The Purpose of a Breast Lift

Your body undergoes certain changes as you get older, and some of these will most likely impact the appearance of your breasts. Pregnancy, gravity, fluctuations in weight, and the aging process can all affect your breasts, causing them to sag over time. Dr. Richard H. Lee can perform a breast lift in Newport Beach to address these changes and restore a more youthful breast appearance.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or Mastopexy is performed to restore a perkier, more youthful breast appearance. Dr. Lee often recommends a breast lift to address the following aesthetic concerns:

  • Moderate to severe sagging issues
  • Nipples that point downward
  • Areolas that become stretched out
  • Loose skin and stretch marks on the breasts caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding

During your breast lift in Newport Beach by Dr. Lee, the breast mound will be reshaped, and the nipple will be repositioned to a higher location to address these issues. Many women find that their breast lift achieves dramatic results, helping them look and feel their best. In addition to a more youthful breast appearance, you may find that your figure is more balanced, allowing you to look great in clothing and swimsuits.

Am I a Candidate For a Breast Lift?

In order to be considered a good candidate for a breast lift in Newport Beach by Dr. Lee, you should:

  • Be in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure
  • Not smoke or be willing to quit before surgery and throughout the recovery period
  • Stable Weight
  • Are no longer waiting to bare children
  • Are wanting to change or improve nipple positioning

Breast Lift Before & Afters

View Gallery

What Are The Benefits of a Breast Lift?

For anyone who’s unsatisfied with the position of their breasts, a breast lift can offer quite a few benefits. If you’re experiencing moderate to severely sagging breasts or stretch marks on the breasts, a breast lift may provide you with some or all of these benefits:

  • Reduces sagging of the breasts
  • Lifts the breasts and creates a perkier appearance
  • More youthful-looking breasts
  • More attractive breast shape
  • More voluptuous figure
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Increased wardrobe options
  • Reduced irritation underneath the breasts
  • Improved nipple projection
  • Firmer breast appearance

Breast Procedures at Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery

the Richard H. Lee MD Plastic Surgery

Breast Lift Techniques

Breast lift surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient, the surgery can be performed using several different methods. The most common breast lift techniques are:

Crescent Breast Lift:

A crescent breast lift is a technique typically used with patients who have only minimal breast sagging. This procedure is performed using one crescent-shaped incision along the top half of the areola. In most cases, this breast lift method is combined with a breast augmentation, and implants are inserted through the incisions.

Vertical Breast Lift:

A vertical breast lift is often the best choice for patients experiencing a moderate amount of breast sagging. This technique requires two incisions: one circular incision around the edge of the areola and one vertical incision from the bottom of the areola down to the inframammary fold. Typically, excess skin is removed, and the deep layers of breast tissue are stitched together to enhance the shape of the breast.

Anchor Breast Lift:

For women dealing with major breast sagging, an anchor breast lift may be chosen as the ideal option. This technique, also known as the “inverted T” lift, requires three incisions roughly in the shape of an anchor. During this procedure, the doctor will remove excess skin, reposition breast tissue, and raise the areolas.

Banner media

Your Customized Breast Lift Procedure

Your breast lift will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Depending on the severity of your sagging issues and your unique goals, Dr. Lee may recommend one of the following incision options:

  • Periareolar incision
  • “Lollipop” incision
  • Wise pattern “anchor” incision

After the incision has been made, Dr. Lee will remove excess skin, tighten and reshape the breast tissue, and move the newly-shaped breast mound to a higher position on the chest wall. He may also reduce the size of the areola if necessary. Dr. Lee will then relocate the nipple to a more elevated, central position on the breast, keeping it attached to the underlying tissue to help preserve the nipple sensation.

Breast Lift Recovery

It’s crucial that you follow Dr. Lee’s aftercare instructions diligently. This will ensure that you heal properly and achieve the best possible results. You will need to wrap your breasts in an ACE bandage after surgery. The bandage should cover your breasts completely and fit somewhat tightly to provide the support you need. You can remove the ACE bandage to shower after the first three days but make sure to rewrap your breasts immediately following your shower.

Dr. Lee will monitor your recovery and let you know when it is safe to discontinue using the ACE bandage. You may experience some mild bruising and swelling after surgery, but this will gradually subside as you heal. Dr. Lee will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. Don’t drive while you are taking pain medication.

What Can You Expect From Your Breast Lift Results?


After your breast lift surgery, the results should be immediately visible. Although you won’t see the full effects right away, there should be noticeable improvements in the position and shape of your breasts. Over the next few months, the swelling and bruising will subside and the shape and position of your breasts will gradually become settled. The final results of the surgery should be visible within around two to four months. If you follow all of Dr. Lee’s instructions for recovery, maintain a stable weight, and keep your lifestyle healthy, you can ensure that your breast lift results last as long as possible.

Background media

Breast and Body Testimonial | Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lee doing a consultation with a patient
Doctor media

Why Choose Dr. Richard Lee for a Breast Lift?

Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience performing breast lifts in Newport Beach and Orange County areas. He understands the ways in which your breasts change as you get older, and he will create a customized treatment plan that will address your aesthetic goals.

You can learn about your options by speaking with Dr. Lee in person. Please call our office today to schedule a breast lift consultation. We serve patients in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County, California.

Accent media
Logo media

Contact Our Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Richard H. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach. He specializes in a wide array of breast procedures including breast lift. He offers patients are artistic perspective and is able to sketch your potential results for you during your consultation for a Mastopexy in Newport Beach

Please contact Dr. Richard H. Lee to schedule your breast lift consultation. We serve patients in Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, and Orange County, California.

Breast Lift FAQs:

How long after a breast lift can I return to work?

Can a breast lift increase the size of my breasts?

Will future pregnancies affect my results?

Will my cup size change after a breast lift?

Will I have visible scarring after the surgery?

Will a breast lift even out my breasts?

How long will my breast lift last?

How long after a breast lift can I return to work?

You should be able to return to work after about one week, and routine activities can be resumed within three weeks; however, refrain from all strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, for at least one month.

Can a breast lift increase the size of my breasts?

Keep in mind that the primary objective of a breast lift is to correct sagging issues. If your primary concern is associated with the size or shape of your breasts, your goals may be more effectively achieved with breast augmentation. Dr. Lee may combine breast augmentation with a lift for enhanced results in some instances.

Will future pregnancies affect my results?

Future pregnancy plans should also be considered when determining the right time for a breast lift. While your procedure won’t impact your ability to become pregnant or breastfeed, future pregnancies may have a negative impact on your results. For this reason, Dr. Lee may recommend that you wait to undergo a breast lift until after you are done having children.

Will my cup size change after a breast lift?

Although a breast lift doesn’t typically involve decreased breast volume, it’s common for the cup size to reduce by one cup after the procedure. This is due to the removal of excess skin and sagging breast tissue.

Will I have visible scarring after the surgery?

The amount of scarring you have after your breast lift will depend on which technique is used for the procedure. The scars will be visible for a while, but as the wounds heal, they will fade significantly.

Will a breast lift even out my breasts?

Yes, a breast lift surgery can be very effective for improving the symmetry of your breasts.

How long will my breast lift last?

On average, the results of a breast lift will last for approximately 10 to 15 years. However, they may last significantly longer if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (949) 432-9548.
Contact Us