Breast Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Knoxville, TN

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts and repositions the breasts and nipples to create a more youthful look and contour. This procedure is highly popular; it was the fourth most performed cosmetic treatment in 2022, 2023, and 2024. (1, 2, 3) This procedure is ideal for women interested in achieving perkier-looking breasts without a significant change in size or volume.

Dr. David Lo is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa with extensive experience. He offers breast lifts for patients hoping to achieve a more youthful appearance through breast rejuvenation.

To schedule your breast lift consultation with Dr. Lo, please call (865) 357-2639 or submit our online form.

About Breast Lifts

As women age, many factors can contribute to breast ptosis (sagging). Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, aging, and even gravity can cause the breasts to descend from their youthful position. A breast lift can help address the sagging that can occur over time, as well as downward-pointing or misshapen nipples. (4)

Why wait to feel confident? Dr. Lo can help you restore your figure and improve breast appearance by removing excess skin, increasing structural support, and using techniques that he tailors to your anatomy.

Benefits

Patients will be able to enjoy both reconstructive and cosmetic benefits from their mastopexy. After removing the excess skin from the breasts, the most immediate advantage is smoother, tighter, and more lifted skin. In addition, the procedure improves the body’s overall proportions by raising the breasts, leading to many women feeling more confident about their bodies and more comfortable in their clothing. This procedure also offers long-lasting results, with many patients being able to enjoy their lift for years.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidates for a breast lift are those interested in repositioning the breasts to help restore their figure and reduce sagging or drooping breast tissue. Candidates may be experiencing downward-pointing nipples or areolas that sit below the breast crease and wish for a more perky, natural placement.

All patients interested in mastopexy should be in good overall health and free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. If applicable, patients should be mentally prepared to fully quit smoking a few weeks before their procedure and throughout their recovery.

Personal Consultation

At Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa, we ask that patients schedule a personal consultation with our team before their appointment. Patients will meet with Dr. Lo as he explains each step of the procedure before performing a medical exam and an assessment of the breasts. This review will help him determine patient candidacy. Dr. Lo will then recommend the best strategies to help each patient reposition their breasts while preparing pre- and post-operative instructions. Dr. Lo encourages patients to prepare questions and bring up any concerns, as he and our team commit to making sure each patient feels confident and informed prior to each procedure.

To schedule your personal consultation, please call our Knoxville office at (865) 357-2639 or fill out our online form.

Preparing for a Breast Lift

Each patient will receive a list of pre-operative instructions that detail how to prepare their body and space before their appointment. Dr. Lo may have you avoid certain medications and supplements throughout the duration of your procedure and recovery. These may include substances such as fish oil, vitamin E, ibuprofen, and aspirin. You should pre-arrange transportation home, especially if you receive general anesthesia, as well as pre-arrange time away from work and other commitments. If applicable, those who smoke should quit at least three weeks before their treatment and completely refrain from tobacco or nicotine throughout the recovery.

Procedure

At the start of the breast lift procedure, Dr. Lo or another Lumiere team member will cleanse the treatment area. Following this, you will receive anesthesia to remain comfortably asleep. Dr. Lo will then begin your procedure with one of three different incision placements:

  • Periareolar: The periareolar incision can also be referred to as a circumareolar incision or a “donut” incision. The incision circles the perimeter of the areola. This method is used for mild levels of ptosis and laxity and is considered the least invasive incision. (5)
  • Vertical Incision: The vertical incision, also referred to as a “lollipop” incision, is used to help provide a greater amount of lift while also reducing the size of the areola. There are two incisions in this pattern, one around the areola and one extending down from the edge of the areola to the lower breast crease. (4)
  • Wise Pattern: The Wise pattern mastopexy, also known as an anchor lift, is a technique reserved for severe sagging. There are three incisions involved with this procedure, combining both the periareolar and vertical methods while adding a third, horizontal incision across the lower breast creases. Patients can expect the most dramatic results from this strategy, but they may find this procedure more invasive. (6)

After making the incisions, Dr. Lo will carefully remove excess, sagging skin to reduce breast ptosis. He may also reposition the nipples to a more central location. Where necessary, Dr. Lo may also tighten internal structures and suture them to a higher position. Finally, after making the necessary corrections and achieving a perky, rejuvenated, balanced result, he will close the incisions and allow you to rest.

Recovery

Following a breast lift, patients can expect to take about a week off to focus on recovering. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at the treatment site are common, but you can mitigate these symptoms with prescribed pain medication, and they gradually subside on their own. Dr. Lo will have you wear a compression bra over the treatment site to help preserve and protect your newly contoured breasts.

On the day after your surgery, Dr. Lo will remove the bandaging and ensure you understand your developing recovery. Most patients will be able to return to work after a week, but all must avoid heavy lifting and other intensive activity until Dr. Lo approves.

Dr. Lo will provide each patient with a detailed set of written instructions to guide them through each phase of their recovery. If any questions or concerns arise during this time, please contact us for further guidance and support.

Results of a Breast Lift

Patients will be able to notice the results of their breast lift immediately following their procedure, with final results gradually becoming more apparent as residual swelling subsides. The breasts may initially sit high, but as healing continues, they will slowly settle into a more natural position on the chest, and scars will gradually fade. This procedure offers long-lasting results; however, gravity, aging, and any significant changes in weight can still alter breast shape.

Cost of Breast Lifts in Knoxville, Tennessee

Dr. Lo will discuss your financial obligations with you during your personal consultation. The cost of your breast lift will vary, as he personalizes each one according to your aesthetic preferences, existing anatomy, and areas of concern. Dr. Lo also offers financing options for patients who qualify.

To learn more about the cost of your breast lift, please request a consultation online or call (865) 357-2639.

FAQ

What is the difference between breast augmentation and a breast lift?

A breast lift corrects sagging breasts through repositioning, and it does not alter volume. Breast augmentation focuses on increasing the breast size through implants. Patients can combine these procedures to simultaneously address breast position and volume in one procedure.

Will there be visible scarring after my breast lift?

There will likely be visible scarring; however, these scars can be easily hidden under clothing. Any scarring will gradually fade over time following healing.

Will I be able to breastfeed after my breast lift?

Women are able to breastfeed after completely healing, but Dr. Lo asks that you discuss your concerns or maternal/nursing plans during your consultation.

Can I complement my breast lift with another procedure?

Breast lifts pair effectively with several other procedures. Common additions include breast augmentation, a procedure designed to enhance the shape and volume of the chest through the use of biocompatible breast implants, or breast reduction, a procedure designed to help remove excess breast tissue, reducing discomfort while creating a perkier appearance.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  4. Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/
  5. Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
  6. Newman MK. Reconstruction of the Ptotic Breast Using Wise Pattern Skin Deepithelialization. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2016;4(11):e1077. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001077
Contact Us