Breast Lift at a Glance

Type of anesthesia:
General
Recovery time:
1 week off work (non-strenuous jobs)
Time in surgery:
2-3 hours
When you go home:
Day of operation
Often Combined With:

*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your experience may vary.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that elevates and reshapes sagging, droopy breasts. For his San Antonio, Texas, patients, Dr. Ablavsky tightens and repositions breast tissue and removes excess skin to create firmer, rounder, more youthful-looking breasts. In some cases, he may also reduce the size of the areolae to complement a breast lift.

When Is a Breast Lift Needed?

Every woman’s breasts sag at some point—a condition called ptosis. It may happen gradually as gravity takes its toll or more abruptly after having children or weight loss. If you feel self-conscious because your breasts no longer have a youthful perkiness, a breast lift in San Antonio from Dr. Michael Ablavsky offers a solution.

You may consider getting a breast lift to:

  • Improve the shape of elongated, sagging breasts
  • Elevate the nipples if they’ve dropped below the breast fold
  • Reduce the size of stretched areolae
  • Improve breast symmetry

You may have all these concerns or just one or two of them.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in San Antonio?

The cost of a breast lift can vary depending on the specific techniques used, the amount of time required to complete the procedure, your cosmetic goals, and whether the lift is combined with breast augmentation. During your consultation, we will prepare a customized estimate for you based on your needs.

Breast Lift
 Before & After Photos

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Breast Lift Incisions (Scars)

Dr. Ablavsky creates a customized surgical plan that addresses the condition of your breasts and your cosmetic goals. This includes using incision patterns and techniques that are likely to produce the desired results while minimizing visible scarring. The incision technique used depends on the degree of sagging and the size of the breasts.

Incision pattern options include:

Crescent lift:

Used much less often than other techniques, a crescent lift involves making an incision along the upper edge of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple.) A surgeon removes a crescent-shaped piece of skin from above the areola and then closes the incision to produce a slightly lifted look. This technique is used only for patients with minimal breast sagging.

Donut lift:

Also called a Benelli lift, this procedure involves making an incision completely around the areola and removing an eccentric circle of skin to raise the position of the nipple-areolar complex. Patients with mild sagging can benefit from this technique, which may be combined with breast augmentation.

Lollipop lift:

Also called a vertical lift, this technique adds a vertical incision spanning from the bottom of the areola down to the bottom of the breast, creating a lollipop shape. This is an approach for women with a moderate degree of sagging who need a more extensive technique to produce optimal results.

Anchor lift:

This is the traditional breast lift technique, which adds a horizontal incision along the breast crease to the incisions made for a lollipop lift. It provides reliable results for women with significant breast sagging and is also used for breast reduction procedures.

Dr. Michael Ablavsky at Aesthetic Enhancement - Cosmetic Surgery Center Dr. Michael Ablavsky at Aesthetic Enhancement - Cosmetic Surgery Center

Meet
Dr. Ablavsky

Dr. Ablavsky is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon whose patients trust him for natural-looking results from face, breast, and body procedures. He listens closely to his patients' concerns and takes the time to answer their questions with honesty and compassion.

Meet Dr. Ablavsky Request Your Consultation

I would recommend him 100% to people I know.

V.S.

What Is a Breast Lift With Fat Transfer?

A breast lift with fat transfer lifts and reshapes the breasts using your own fat. During the procedure, Dr. Ablavsky removes excess skin, repositions the breast tissue and nipple to a higher, more youthful position, and then carefully injects purified fat harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs.

For women removing breast implants, this approach can restore fullness and shape without new implants. Fat transfer helps smooth out contour irregularities, replace some lost volume, and create a softer, more natural feel while maintaining the lifted, rejuvenated breast position achieved with a breast lift.

Benefits

  • Natural-looking results with no implant required
  • Improved breast shape and position after implant removal
  • Subtle, soft volume enhancement using your own tissue
  • Additional body contouring in the area where fat is harvested

This option is ideal for patients who want perkier, more youthful-looking breasts with a natural shape and modest volume rather than the dramatic size increase implants provide.

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Before & After Implant removal with breast lift and auto augmentation Case 365 Front View in San Antonio, Texas
Breast Lift With Fat Grafting Before and After Pictures by Dr. Michael Ablavsky in San Antonio, TX
Before & After Implant removal with breast lift and auto augmentation Case 356 Front View in San Antonio, Texas
Breast Lift With Fat Grafting Before and After Pictures by Dr. Michael Ablavsky in San Antonio, TX
Before & After Breast Lift with Fat Grafting Case 340 Front View in San Antonio, Texas
Breast Lift With Fat Grafting Before and After Pictures by Dr. Michael Ablavsky in San Antonio, TX

Should I Combine a Breast Lift With Implants?

Many women considering breast lift surgery also want to regain volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Combining breast augmentation with a lift can be the right procedure for patients with sagging, deflated breasts. Dr. Ablavsky thoroughly discusses your breast implant options and whether you are a good candidate for a combined breast lift with augmentation.

How Long Is Recovery After a Breast Lift?

Breast lift patients can typically return to non-physical work within a week of surgery. Breast swelling and bruising are variable. Getting plenty of rest and optimizing your nutrition are essential during the healing process. If you have young children at home, arrange for childcare in advance.

Week 1: Rest & Gentle Movement

Expect swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort, which you can manage with prescribed pain medication.
Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to minimize swelling.
Take short walks around the house to help circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Wear your supportive surgical bra as directed.

Week 2: Early Healing

You should begin to feel more comfortable and mobile.
Swelling and bruising peak and begin to improve.
You can typically return to light daily activities, but avoid lifting, stretching, or raising your arms above your head.

Weeks 3 to 4: Gradual Return to Normal Activities

Continue wearing your supportive bra to encourage proper healing and minimize swelling.
Gentle daily routines become easier, but exercise and heavy lifting should still be avoided unless cleared by your surgeon.
Breasts may look high or firm at this stage; they will gradually settle into a more natural position.

Weeks 5 to 6: Increasing Activity

Most swelling and bruising continue to fade.
Light exercise, such as walking or low-impact cardio, can usually resume with Dr. Ablavsky’s approval.
Incisions continue to heal, and the overall breast shape and contour become more refined.

After 6 Weeks: Full Activity & Long-Term Results

Most patients can resume full physical activity, including exercise and lifting.
Residual swelling improves, and breasts begin to soften into their new, lifted position.
Scars will continue to fade and mature over the next several months to a year.

We provide patients with detailed post-op instructions that, when closely followed, minimize the risk of complications or infection.

Combining a Breast Lift With Other Procedures

In addition to combining a lift with breast augmentation, it’s also a common part of a mommy makeover procedure. This combination surgery typically includes a tummy tuck and liposuction, in addition to a breast lift.  

Breast Lift FAQ

What’s the best age to get a breast lift?

Age is not a determining factor when it comes to having a breast lift. The best time for a breast lift is when you’re at a healthy, stable weight and are not breastfeeding or planning any future pregnancies.

Is this surgery painful?

Because the surgery does not affect the chest muscles, it is not especially painful. For many patients, over-the-counter pain medication is enough to keep them comfortable.

Will the scar be noticeable?

Scars vary with technique and individual patient healing factors. They typically fade in about a year and are not significantly conspicuous. Read our blog post about what to know about breast lift scars.

Will my breasts look smaller after breast lift surgery?

Your breasts will be rounder, higher, and have a more compact shape after surgery. If you are worried about them being too small, talk with Dr. Ablavsky about combining your lift with implants.

How long will my results last?

Breast lift results will last for many years if you maintain your weight and don’t become pregnant. Patients who have good skin quality and maintain a healthy lifestyle have longer-lasting results.

What happens to your nipples during a breast lift?

The breast skin is tightened around the breast mound and nipple during surgery, so the nipples will look higher on the breast than before surgery. Enlarged or misshapen areolas can also be reshaped. Some patients experience a loss of nipple sensation that is usually temporary.

Can you get a breast lift without implants?

Yes, you can absolutely get a breast lift without implants. A lift without implants reshapes and elevates the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, creating a perkier appearance. For patients who want a small boost in volume without implants, Dr. Ablavsky can combine the lift with a fat transfer, using your own purified fat for subtle, natural-looking enhancement.

Request Your Consultation

If you’re looking for a breast lift surgeon in the San Antonio area, request a consultation with Dr. Ablavsky using the online form, or call our practice at (210) 942-6672 to schedule an appointment.

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