Breast Lift

A Breast Lift (Mastopexy) is a surgical procedure designed to elevate and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin, tightening supportive tissue, and repositioning the nipple-areolar complex for a more youthful, lifted appearance. At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim performs advanced mastopexy techniques that prioritize natural breast shape, balanced proportions, and long-lasting results. Using meticulous surgical planning, Dr. Kim tailors each breast lift to the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals, restoring firmness and symmetry while maintaining a soft, natural contour. Mastopexy can be performed alone or combined with breast augmentation or reduction for enhanced results.

Overview

A Breast Lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a highly customized cosmetic breast surgery that addresses breast sagging (ptosis), loss of firmness, nipple descent, and stretched breast skin caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and gravity. Unlike breast augmentation, which primarily increases volume, mastopexy focuses on reshaping and elevating the natural breast tissue to restore youthful positioning and contour.

At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim approaches breast lift surgery with an emphasis on structural support, aesthetic balance, and long-term stability. Each mastopexy begins with a comprehensive consultation and anatomical evaluation, including breast volume, skin elasticity, chest wall structure, nipple position, and symmetry. Dr. Kim leads collaboratively in surgical planning, reinforcing trust, transparency, and realistic expectations.

Dr. Kim utilizes a range of modern mastopexy techniques including crescent lift, periareolar (donut) lift, vertical (lollipop) lift, and anchor (inverted-T) lift depending on the degree of breast ptosis and skin laxity. Internal reshaping of the breast tissue is a critical component of his technique, allowing for improved upper pole fullness and enhanced projection without reliance solely on skin tightening. This internal support approach helps achieve long-lasting breast lift results and reduces the risk of early recurrent sagging.

For patients seeking additional volume or enhanced cleavage, a breast lift with implants may be recommended. Conversely, patients with heavy or enlarged breasts may benefit from a breast lift with reduction, improving both aesthetics and physical comfort. Dr. Kim’s expertise in combined breast procedures ensures harmonious results while prioritizing patient safety and proportional outcomes.

Throughout the surgical process, patient comfort and safety remain paramount. Mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, following strict safety protocols. Dr. Kim’s refined surgical technique minimizes scarring, preserves nipple sensation whenever possible, and supports efficient healing.

The result is a firmer, more youthful breast contour with elevated nipples, improved symmetry, and a silhouette that aligns with the patient’s body proportions reflecting CK Plastic Surgery’s commitment to artful precision and natural-looking outcomes.

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

Restores youthful breast position and projection

Improves breast shape, firmness, and symmetry

Elevates downward-pointing nipples and areolas

Creates a more lifted, natural breast contour

Enhances clothing fit and bra support

Provides long-lasting rejuvenation without implants (when appropriate)

1. Women experiencing breast sagging due to aging or gravity

2. Patients with nipple position below the breast crease

3. Individuals with stretched breast skin after pregnancy or weight loss

4. Patients seeking improved breast shape without excessive volume increase

5. Women with asymmetrical or deflated breasts

The Process

  • Comprehensive Consultation
    Detailed evaluation of breast anatomy, skin quality, nipple position, and aesthetic goals.
  • Customized Surgical Planning
    Selection of appropriate mastopexy technique based on degree of ptosis and desired outcome.
  • Anesthesia Administration
    Procedure performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety.
  • Breast Tissue Reshaping & Elevation
    Internal breast tissue is lifted, reshaped, and supported; excess skin is removed.
  • Nipple-Areolar Repositioning
    Nipple complex is elevated to a youthful, natural position while preserving circulation.
  • Layered Closure & Supportive Dressing
    Incisions are closed with precision suturing and supported with surgical garments.
  • Recovery & Risks

    Breast lift surgery is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, but like all surgeries, it carries potential risks. These may include temporary swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, changes in nipple sensation, scarring, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, or infection. Rare complications such as hematoma or unfavorable scarring are minimized through meticulous technique and strict safety protocols at CK Plastic Surgery.

    Recovery from mastopexy is typically well tolerated. Most patients experience moderate swelling and soreness during the first one to two weeks. Surgical dressings and a supportive post-surgical bra are used to protect incisions and support healing breast tissue. Dr. Kim provides detailed post-operative instructions to reduce swelling, optimize scar healing, and promote long-term results.

    Patients can generally return to light daily activities within one week and resume desk work within 7–10 days. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks. Bruising usually resolves within two to three weeks, while residual swelling may gradually subside over several months.

    Scar maturation is a gradual process, with incisions fading significantly over six to twelve months. Dr. Kim employs strategic incision placement and scar management protocols to ensure optimal cosmetic outcomes. Regular follow-up appointments allow for close monitoring of healing and personalized recovery guidance, reinforcing patient confidence and safety throughout the process.

    Real Results

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What improvements can a breast lift typically achieve?

    A breast lift elevates and reshapes sagging breasts for a more youthful contour. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim restores upper-pole fullness, corrects nipple position, and improves overall breast projection. Patients searching for breast sagging correction or natural mastopexy results appreciate how the procedure enhances proportions without increasing size. The refined lift helps reverse changes from aging, pregnancy, or weight loss while maintaining soft, natural-looking curves.

    How long does breast lift recovery typically take?

    Recovery typically takes one to two weeks. Most patients resume light activity quickly, although swelling and mild tightness are common early on. People searching for breast lift recovery timeline often ask when they can return to work or exercise. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim provides detailed postoperative guidance to ensure incisions heal smoothly and breast shape stabilizes. As swelling decreases, the lifted contour becomes more defined and naturally proportioned.

    Will a breast lift reduce the size of my breasts?

    A breast lift does not significantly reduce size, but it can make breasts appear smaller due to improved firmness and tighter skin. Patients researching breast lift without size change often notice that repositioning the nipple and reshaping the tissue creates a rounder, more elevated breast. Dr. Charles Kim tailors the approach to keep volume where you want it while correcting sagging and improving symmetry.

    How long do breast lift results generally last?

    Breast lift results are long-lasting, especially when supported by stable weight and healthy skin quality. Patients researching long-term mastopexy results often want reassurance that the lifted shape will stay firm. Dr. Charles Kim uses advanced internal reshaping methods that improve support and reduce future sagging. While aging continues, the improved position, projection, and symmetry remain significantly better than before surgery for many years.

    Will a breast lift make my breasts look natural?

    Yes, a breast lift can look extremely natural when performed with careful shaping. Dr. Charles Kim focuses on balanced nipple elevation, gentle reshaping, and preservation of natural breast tissue. Patients searching for natural breast lift results want perkiness without a “surgical” look. By tightening the skin envelope and enhancing projection using your existing volume, the final result is youthful, proportionate, and seamlessly integrated with your body’s natural silhouette.

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