in Denver, CO
Gravity, the scientific principle that keeps us grounded, often results in unwanted effects on other parts of our bodies. Weight loss, pregnancy, intense aerobic activity, and genetics can make once-perky breasts sag and lose their shape, leaving you feeling self-conscious with a tendency to cover up. A breast lift offers a highly personalized solution to breast sagging, restoring elevated contours for a more youthful, balanced silhouette.
At BEAUTY by BUFORD, we understand that a breast lift isn’t just about enhancing your appearance; it’s about restoring confidence and embracing a refreshed sense of self. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Buford brings extensive experience and an eye for natural, balanced results, ensuring each patient’s breast lift complements their unique proportions. With an approach rooted in patient education and collaborative care, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction every step of the way.
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Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The surgery can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin around the nipple) if it has become enlarged over time, resulting in more youthful and uplifted breasts. Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) can provide a youthful, shapely contour to the breast and restore your confidence by:
Your breast lift journey at BEAUTY by BUFORD begins with an in-depth consultation to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. On the day of your procedure, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our surgical team and prepped for surgery. Dr. Buford will meet with you beforehand to review the surgical plan and answer any last-minute questions, ensuring you feel confident and relaxed.
To ensure a pain-free experience, general anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Buford uses carefully planned incisions based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Depending on the degree of lift needed, incisions may be around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, or along the natural breast fold. Excess skin is then removed, and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped to achieve a shapely, lifted contour. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned to a higher, more symmetrical position on the breast. The incisions are then carefully closed with sutures, minimizing visible scarring and promoting smooth healing. Dr. Buford may also apply a supportive bandage or surgical bra to protect the area and provide additional comfort, as well as an intercostal nerve block for improved pain relief and faster return to work and non-strenuous activities.
After surgery, you’ll spend some time in our recovery area, where our team will monitor your initial recovery and ensure you’re comfortable before you are released to head home.
The crescent lift technique corrects minimal sagging and leaves minimal scarring. A good solution for women who have a very minor amount of sagging to correct, the crescent lift involves a small incision running halfway around the edge of the upper half of the areola, in the shape of a crescent. This technique is typically used when a patient is also having a breast augmentation.
Also known as the "Benneli Lift," this lift effectively reduces areolar diameter and lifts the breast using two circular incisions, which are then brought together. The advantage to this approach is that you are left with only an incision around your areola, but the disadvantage is that if too aggressive of a skin reduction is attempted, the areola can be stretched to a greater size over time, creating a suboptimal appearance.
Also known as the "lollipop lift," the vertical lift is a popular option because it allows plenty of room to remove excess skin, reshape the entire breast, and leave easily hidden incisions. The vertical lift is a proven technique for correcting moderate sagging and involves one incision around the end of the areola and another running vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold (creating the "lollipop" shape).
For women who require dramatic reshaping for extensive breast sagging, the anchor lift, also known as the inverted T lift, is often the best option. With three incisions made around the edge of the areola, vertically from the bottom of the areola, and along the inframammary fold, the anchor lift allows Dr. Buford to remove a large amount of excess skin and tissue to create a youthful contour and pleasing shape. This technique is also frequently used if you are having a breast reduction in conjunction with your breast lift.
After your procedure, you may experience a moderate amount of discomfort that can be successfully managed with pain medication. Expect downtime to last a few days following surgery, with normal activity resuming in one to two weeks. Dr. Buford can help restore a perky, natural size and shape to your breasts, which will complement your figure and give you a result that you will be pleased with for years to come.
One of the most commonly asked questions is, “Do I need a breast lift?” Many patients pursue other procedures, such as breast augmentation, when their concerns may be better addressed with a breast lift or a combination breast lift with augmentation.
During your consultation at BEAUTY by BUFORD in Lone Tree, board-certified plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO, will consider several factors to help determine which procedure will give you results you’ll love. These factors include:
Recovery from breast lift surgery is a critical phase where the body heals and adjusts to the changes made during the procedure. Understanding what to expect during this period can help you prepare and ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here's an overview of the recovery process, including tips for care and signs to watch for post-surgery.
As post-procedure swelling resolves, your final results will emerge. You can expect a perkier profile, more shapely contours, and enhanced firmness. By tightening the surrounding skin and reshaping the breasts, a breast lift achieves results that are both naturally flattering and long-lasting, allowing you to enjoy better physical comfort, an improved fit in clothing and swimwear, and a renewed sense of confidence that shines through in every area of life.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Buford can answer your questions about breast lift surgery and other options available at our Denver, Colorado practice. Please contact us online or call our Lone Tree plastic surgery practice to schedule your consultation.
Before you meet with Dr. Buford for your consultation, consider filling out our breast self-assessment. By sharing how you see yourself, we can best evaluate your aesthetic goals and determine an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are those who are physically healthy, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. Women who experience breast sagging (ptosis) due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or genetics and who wish to improve their breast shape and position may benefit from this surgery.
A breast lift alone does not significantly change the size of your breasts; it primarily focuses on lifting and reshaping sagging breasts. If you're looking to increase your breast size, a breast augmentation can be performed in conjunction with a breast lift.
Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Buford makes incisions following a pattern that depends on your specific conditions and the desired amount of lift. Excess skin is removed, and breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to achieve a more youthful contour. The nipples and areolae may be repositioned or resized to complement your new breast shape.
Recovery varies from person to person, but most patients can return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks, with limitations on heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for up to 6 weeks. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common but gradually diminish over time.
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and dissatisfaction with the results. Complications are rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Buford.
The results of a breast lift are long-lasting but not permanent. Aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes can eventually affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help extend the results.
Scarring is a natural outcome of breast lift surgery, but the incisions are usually made in areas that can be hidden by a bra or swimsuit. Over time, the scars should fade and become less noticeable. Following Dr. Buford’s aftercare instructions can also help minimize scarring.
Several factors can lead to sagging breasts, including significant weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and heredity. The changes the skin goes through as we grow older, the natural shape and size of breasts, and certain lifestyle choices can also significantly contribute to sagging breasts.
When your breasts droop, several things can happen. First, your nipple generally falls to a lower position. Your areola might get larger, typically as a result of pregnancy-related changes.
The biggest culprit when it comes to the drooping of your breasts is the stretching of supportive structures within your breasts, known as Cooper’s Ligaments. When these lengthen and weaken, the internal framework of the breast is compromised, and the breast elongates, droops, and converts to an oval shape. In addition, many women notice increasing asymmetry of their breasts, which becomes more noticeable as they droop.