Breast Lift in Baltimore

High, perky breasts are a sign of youth, but time and certain life factors can take their toll. Breast ptosis (sagging) has a number of possible causes, including:

• Aging: The skin of the breasts and the supporting structure of the ligaments lose elasticity and become stretched as women grow older.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, increased hormone levels cause the breasts to increase in volume, often by one or two cup sizes. After childbirth and breastfeeding, the breasts may have a flattened, stretched out, droopy appearance.
• Significant weight loss: Overall weight loss means loss of fat volume in the breasts, as well as the rest of the body. This can result in loose skin and saggy breast tissue.
• Vigorous exercise without proper support: Jogging, running, or exercising vigorously without a properly fitted sports bra allows the breasts to move too freely, stretching the skin and supporting ligaments, causing the breasts to sag.

Exercise can build up the muscles surrounding the breasts, which can make them appear somewhat firmer and tighter. However, exercise alone cannot tighten a loose chest and breast skin or lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest. These cosmetic goals can only be accomplished with surgery.

The best way to determine if you need a breast lift in Baltimore is to consult with our board-certified plastic surgeon. However, a simple pencil test reveals the degree of sagging, or ptosis in medical terminology.

Lift your breast with one hand, place a pencil horizontally in the natural crease under the breast, and then release both the breast and the pencil. If the pencil falls away, there is no ptosis. If the breast holds the pencil in place, your breasts have begun to sag.

The position of the nipple in relation to the pencil can give you an idea of the degree of sagging. If the nipple is level with the pencil, it may indicate grade I ptosis. If the nipple is below the pencil, you may have grade II ptosis of the breast.

Any breast surgery could potentially impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed in the future. A breast lift procedure could be more likely to affect your ability to breastfeed than breast augmentation with implants.

Each pregnancy leads to changes in the breasts. If you are planning to have more children in the future, it may be advisable to delay breast lift surgery to several months after completing breastfeeding.

A breast lift can cost in the range of $4,000 to $6,000, but the cost can vary widely based on many factors, including:

• Incision pattern
• Degree of excess skin
• Any complimentary procedures like breast implants
• Surgeons fees, anesthesia, and any facility costs

Our board-certified plastic surgeon will give you a better idea of specific costs during your initial consultation.

Sometimes a breast lift alone is enough to provide youthful, full breasts and implants are not necessary. However, some women simply aren’t happy with what nature gave them, or increasing their breast size would flatter their frame. Breast implants may be beneficial in situations where you want to increase your breast size by one or more cup sizes in conjunction with a lift.

Silicone and saline breast implants are available. Silicone implants can feel more like natural breast tissue and do not deflate in the event of a rupture. Saline implants are more cost-effective and feel slightly less natural but require a smaller incision as they are filled after placement. If ruptured, the harmless saline solution is released, and the implant deflates. These situations are rare, however. Dr. Birely will work with you to determine the ideal breast implants based on your desired size, feel, and your budget.

A breast lift does not stop the aging process, but it can keep you looking younger, longer. You can enjoy the results of your breast lift for many years with proper care. Many factors can impact how long your breast lift will last, including genetics, skincare routine, level of skin elasticity, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and others.

There are certain things you can do to help your results last longer. We recommend taking care of your skin with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Wear proper support, particularly during exercise or other strenuous activities. Perhaps most importantly, avoid large fluctuations in weight by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

First, be honest with Dr. Birely during your consultation about your medical history, cosmetic goals, and be open with your questions or concerns. He will let you know if you need to alter any medications you are taking, schedule a mammogram, or other actions to prepare you for surgery. Follow all instructions carefully to reduce your risk for complications and promote fast healing.