Breast Lift
As women age, their breasts may lose the high and full appearance of their youth. Sagging, or “ptosis,” can change their appearance, alter their center of gravity, and cause chronic back and shoulder pain. Many women in Appleton and Green Bay decide to have a breast lift to achieve a higher and youthful appearance as well as to alleviate their daily discomfort. They rely on Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery for their care because of the natural-looking and beautiful results we provide and the support we offer at every stage of care.
Our surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer, is a double board-certified specialist with extensive experience in breast lift surgery and one of the only female plastic surgeons in northern Wisconsin. Patients choose her to perform their procedure because of her skill, her ability to understand their needs, and her personable, attentive approach.
A breast lift, formally known as mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects breast ptosis (sagging breasts). This surgical procedure focuses on reshaping the existing breast tissue and removing excess skin to give the breasts a higher, more youthful breast contour. Importantly, a breast lift does not typically increase breast size; instead, it tightens the breast skin, creating a firmer appearance. If a patient desires increased breast volume, breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation (implants).
The breast lift procedure is a precise surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia in our accredited facility.
Dr. Sauerhammer makes carefully planned incisions to allow for the removal of extra skin and the repositioning of the nipple position. Common techniques include the "anchor" incision (around the areola, vertical line, and horizontal line in the breast crease) or the "lollipop lift" (around the areola and a vertical line).
Dr. Sauerhammer meticulously lifts the underlying breast tissue and removes the excess skin and surrounding tissue to create the desired breast contour.
The remaining breast skin is tightened, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures, often reinforced with surgical tape. A surgical bra is placed for support.
Breast lift surgery provides several aesthetic and quality-of-life improvements:
Breast lift surgery is the optimal solution for reversing changes caused by time, gravity, and life events.
Dr. Sauerhammer offers patients nearly 15 years of experience and specialization in rejuvenating procedures for the body, breasts, and face. Her practice also includes transgender confirmation, reconstructive procedures, and non-invasive cosmetic treatment. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
A breast lift may be your ideal option if you want to reshape and elevate your breasts. If you are focused on reducing sagging, surgery can offer significant improvement. Some of the Appleton and Green Bay patients that Dr. Sauerhammer sees are not sure whether they should consider a breast lift or a breast augmentation. In general, if you want to have bigger breasts, then you should explore augmentation. You may also benefit from a combination of the two procedures if your breasts are sagging but smaller than you would prefer.
During your consultation, Dr. Sauerhammer will spend time getting to know you, discussing your goals, and performing a comprehensive examination. Together, you will review your options, which will be based in part on the amount of sagging that you are experiencing, what you want to accomplish with the procedure, and the surgical techniques that Dr. Sauerhammer recommends.
Factors that may affect the price of your procedure include:
Dr. Sauerhammer emphasizes transparency and education in patient consultations. We encourage you to ask questions, discuss your options, and choose treatment with confidence in your care.
Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.
Dr. Sauerhammer performs breast lift surgery under general anesthesia. Appleton and Green Bay patients receive guidance before their procedure to ensure the most comfortable experience possible. They can expect to go home on the same day as their surgery.
In general, a woman who has a breast lift should avoid heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks afterward. Following your procedure, you can expect to wear a supportive bra for about two months. Incisional scars can take a year to reach their final appearance.
Patients commonly ask about incision placement, length, and prominence. The type of incisions used for a breast lift depends on the extent of sagging. Dr. Sauerhammer will tailor her approach to your needs and goals to deliver the most aesthetic result. At every follow-up appointment after your procedure, Dr. Sauerhammer and our staff will discuss scar care with you to help you achieve your desired appearance.
The uplifted position is immediately visible. The final breast contour and true breast size will emerge after swelling subsides over several weeks. Breast lift results are considered long-lasting, although the effects of gravity and the natural aging process will continue. Maintaining a stable weight through healthy eating and lifestyle is the best way to preserve your more youthful breast contour.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sauerhammer is critical for this surgical procedure.
Dr. Sauerhammer is committed to truly understanding your unique goals and devotes herself to providing high-quality, life-changing results for every patient, every time.
We prioritize patient safety, including ensuring a baseline mammogram and a comprehensive physical exam are completed. Our breast surgery delivers elegant breast lift results in our accredited facility. If you are ready to learn more about how the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal image, call our office today to request a consultation!
A breast lift does not typically increase breast size. In fact, by tightening the breast tissue and removing excess skin, the breast may appear smaller andfirmer. If you desire an increase in breast volume, Dr. Sauerhammer often combines breast lift with breast augmentation.
The "lollipop lift" refers to a specific incision pattern used during the breast lift procedure. It includes an incision around the areola and one vertical line down to the breast crease, resembling a lollipop shape. This method is often used for moderate sagging breasts and offers the ability to reshape the breast tissue effectively while minimizing the horizontal scar.
No, a breast lift does not increase your risk of breast cancer. However, Dr. Sauerhammer requires a baseline mammogram before breast surgery to assess your breast tissue health prior to the procedure.
Like any major surgery, breast lift risks include infection, increased bleeding, and poor wound healing. Unique risks include asymmetry, changes in sensation, and, in rare cases, partial or total loss of the nipple or surrounding tissue due to issues with blood flow. A thorough physical exam and review of your medical history help mitigate these concerns.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.
