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Renowned throughout Orange County for his meticulous approach to plastic surgery, Dr. Esmailian ensures results that enhance both appearance and self-assurance. Beyond breast lifts, Dr. Esmailian and his team offer a comprehensive suite of breast surgery procedures, including breast augmentation and breast reduction, to customize solutions that perfectly align with each patient's unique desires and goals.


What Is A Breast Lift?

Also referred to as mastopexy, a breast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at rejuvenating and reshaping the breasts. It is designed to address droopy, sagging breasts and restore a more youthful and lifted appearance. The procedure involves removing excess skin, lifting and reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipples and areolas to a more aesthetically pleasing position.1

The result of a breast lift is firmer, perkier breasts with improved symmetry and contour. A breast lift does not have a significant impact on breast size, but it can be performed in tandem with breast augmentation or reduction if desired.

Before & After Breast Lift

Before & After Breast Lift in Orange County
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What Can a Breast Lift Achieve?

There are many reasons why patients seek a breast lift procedure, such as:

  • Correct drooping or sagging breasts
  • Create a more youthful, perky breast contour
  • Remove excess breast skin
  • Raise the nipples to a higher position
  • Reduce the size of the areola
  • Correct breast asymmetry, when one breast sits lower than the other

Breast Lift Patient Testimonials

I had a breast implant removal and breast lift.. I love it! They are now wonderful, amazing, perfect! I highly recommend Dr. Esmailian and his staff as they are all wonderful and friendly.. The follow up is awesome.

S.C.

From the start, the doctor and support staff were very attentive to my needs and concerns. I had a breast lift and augmentation. I also tried a little Botox for the first time.I prefer a more natural look and feel like I was able to achieve those goals. The price is a little more than others; however, the peace of mind and quality was well worth every penny.

J.D.

woman's bust in black bra

Who Is A Candidate For A Breast Lift?

If you are troubled by droopy, sagging breasts and wish to restore a more youthful breast shape and contour, a breast lift may be ideal for you.

In general, a good candidate for a breast lift procedure:

  • Is in generally good health
  • Does not smoke
  • Is not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Is at a stable weight
  • Has realistic expectations about what can be achieved with plastic surgery

Preparing For Your Breast Lift Procedure

The first step in preparing for a breast lift is your initial consultation with Dr. Esmailian. He will listen carefully to your concerns and goals, then conduct a brief examination. He will help you learn more about the breast lift procedure so that you are able to make a confident decision about your treatment plan.

Once you and Dr. Esmailian have decided that a breast lift is right for you, you will prepare for your surgery by:

  • Undergoing routine medical tests
  • Quitting smoking for at least four weeks before your procedure
  • Stopping use of certain medications that may contribute to bleeding and bruising, such as blood thinners.

Finally, you will need to arrange for transportation on the day of your surgery, as you will not be permitted to drive yourself home.

Breast Lift Techniques

Each patient has unique anatomy and goals. Dr. Esmailian customizes the breast lift procedure to ensure that the patient achieves their desired results. There are three breast lift techniques Dr. Esmailian employs.

Periareolar incision / Donut lift

A periareolar incision is made at the edge of the outer areola.

Lollipop Incision / Vertical Lift

The lollipop approach includes a circular incision that encompasses the areola and a vertical incision that spans from the bottom of the areola down to the area where the breast and chest wall meet. Together, these incisions make a “lollipop” shape.

Anchor incision

The “anchor” approach involves a circular incision around the areola, a vertical one from the bottom of the areola down to the breast crease, and a tertiary incision in the same crease. This technique is best for patients with significant ptosis, or sagging.3

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The Breast Lift Procedure

Mastopexy is an outpatient surgical procedure. The breast lift journey begins with general anesthesia delivered by our board-certified anesthesiologist. Our team of anesthesiologists’ primary objective is to make sure that the patient is comfortable and safe throughout the procedure. To that end, they will monitor their vitals throughout the process.

After making the incisions, Dr. Esmailian will carefully reshape the breast tissue, removing excess skin and tissue if needed and reducing the size of the areolae if necessary. He can also reposition the nipples to a higher location on the breast for a perkier appearance. The goal is to achieve natural-looking, lifted breasts while maintaining as much volume as possible. Once the desired reshaping is achieved, Dr. Esmailian will close the incisions using sutures designed to minimize scarring. Typically, a breast lift procedure takes about two to three hours to complete.

Recovery After Your Breast Lift Surgery

Following your breast lift procedure, you will be fitted with a surgical bra. You will wear this for the next 48 hours, at which time you can take a shower. You should continue to wear the support bra for the next one to two months, as this will support your breasts and reduce swelling.

You can expect to experience mild discomfort, slight swelling, and minimal bruising after your plastic surgery. Dr. Esmailian will prescribe pain medications to help ease your recovery. You may also experience numbness, which will naturally subside over the next few weeks.

Most patients feel ready to go back to work and resume non-strenuous activities within a week of their breast lift. Dr. Esmailian will advise that you refrain from exercise and more strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks, and will monitor your progress during a series of follow-up visits.4

Breast Lift Results

You will notice that your breasts appear perkier immediately after your breast lift surgery, and your breast contours will continue to improve as swelling subsides and your breast tissue settles over the next few months. While your scars may appear prominent immediately after your surgery, they will gradually thin out and soften over the next 1-2 years.5

Combining Your Breast Lift With Other Procedures

It is common for patients to want to combine their breast lift procedure with other treatments, such as a breast augmentation with lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. It can also be incorporated into a mommy makeover, which is a comprehensive rejuvenation treatment. Reach out to us to learn more about these options.

Breast Lift Vs. Breast Augmentation

Breast lift and breast augmentation are two distinct procedures. A breast lift focuses on lifting and reshaping sagging breasts in order to attain a more youthful aesthetic.

Breast augmentation, on the other hand, involves enhancing breast size and breast shape by way of using implants. The choice between the two depends on individual goals and desired outcomes. As mentioned earlier, combining the two procedures is also an option.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The cost of a breast lift ultimately depends on:

  • The extent of the procedure
  • If the procedure is being combined with others
  • The amount of work needed to achieve the patient’s desired results

Dr. Esmailian will make an assessment of the patient’s current situation and goals in order to provide them with an accurate quote at their consultation appointment.

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Breast Lift FAQ

Will my insurance cover a breast lift?

Is areola reduction part of a breast lift procedure?

Will I have scars?

What is the best incision to address breast sagging?

Can breast asymmetry be fixed without implants?

Is there a way to undergo a breast lift without a vertical scar?

Do breast lift scars ever disappear completely?

How long do the results last?

Can I breastfeed after undergoing a breast lift?

What will happen if I lose weight after my breast lift procedure?

Can I combine implants or fat grafting with a breast lift procedure?

When can I work out again?

When can I get in a pool or bathtub?

Will my insurance cover a breast lift?

Breast lift procedures are cosmetic and, as such, not covered by insurance plans.

Is areola reduction part of a breast lift procedure?

Yes, it is typically an integral part of the treatment.

Will I have scars?

Patients are likely to develop scars, but Dr. Esmailian makes sure that they are kept at a minimum.

What is the best incision to address breast sagging?

The lollipop lift is the best option for patients with mild to moderate sagging.

Can breast asymmetry be fixed without implants?

Asymmetry can be addressed either with implants, fat transfers, or breast reduction.

Is there a way to undergo a breast lift without a vertical scar?

The donut technique is the only one that does not involve a vertical incision.

Do breast lift scars ever disappear completely?

They will never go away completely, but they fade significantly over time.

How long do the results last?

Every patient’s timeline is different and depends on their health and physiology. That said, breast lift results are long-lasting, especially when the patient maintains a stable weight.6

Can I breastfeed after undergoing a breast lift?

Breast lifts do not interfere with a patient’s ability to breastfeed.

What will happen if I lose weight after my breast lift procedure?

We advise patients to be at a stable weight prior to undergoing the procedure, as large weight fluctuations can negatively impact the results.

Can I combine implants or fat grafting with a breast lift procedure?

Yes, these procedures can be combined with a breast lift.

When can I work out again?

It is highly advised that patients refrain from engaging in strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

When can I get in a pool or bathtub?

Patients should wait about 4 weeks before submerging themselves in water.

Dr. Esmailian
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Why Choose Dr. Esmailian?

Dr. Farbod Esmailian is renowned for his trustworthiness as a plastic surgeon who prioritizes listening, understanding, and assisting patients in attaining their desired outcomes through exceptional patient care. With extensive experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon, his commitment lies in enhancing patients' quality of life and boosting their confidence in their appearance. Emphasizing the enhancement of natural beauty and the minimization of imperfections, Dr. Esmailian empowers individuals to experience the joy and self-assurance that accompanies looking and feeling their absolute best.

Contact us to schedule your breast lift consultation with Dr. Esmailian at his practice in Orange County.

1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Lift. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift. Accessed March 19, 2024.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/candidates. Accessed March 19, 2024.
3 Courtiss EH, Goldwyn RM. Reduction mammaplasty by the inferior pedicle technique. An alternative to free nipple and areola grafting for severe macromastia or extreme ptosis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977 Apr;59(4):500-7. PMID: 847026. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/847026/. Accessed March 19, 2024.
4 Cleveland Clinic. Breast Lift. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23298-breast-lift. Accessed March 19, 2024.
5 Mayo Clinic. Breast Lift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218. Accessed March 19, 2024.
6 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What results should I expect after my breast lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/results. Accessed March 19, 2024.

Page updated: May 18, 2024

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