Sagging, drooping, or wrinkled breasts can occur due to factors like age, gravity, childbirth, and other life events. If you’re considering restoring your breasts’ appearance and boosting your confidence, a breast lift might be the right solution. But How Much Are Breast Lifts, and what factors influence the price? This comprehensive guide will break down the costs, types, and considerations associated with breast lift surgery.
What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A breast lift, clinically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift, tighten, and reshape the breasts. This is typically achieved by removing excess skin, tissue, and in some cases, even muscle. It can be performed independently or in conjunction with other breast procedures like breast augmentation or a mommy makeover.
A breast lift can offer a range of improvements, including:
- Tightening and lifting the breasts
- Improving breast symmetry
- Adjusting the direction the breasts face
- Removing excess skin
- Creating a more rounded breast appearance
It’s important to note that a breast lift primarily addresses the shape and position of the breasts. To significantly increase or decrease breast volume, additional procedures such as breast augmentation or breast reduction may be necessary.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
While a breast lift can be considered by anyone seeking to improve the shape and firmness of their breasts, certain factors make some individuals better candidates. You may be a good candidate if:
- You are in good overall physical health and your weight is stable.
- You are a non-smoker, as smoking can negatively impact recovery.
- Your breasts are flat and elongated or large and droopy.
- Your nipples fall below the breast crease without support.
- Your nipples and/or areolae point downwards.
- Your breast skin is stretched, and/or your areolae are enlarged.
- Your breasts are asymmetrical.
Types of Breast Lifts and Their Costs
The cost of a breast lift can vary considerably depending on the specific type of procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and the geographic location. Here’s an overview of common breast lift types and their average costs:
Anchor Lift
This technique involves incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. It’s typically recommended for individuals with significant sagging.
- Average Cost: $7,916
- Cost Range: $6,100 to $15,098
Donut Lift (Benelli Lift)
A less invasive option, the donut lift involves a single incision around the perimeter of the areola and is suitable for moderate sagging.
- Average Cost: $5,921
- Cost Range: $3,000 to $10,250
Crescent Lift
This lift involves a crescent-shaped incision along the upper areola. It’s often performed in conjunction with breast augmentation and is suitable for minimal sagging.
- Average Cost: $6,119
- Cost Range: $3,000 to $12,250
Lollipop Lift
Ideal for moderate sagging without the need for implants, the lollipop lift involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
- Average Cost: $5,894
- Cost Range: $4,250 to $8,500
Scarless Lift
Despite the name, this technique involves minimal incisions, often combined with laser liposuction or specialized sutures. It results in less noticeable scarring.
- Average Cost: $5,349
- Cost Range: $2,750 to $9,500
Vampire Lift
A non-surgical option, the vampire breast lift involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s own blood into the breasts to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Average Cost: $2,698
- Cost Range: $1,200 to $4,500
It’s essential to remember that these costs are averages and may not include additional expenses such as facility fees, anesthesia fees, and surgical supplies.
How Much are Breast Lifts Based on Location?
The cost of a breast lift can also vary depending on your geographic location. Here are the average costs for a regular breast lift by state or region:
| State/Region | Average cost | State/Region | Average cost | State/Region | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,928 | Kentucky | $8,158 | North Dakota | $8,746 |
| Alaska | $8,050 | Louisiana | $8,169 | Ohio | $8,996 |
| Arizona | $7,668 | Maine | $7,488 | Oklahoma | $8,617 |
| Arkansas | $7,253 | Maryland | $7,893 | Oregon | $7,858 |
| California | $8,248 | Massachusetts | $7,924 | Pennsylvania | $7,834 |
| Colorado | $7,133 | Michigan | $8,508 | Rhode Island | $9,556 |
| Connecticut | $8,535 | Minnesota | $7,349 | South Carolina | $7,794 |
| Delaware | $9,065 | Mississippi | $8,743 | South Dakota | $8,374 |
| Washington, D.C. | $8,816 | Missouri | $8,562 | Tennessee | $7,948 |
| Florida | $8,576 | Montana | $8,300 | Texas | $9,125 |
| Georgia | $8,224 | Nebraska | $7,724 | Utah | $6,406 |
| Hawaii | $7,270 | Nevada | $7,373 | Vermont | $9,342 |
| Idaho | $7,945 | New Hampshire | $8,629 | Virginia | $7,732 |
| Illinois | $8,998 | New Jersey | $7,093 | Washington | $7,376 |
| Indiana | $8,471 | New Mexico | $7,424 | West Virginia | $6,796 |
| Iowa | $7,961 | New York | $7,711 | Wisconsin | $8,241 |
| Kansas | $7,718 | North Carolina | $9,092 | Wyoming | $7,651 |
Factors Influencing Breast Lift Costs
Several factors can influence the overall cost of a breast lift procedure:
- Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise: More experienced and highly sought-after surgeons typically charge higher fees.
- Geographic Location: Costs vary significantly between different states and regions.
- Type of Breast Lift: Different techniques require varying levels of complexity and time, impacting the overall cost.
- Anesthesia Type: General anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia with sedation.
- Facility Fees: The cost of the surgical facility or hospital can vary.
- Additional Procedures: Combining a breast lift with breast augmentation or other procedures will increase the overall cost.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Lifts?
In most cases, health insurance companies do not cover breast lifts, as they are typically considered cosmetic procedures. However, some surgeons offer patient financing options.
Preparing for a Breast Lift Consultation
Before undergoing a breast lift, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations and thoroughly discuss your goals with a qualified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals and desired outcomes
- Your medical history, including allergies, medical conditions, and previous surgeries
- Current medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use
- Family history of breast cancer, and previous mammograms or biopsies
Your surgeon will also assess your overall health and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
The Breast Lift Procedure: What to Expect
Before your surgery, you’ll likely need to:
- Undergo lab tests to assess your overall health
- Adjust certain medications
- Obtain a baseline mammogram
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin
- Quit smoking
On the day of the surgery:
- You’ll receive anesthesia (either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia).
- The surgeon will make incisions based on the chosen breast lift technique.
- Breast tissue will be lifted, cut, and reshaped to improve firmness and shape.
- The nipples and areolae will be repositioned for a more youthful appearance.
- Incisions will be closed with sutures.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any surgery, breast lifts carry potential risks and side effects, including:
- Scarring
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Partial or total loss of nipples or areolae (rare)
- Bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia
Breast Lift Recovery Timeline
After surgery, you’ll typically wear a special postsurgical bra. You may also have temporary drains placed under the skin to collect excess fluid. Pain medication and antibiotics will likely be prescribed.
It’s essential to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks and sleep on your back. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for returning to daily activities.
Revitalize Your Appearance
Understanding how much are breast lifts is just the first step. By exploring the different types of procedures, considering the factors that influence cost, and consulting with a qualified surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether a breast lift is right for you.
