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Breast Lift in Houston: An Overview

A woman’s breasts can be impacted by age as well as fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and gravity. These events can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, which can cause the areola to become enlarged, and the breasts to take on a sagging appearance. Once these changes have occurred they will be permanent. A breast lift can help to improve these changes.
Breast lift surgery is one of the most complex and challenging plastic surgery procedures to perform, which is why it is crucial that patients interested in this procedure find a doctor with the right experience. Dr. Leo Lapuerta of Look Younger is a triple Board Certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He is well known for his work in the Southeast Texas area and is an experienced breast lift surgeon. Houston, Pearland, and Katy locals are invited to come and meet Dr. Lapuerta in person to come and discuss their surgical options. Simply give us a call and we’ll bring you in for a Consultation. Until then, read on for more information about your potential breast lift surgery in Houston.

  • Review from H.G.
  • Source: Rate MDs
  • Feb 02, 2023
Dr. Lapuerta and his staff are very professional and caring. My overall experience with my breast reduction and lift was awesome! I am so happy with the results. It's always nice to come into your office and be greeted with all the smiling faces! This was my third surgery with Dr. Lapuerta. So YES, I highly recommend his services!

Ideal Candidates for a Breast Lift

In many cases, the ideal breast lift candidates are individuals whose breasts have changed due to a fluctuation in weight, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or age. Weight changes, having a child, and the pull of gravity can lead to loss of breast tissue and skin elasticity resulting in sagging breast tissue. The “ideal” candidate wants to restore these changes by “lifting” their drooping breasts. Candidates may also have nipples and or areolas that are facing downward, are descending, or that are disproportionate in size when compared to the rest of the breast.

Candidates should be a nonsmoker in good health, and it’s important to have realistic expectations of what can and cannot be achieved. This will depend on specific goals, personal history, and anatomy. Dr. Lapuerta works to partner with breast lift candidates to ensure a clear understanding of their goals and to communicate clearly what can be realistically achieved through a breast lift. This helps patients better understand what to expect regarding the appearance of their breasts after a breast lift surgery.

Breast Lift Procedure

So what actually takes place during and after a breast lift procedure? Here, we’ll explain technique, types of incision, the actual procedure experience, and recovery.

Breast Lift Surgical Technique

The type of incision used during a breast lift procedure will vary depending on the degree of lift needed and whether implants will be placed during the surgery. Implants are typically considered when patients have experienced a loss of breast tissue or when patients desire to increase the size of their breasts in addition to lifting the breasts. If implants are a part of the procedure, they are placed under the chest muscles (the “pecs”). This method provides additional support and helps to achieve the desired breast position and lift.

In some cases,  a supportive tissue matrix known as an internal bra may be used as a sling to support the implants and reduce the tension placed on the surrounding tissue and skin. This is more common in situations where a patient has:

  1. Lost a significant degree of skin elasticity or breast tissue
  2. Poor elasticity in their natural tissue
  3. Experienced significant changes in weight
  4. Planned for a larger implant

Breast Lift Incision Types

The number and placement of incisions on one’s surgery will determine the degree of lift, amount of breast tissue, skin elasticity, and whether or not an implant will be placed. Once the incisions are made, excess skin and tissue are removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned for a natural placement. The sutures during this procedure are placed deep in the breast wall to secure and hold the breast up firmly. There are several incision placements to consider:

  • An incision around the outer border of the areola, which is the tissue immediately surrounding the nipple
  • An incision that cuts vertically from the bottom of the areola, moving down to the crease under the breast
  • An incision horizontally beneath the breast, following the natural crease or breast fold

What to Expect During a Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is considered an outpatient procedure. All of Dr. Lapuerta’s surgeries are performed at fully accredited operating centers including area hospitals.

Most patients choose to have surgery at Dr. Lapuerta’s on-site, which is an AAAASF accredited outpatient surgery facility. 

Surgery length can vary between 35 hours depending on the extent of the work to be done. Patients typically spend an hour in recovery before going home.

What to Expect After a Breast Lift Surgery

Recovery following a breast lift will vary depending on whether it was a stand-alone surgery or if it occurred in conjunction with other body contouring procedures. Most patients can expect their breasts to be tender, accompanied by some swelling and bruising. At their pre-operative appointment with Dr. Lapuerta’s nurse, patients will be prescribed all appropriate postoperative medications including pain medications. Many patients find they only need to take the prescribed pain medications for the first 24-48 hours, after which many patients can control their pain with over-the-counter Tylenol or Acetaminophen. 

Discomfort, bruising, and swelling will improve day by day and is typically mild to moderate in nature. This will depend largely on the extent and nature of each individual patient’s procedure and health history.

The day after the surgery, patients should be able to move freely, and most patients are able to resume their normal work schedules within a few days. Returning to exercise routines will be a gradual process — this includes running and weight training, as vigorous physical activity can disrupt recovery. Most women are able to resume their normal routines within 6-8 weeks.

Breast Lift Cost in Houston, TX

Breast lift surgery is one of the most difficult and complex of all plastic surgery procedures and is highly individualized. Therefore it tends to be one of the most expensive procedures and has the greatest range in price. 

Dr. Lapuerta is frequently consulted by patients who have had prior breast lift surgery that failed to achieve the possible outcome that was desired. The cause of failed primary breast lift surgery is usually due to one of two factors. Most commonly, the prior surgeon lacked the extensive experience required for the complexity of the procedure. Second, many practices will quote a less expensive option initially in order to satisfy a patient’s budget. The practice then recommends additional surgical options after the initial surgery fails to achieve the desired outcome. This approach results in patients having to experience the costs, risks and recovery of two surgeries instead of one. 

Dr. Lapuerta will always be honest about his recommendations upfront, from the time of initial consultation. He will also provide you options and alternatives addressing both the potential risks and benefits involved with each path. Our practice is committed to patient’s desired outcomes and sensitive to their budgets. Therefore, when possible, we will offer patients more than one surgical option and quote to consider to meet their needs.

The average breast lift cost ranges from $8,800 to $16,000 and these costs will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Factors determining cost include the extent of lift required and whether or not implants or an internal bra is needed. Our practice works with several medical financing options and includes plans that offer 0% financing when paid off in one year. Depending on your personal credit history and plan selected, payments can be as low as $223 per month. To learn more about payment options, contact one of our Patient Coordinators today at 832-481-4428.

The best way to find out the cost of a breast lift procedure is to request a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, which is free. After gathering all of the needed information, Dr. Lapuerta can devise a treatment plan and provide an accurate quote for the expected cost.

Schedule Your Breast Lift With Dr. Lapuerta Today!

If you are ready to get the best breast lift Houston has to offer, you’re in the right place. At Look Younger, our physician, Dr. Leo Lapuerta, has been performing plastic surgery for over two decades. With over 20,000 procedures under his belt and a relatable, down to earth demeanor, it’s no wonder that locals say he’s the best breast lift doctor in Houston.

To book a consultation, call (713) -489-0169. When you come in, Dr. Lapuerta will determine which incision type best suits your needs. Dr. Lapuerta is a breast lift expert who always takes time to explain procedures, answer questions, and help his patients get the best treatment for their needs.

PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE

  • Recovery Time
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Average Procedure Time
  • 3 Hours
  • Post-op Follow-up
  • 1 Week
  • Procedure Recovery Location
  • Outpatient

Breast Lift FAQs

What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy or a boob lift, is a surgical procedure that is designed to improve and correct the effects of aging, including sagging, drooping breasts, and the loss of breast tissue and skin elasticity. The goal of the surgery is to restore the breast to a natural, youthful position and restore a fuller, firmer, more youthful appearance. Many techniques and options are available for determining the best plan of action, and may include the placement of implants, reduction of the nipple/areola complex, and placement of an internal bra — in addition to the breast lift itself.
How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?
The answer to this question will depend greatly on a number of individual factors. Some patients find that their results last for many years, while others might choose to get a touch-up sooner. This timing can be impacted by genetics, age, and other lifestyle habits.
Can You Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?
Yes — all new mothers who have previously had a breast lift are encouraged to try breastfeeding. However, some may find that their milk supply is affected by their prior surgery. Some sources indicate that women who are more than five years out of any surgery (breast lift included) had better milk supplies.
Should I get a Breast Lift or a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery with implants will help with size, but it will not help breasts that sag or droop downward past a certain point. Some doctors may use implants to help with sagging. With this approach, the immediate results may look better, but the additional weight causes the breasts to sag further. Some women find a breast lift is the only procedure they need to obtain the fullness they desire and implants aren’t necessary. During the consultation, we will discuss whether a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both will attain the best results.
What Happens to the Nipples and Areolas During a Breast Lift?
During a breast lift procedure, the nipple and areola will be placed in a location on the breast that is natural and proportionate. The goal during this surgery is to reduce the size of the areola (the area surrounding the nipple) so it looks balanced with the new breast size and shape.
Does a Breast Lift Leave Scars?
There is no way to avoid making the necessary incisions to complete a breast lift procedure. Therefore, some scarring will result from this procedure. Every effort is made during surgery to minimize scarring. Most patients feel that the physical results following a breast lift procedure are worth the scars left behind. During the consultation, we will provide detailed postoperative scar care instructions.
Can a Breast Lift Be Combined with a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery may also be combined with a breast lift to help a patient achieve the size and shape desired. The breast reduction surgery procedure is very similar to a lift, but with the added step of removing more breast tissue in conjunction with excess skin. More information on this procedure can be found on the breast reduction page.
Leo Lapuerta Plastic Surgery