Breast Lift

Over time, gravity, aging, and pregnancy take a toll on the breasts and cause them to lose their once perky, lifted shape. With breast lift surgery in West Des Moines, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Carlisle can restore your breasts to a more youthful look. He specializes in creating beautiful, natural results with breast lift surgery for women from Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Davenport, and throughout Iowa.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift (or “mastopexy”) is a surgical procedure that restores the shape and position of the breasts. It corrects sagging and a low nipple and areola position. During a breast lift, Dr. Carlisle removes excess skin, elevates the nipple and areola to a higher position, and tightens the surrounding skin to lift and reshape the breast.

Who Is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

If your breast skin is sagging and the nipple position is below the level of your breast crease, then a breast lift may be right for you. Candidates should be in generally good health and, ideally, finished having children, as future pregnancies and breastfeeding may alter your results.

Many women who undergo breast implant removal (explant surgery) benefit from a breast lift, and Dr. Carlisle specializes in combining these procedures.

You can also consider having breast implants placed during your breast lift surgery to increase the fullness of your breasts. A simultaneous breast lift and breast augmentation is one of the most common surgical combinations performed after pregnancy or weight loss.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Des Moines, IA?

The price of a breast lift at our West Des Moines, IA, plastic surgery practice varies depending on the technique used, whether implants are included in the procedure and other factors. The best way to determine your specific pricing is to meet personally with Dr. Carlisle to discuss your goals and treatment options.

What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?

Most breast lifts require “anchor” or “inverted T” incisions. These incisions run around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. Some breast lifts can be done with just “lollipop” incisions, which do not involve a horizontal incision along the breast crease. The extent of the incisions is dependent on the degree of lifting and reshaping required.

There are two other types of lifts called the “donut” and “crescent” lift. However, these lifts are highly underpowered and are generally not recommended for actual lifting and reshaping.

What Is the Best Way to Minimize Breast Lift Scars?

Scars are often the most feared part of breast lift surgery. However, most women who want breast lifts are willing to trade the scars for perky, youthful breasts. Most scars are a fine line after a year, although genetics play an important role in scar formation. We offer scar-reducing products after surgery and post-mommy makeover laser packages to help your scars be the best they can be.

Does a Breast Lift Change the Size of the Breasts?

No. A breast lift alone will change the shape, but not the size of the breasts. Women who want a lift and a boost in size often choose to add implants to their procedure.

What Is Breast Lift Recovery Like?

Initial recovery is 3 to 4 days. You will then experience bruised and swollen breasts for 2 to 3 weeks. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks to help the breasts come into their new shape.

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

Breast lift results are typically long-lasting, meaning most people only need the procedure once to enjoy a lifetime of results. However, your breasts will continue to age naturally after the procedure, and you will likely experience some degree of sagging at some point.