BREAST LIFT
A breast lift, or mastopexy, can create a more youthful and enhanced silhouette. Many women experience discomfort when not wearing a bra or in a swimsuit. A breast lift improves shape and projection, often making a bra unnecessary and restoring confidence in one’s figure, with or without clothing.
Women frequently choose a breast lift when they are concerned about sagging and lax breasts following weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. My philosophy is to personalize each procedure to achieve the best results based on the proportions of each patient.
I often use the same incision as in breast reduction surgery, specifically the vertical-scar or “lollipop” incision, following studies conducted in collaboration with Dr. Hall-Findlay at Banff Plastic Surgery in Alberta, Canada. “Thanks to my research, I can accurately predict how your new breasts will look and how they will change over time. My surgical technique largely relies on your own breast tissue, reshaping it to act like a self-supporting implant.” This method not only produces shorter scars but also achieves a better, more projected shape with long-lasting and stable results.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
If you are satisfied with your breast size, but wish to raise them, a breast lift is the right procedure for you. Unlike breast reduction surgery, which decreases breast volume, a breast lift redistributes and compacts the breast tissue, creating a more youthful and natural projection and profile.
It is important to remember that this procedure can lift sagging breast tissue but cannot alter the breast footprint on the chest wall.
If you want to enhance breast fullness and projection significantly, I recommend combining a breast lift with implants for the best possible outcome. In some cases, especially when there is a substantial glandular component, it may be preferable to perform a “reduction-augmentation” using the minus-plus technique developed by Canadian surgeon Dr. Paule Regnault. This involves removing excess tissue from the lower portion of the breast and using an implant to add fullness to the upper portion. “When localized fat deposits are present, it can also be appropriate to combine a breast lift with targeted liposuction in the lateral chest and underarm areas to achieve a more defined breast contour”.
FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE
If you are close to your ideal body weight, in good health, and preferably a non-smoker, you are an excellent candidate for a breast lift. Quitting smoking before surgery is essential, as nicotine can affect blood flow and slow the healing process. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the results. This procedure will not create a “double push-up” effect, which can only be achieved with certain bras. While scarring is unavoidable, Dr. Elisa Bolletta carefully places the incisions to make them as discreet as possible.
Many patients were once satisfied with the appearance of their breasts, but pregnancy or weight changes can lead to a noticeable loss of tone and volume. This often makes them feel they always need to wear a bra and find it difficult to accept their body’s natural changes. In these situations, investing in yourself is the right choice. While the new breast position may take time to fully settle, Dr. Elisa Bolletta’s technique ensures long-lasting, stable results. Remember that achieving the best outcome requires patience throughout the post-operative healing process.
For the best results, it is important to be in good physical as well as mental health. Your lifestyle also plays a key role in determining the best time for the procedure. While recovery from a breast lift is surprisingly straightforward, a period of rest is still necessary for proper healing. Most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks and return to a more active routine within three to four weeks. Patients with young children often worry about carrying them or the risk of accidental bumps. Fortunately, while lifting may be uncomfortable, it does not affect the results of a breast lift.
The final results will not be visible immediately. During the first 72 hours, swelling is normal. The breast tissue has not yet settled, and the breasts are not completely shaped. After 6 weeks, the initial sutures begin to dissolve, and the breast tissue will start to settle into place. Between 3-6 months post-surgery, the final shape becomes well-defined, and after 2 years, the scar tissue will have softened, giving your breasts an even more natural appearance that blends harmoniously with your body.
On the day of your surgery, you will be personally welcomed to the clinic and guided by our team. After a pre-operative briefing and finalizing the surgical plan with Dr. Elisa Bolletta, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with continuous monitoring to ensure your safety and comfort. Following the procedure, you will spend some time in observation before being settled into your room.
The length of the procedure depends on the type of lift and whether additional treatments, such as liposuction or implants, are needed. Typically, it takes between 2- 3 hours.
At Elisà Plastic Surgery, your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities. One of our main goals is to provide an almost entirely pain-free experience from start to finish, which is why we place great emphasis on anesthesia. Our team of anesthesiologists uses state-of-the-art techniques, including targeted local blocks, to ensure maximum comfort, reduce post-operative pain, and minimize the risks associated with general anesthesia. Post-operative pain is generally mild and can be effectively managed with prescribed medication. At the end of the procedure, a long-acting local anesthetic will be administered directly to the surgical area to provide lasting comfort during awakening. You will also be fitted with a shaping and soft supportive bra, designed to relieve pressure and help you maintain a comfortable posture from the start. Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the breasts are normal during the first few days and will gradually subside.
It is recommended to take approximately 7-10 days off from light activities and 4-6 weeks before returning to sports or other strenuous activities. Gradually resuming movement helps ensure optimal breast healing. Dr. Elisa Bolletta will recommend wearing a supportive bra continuously for 4–6 weeks to support your breasts and promote optimal healing. A gradual, targeted approach is key to returning to your routine safely, comfortably, and smoothly.
After the procedure, a regenerative dressing will be applied to support tissue recovery. During the first few days, it is important to avoid strenuous activity, excessive sweating, and sudden movements of the chest and arms. During your recovery, be sure to wear the recommended post-surgical bra at all times, protect your breasts from any bumps or pressure, and carefully follow the instructions for your dressings. Bruising, swelling, and temporary changes in sensation are normal and will gradually resolve. Sleeping in a supine or semi-supine position promotes optimal healing. Once the wounds are dry, fully healed, and well-closed, the scars can be treated with specialized products containing silicone or exosomes, following the protocol prescribed by Dr. Elisa Bolletta. Keep in mind that the results evolve over time. Initially, the breasts may appear fuller and more lifted, gradually softening and taking on a natural shape over approximately 4 months.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, visible scarring, temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation, residual asymmetry, or delayed healing of the incisions. Serious complications are rare, and our Elisà Plastic Surgery team works diligently to prevent them.
A breast lift restores projection and shape to your breasts without reducing their volume. If you wish to enhance upper fullness, the lift can be combined with an implant. The technique I use relies on the breast tissue itself to create internal support, ensuring minimal scarring and long-lasting results.
The follow-up plan begins with an initial check-up 1–2 days after surgery, followed by check-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and then annually. These appointments help us monitor your scars, the shape of your breasts, and your overall comfort. The final visit, 1 year after surgery, allows us to assess the fully matured scar and the settled results, showing their natural, final appearance. Your care will continue beyond this stage, with ongoing support to ensure balanced, long-lasting, and dependable results. Each check-up is designed not only for your safety but also for your peace of mind, providing consistent, personalized, and thoughtful support that is part of the Elisà Plastic Surgery experience.
The team includes the lead surgeon Dr. Elisa Bolletta, an anesthesiologist, and our highly trained, experienced nurses. They will support you throughout your entire surgical and post-operative journey at Elisà Plastic Surgery, providing continuous care, safety, and meticulous attention to detail.
