Breast Lift

Who is a Candidate for Breast Lift?

A breast lift procedure is best suited to women who have good volume in their breasts. Most, but not all, women getting a breast lift have had children and are unhappy with the changes caused by pregnancy. In some cases, Dr. Lewis recommends combining breast augmentation with a breast lift when women don’t have enough volume.

The most suitable candidates for breast lift are generally healthy individuals. However, older patients who have minor medical conditions may also undergo the procedure after a careful assessment of their health history. Breast lift candidacy is decided on a case by case basis.

Cost in Richmond

The cost of a breast lift starts at $9,380. We can provide a detailed estimate of pricing if you contact us by email or call the office. This price is usually fairly accurate but is an estimate and will not be confirmed until you consult with Dr. Lewis. At that point, we’ll provide a written quote. The total price given is all inclusive and will include:

• Dr. Lewis’ fee
• Operating room fee
• Anesthesia fee
• Cost for CosmetAssure® (insurance)

Your Surgery

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure may last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. The surgery is longer if Dr. Lewis combines breast augmentation with a breast lift.

The degree of the lift is used to determine the incision type. Once Dr. Lewis makes the appropriate incision, he removes excess skin and repositions the nipple and the areola higher on the breast. The skin that was previously above the nipple is then brought down around the nipple and sutured in place. During the procedure, the nipple and the areola remain connected to the underlying tissue and nerves to help prevent loss of sensation after surgery.

At the end of the surgical procedure, surgical garments are put around the chest to protect the breasts in the days following surgery. This helps keep the breasts in place and reduces swelling and risk of trauma to the treatment area.

You will be taken to the recovery room and our kind and friendly team will make you as comfortable as possible.  If your breast lift is performed on an outpatient basis, you will be able to return home on the same day.  You need to ensure someone is available to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night after your procedure.

Recovery

Breast lift surgery involves tissue removal and reshaping, which is not easy on the body. After the procedure, you may experience swelling, bruising and some discomfort, all of which is addressed with pain medicine, antibiotics and plenty of rest. During the first week, you will wear a surgical bra to help with the healing process. You’ll return to us within a few days to remove any stitches and should be fine to return to work after 7 to 10 days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for up to 1 month.

If you have any concerns or questions once you are discharged from our care, we encourage you to contact us straightaway, no matter how small or trivial you feel they might be.

Reducing Risks & Complications

There are risks that you should be aware of with any surgical procedure. To minimize the risks, ensure your surgery is conducted in a safe and secure environment using the latest surgical techniques by checking the certifications and accreditation of your plastic surgeon. Accreditation boards and bodies are there to protect you. Dr. Gordon Lewis is one of the best breast lift surgeons in Richmond and has extensive surgical experience performing breast enhancement surgery. He is affiliated with several important professional organizations, including:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• Richmond Academy of Medicine
• Medical Society of Virginia
• American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (candidate member)
• American College of Surgeons (associate member)
• American Society for Surgery of the Hand (candidate member)

During your initial consultation, we will discuss every possible outcome of your procedure including possible complications.  Although infrequent, breast lift surgery risks can include one or some of the following;

You may experience temporary or permanent loss of nipple sensation

• Bleeding, infection or poor healing of your scar
• Breast asymmetry
• Excessive firmness of the breast
• Anesthesia-related risks

It is vital that you follow instructions after your procedure to avoid any unnecessary complications, including excessive lifting or motion during the time of healing.  If you have any concerns or questions after your procedure, we encourage you to contact us straight away.

Consultation Expectations

During a comprehensive 1-on-1 consultation at Lewis Plastic Surgery, you will learn about:

• What to expect based on breast anatomy, skin characteristics and fat availability
• Degree of sagginess and asymmetry
• The surgical approach for minimal scarring
• Nipple position and breast implants, if necessary
• Anesthesia and surgical facility
• What you can do to reduce risk of complications
• Cost of surgery and financing options

During your consultation, we will carefully examine your breast anatomy and tissue availability. We will listen to your aesthetic goals and go over all the treatment options that will help you achieve the results you seek. We use the latest surgical techniques to lift the breasts with minimal tissue trauma and scarring.

We have a great collection of before-and-after breast lift surgery photographs that will help you get a clear picture of real life results that have already been achieved at Lewis Plastic Surgery.  We believe that knowledge is power and therefore strive to thoroughly educate our patients so that they can feel comfortable knowing what to expect prior to, during and after surgery.

If you would like to learn more about the procedure, request a consultation with Dr. Gordon Lewis using the online form, or call our office at (804) 492-7105 to schedule an appointment.

Location

Dr. Lewis performs surgical procedures at an accredited outpatient surgical center or a local hospital. He is affiliated with several local medical centers where his patients undergo surgery. He primarily operates at these locations:

Johnston-Willis Hospital
Stony Point Surgery Center

Initial consultations, follow up appointments and all non-surgical treatments and minor surgical procedures are performed at Lewis Plastic Surgery in Midlothian, VA.