Procedures - Breast
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Mastopexy to restore a youthful, lifted shape and position.
After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes, breasts can sit lower and lose their shape. A breast lift removes the excess skin and reshapes the tissue underneath, so the breast sits higher and looks fuller without an implant. If you also want more volume, a lift can be combined with augmentation in one operation.
Lift, implant, or both is one of the most common questions in consultation. The exam usually makes the answer clear, and Dr. Ganz will show you exactly why.
Common questions
Am I a good candidate for a breast lift, or do I need implants too?
This comes up in almost every consultation, and the honest answer depends on your anatomy and what you want to see. A lift alone restores position and shape. If you also want more volume, adding an implant is a straightforward option done in the same operation. The physical exam usually makes the right path clear, and Dr. Ganz will walk you through why one approach fits you better than another.
How long is the recovery and when can I go back to work?
It varies by person and how much was done, but most people feel reasonably comfortable within a week or two. If your job is desk-based, returning in about a week is realistic for many patients. Physical work or anything that raises your heart rate significantly takes longer - usually a few weeks. Swelling and final shape keep settling over a couple of months. Dr. Ganz will map out your specific timeline at consultation.
Will there be visible scars, and do they fade over time?
Yes, a breast lift leaves scars - it's only fair to say that upfront. The incision pattern depends on how much lifting is needed, but scars typically sit around the areola and often run in a vertical line below it. They start pink and raised, then soften and fade over 12-18 months. They don't vanish entirely, though most patients find them very manageable once healed, and placement is designed to stay within the natural contours of the breast.
How much pain should I expect after the surgery?
Most patients describe soreness and tightness rather than sharp pain - more like a hard workout than an injury. The first couple of days are the most uncomfortable, and prescription pain medication is typically used briefly before you switch to over-the-counter options. Swelling and sensitivity can linger for a few weeks. Everyone's a little different, but it's generally well-tolerated and manageable at home with the right support.
How long do the results last before I need another lift?
A breast lift lasts, but it doesn't stop aging, gravity, or life. Significant weight changes, pregnancy, or time can gradually shift the shape again. Many patients enjoy their results for years without revision. There's no fixed expiration date - genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality all play a role, and keeping your weight stable helps preserve the results longer.
Can I combine a breast lift with other procedures like liposuction?
Often, yes - combining can be practical, with one recovery and one anesthesia experience. A lift is frequently paired with augmentation, and pairing it with liposuction or a tummy tuck is done regularly. Whether it makes sense for you depends on your health, how long the operation would take, and your goals. Dr. Ganz approaches combinations thoughtfully, with safety as the deciding factor.
What type of anesthesia is used and how safe is the procedure?
General anesthesia is typical, administered by a qualified anesthesia provider. Like any surgery, it carries risks - bleeding, infection, anesthesia reactions, changes in sensation, and scarring are real possibilities that get reviewed thoroughly before you decide anything. Dr. Ganz is a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, and the procedure is well-established with a strong safety profile when performed on appropriately selected patients in a proper surgical setting.
How is the cost determined, and what's included in the price?
Pricing is individualized, shaped by the technique needed, whether you're combining procedures, anesthesia, and facility fees. There isn't a single flat number that applies to everyone, so your quote comes together after consultation, once Dr. Ganz understands what you actually need. It typically covers the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and facility - with specifics confirmed when your estimate is provided.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Let's talk about what makes sense for you.
You don't need to know the name of the procedure you need. Tell Dr. Ganz what bothers you, what you would like to change, and what matters most to you. He'll give you an honest opinion about your options and what is realistically achievable.
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