PLANNING

During your consultation with Dr. Kolker, he will thoroughly discuss your goals and desires with you. After a detailed history and a thorough discussion of the factors that concern you most, Dr. Kolker will examine you, making meticulous measurements to assess the degree of sag or droop (ptosis), the amount of skin laxity and elasticity, the position of the nipples and areolas, the volume, and the symmetry.

There are often a number of potential solutions, and the breast lift procedure that suits you best will be tailored to your specific needs and desires. Some women wish for a repositioning and lift only, whereas others desire a restoration of volume that may have been lost following pregnancy or fluctuations in weight. A breast lift can be performed with or without breast augmentation with a breast implant. The incisions required for breast lift will vary based upon the amount of lift and nipple repositioning required as well as the elasticity of the skin and the possibility of added volume with breast implants. As every woman's needs and desires are unique, Dr. Kolker will help you to carefully weigh the alternatives, and to choose the breast lift procedure that suits you best.

PROCEDURE

After in-depth discussion and careful consideration, together you and Dr. Kolker will decide upon the ideal technique for your breast lift. Dr. Kolker will use the most limited incision necessary to achieve the breast shape and breast lift you desire. When appropriate, incisions are made only around the nipple complex (circumareolar breast lift) when the degree of droop (ptosis) is mild or moderate, or in many cases where a breast implant is to be used. When necessary in cases where moderate or more substantial breast lift and repositioning is required, an incision is made around the areola with the addition of a vertical incision beneath it (short scar or "lollipop" breast lift). When there is severe breast ptosis and a very large degree of lifting is required, a classical breast lift with an incision around areola with a vertical and a limited horizontal incision in the crease beneath the breast is indicated. Should you desire a fuller as well as a lifted breast, breast lift combined with breast augmentation and an implant can be performed simultaneously. The breast lift procedure is performed safely, comfortably, and conveniently in our office-based surgical unit, accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The duration of breast lift surgery is often between three and four hours; Dr. Kolker will spend as much time as is necessary to achieve the most balanced and beautiful results.

RECOVERY

Following your breast augmentation procedure, you are cared for in our recovery room by our licensed registered nurse, and when you are fully awake and comfortable, you will go home on the same day with a friend or family member. Dr. Kolker suggests taking seven days for recovery when feasible, although it is possible to return to work or normal activities as early as five days after your breast lift (provided there is no heavy lifting involved). With few exceptions, all sutures placed are dissolvable and no suture removal in necessary. Often, small drain tubes will often be used that are removed in three to five days following surgery. Your breasts will appear full and firm immediately after breast lift surgery, and swelling and bruising may be present for up to three weeks. A special supportive bra is worn for three to five days, which is then replaced by a sport bra. Normal bras and bikini tops can be worn after about three weeks. Light aerobic activity (elliptical or Precor, stationary bicycle, light treadmill) may be resumed as early as seven days following breast lift, and more strenuous activity is begun at three weeks (excluding chest exercise, which is resumed at six weeks). The breasts reach their final shape and feel approximately three months after breast lift. Your relationship with Dr. Kolker does not end after breast lift surgery; he will see you often through the first weeks and months following your procedure, and will advise you on all matters of breast health including exercise, activity, breast self examination, and the need for future mammography as you require. Dr. Kolker will be available to you at any time during your recovery following breast lift.

RELATED PROCEDURES

Breast lift is most often performed as an isolated procedure, or in conjunction with breast augmentation (augmentation mastopexy). For those individuals who desire additional plastic surgery enhancements, breast lift may be combined with inverted nipple correction, liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and facial rejuvenation procedures.

If you would like to learn more about having a breast lift in New York, and about the specific techniques that will suit you best, we invite you to meet with Dr. Kolker for a private consultation at our office, located at Park Avenue and 70th Street, by calling 212-744-6500, or by scheduling an appointment online.