for women with significant breast deflation and drooping and need substantial nipple lift and skin reduction. The scars during this lift are around the areola, up and down from the areola to the breast fold, and at the breast fold. This procedure permits for the best lift and remolding of the breasts, with the trade-off for longer scars.

Please make arrangements to have someone drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for at least 24hrs to help you around the house. We will receive detailed post-op instructions, as well as a prescription for pain medication from Dr. Bachilo.  Swelling and bruising are expected following the surgery and will subside gradually over a month. You will have a wrap around your breasts immediately after surgery and will be changed into a compressive bra on your post-op visit, which you will need to wear for some time to protect your healing breasts. It would be best if you slept on your back and avoided heavy lifting or strenuous exercise four to six weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to work within a week or two after surgery. Temporary increase or loss in sensation to your nipples is normal after breast lift and will resolve over time. You will be able to resume all your usual activities at six weeks following your procedure.

You should expect a more youthful and attractive profile of your breasts. Your breasts will be positioned higher up on your chest, and your nipples will be facing forward at the most projecting aspect of your breast.  You should enjoy long-term results as long as you don’t gain or lose excessive weight in the future that may cause further sagging.  Any future pregnancy and lactation may also affect your results, and therefore it is best to delay breast lift surgery until you are finished having children.  To further extend your results, you should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as not smoking, and establish a proper care regiment for your skin and a good sun protection regimen.