Breast Lift


Over time, most women experience a loss of breast elasticity and firmness that alters the position and shape of their breasts and areolas. For some women, this can negatively impact their body image, self-confidence, self-esteem and sexuality. Mastopexy, or a breast lift, is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging breasts by removing excess breast skin, tightening the remaining skin and raising the areola into a new position. A breast lift can be mentally and physically transformative, giving patients a boost of confidence and a youthful figure. A mastopexy can be performed alone or in conjunction with breast augmentation/reduction to reverse the effects of:

  • Aging
  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Gravity

Is a Breast Lift Right for Me?

Dr. Andrews can help you determine if a breast lift is the best procedure to reach your aesthetic goals. Your health is of utmost importance; therefore, you will first be evaluated to ensure that you are healthy for surgery. Good candidates for a breast lift should not smoke or have dramatic weight fluctuations. We do not recommend breast lifts for patients who are still in their childbearing years or who are breastfeeding because pregnancy, hormonal changes and nursing can undermine the breast lift procedure. A breast lift may be right for you if you have any of the following issues:

  • Nipples rest below the fold where the breast meets the rib cage
  • Nipples point downward
  • Elongated breasts
  • Enlarged areolas
  • Stretched breast skin
  • Asymmetrical size and shape of breasts

The Breast Lift Procedure

Dr. Andrews uses four different breast lift techniques: periareolar, lollipop or anchor. Determining which procedure is best suited for you is based on:

  • The degree of breast sagging
  • Breast size
  • Breast shape
  • Areola size
  • Areola position
  • The amount of extra breast skin
  • The elasticity of the breast skin
  • If additional breast procedures are being performed at the same time

After careful consideration of your breast anatomy, Dr. Andrews will recommend the breast lift technique that is best suited for your breasts. Each surgical procedure has a different incision to address specific breast concerns. Minor breast sagging can often be corrected with a minimally invasive surgical technique, whereas severe sagging and areola distortion may require a more invasive surgical procedure.

Periareolar Technique

Also called the donut technique, the periareolar technique involves two circular incisions: one around the entire border of the areola and a second incision spaced away from the areola. The donut-shaped tissue is removed, the areola is repositioned, breast skin is pulled toward the areola and sutures are placed to hold the lift in place. The periareolar technique is a minimally invasive surgery that provides a small degree of lift. It is best suited for patients with small breasts or a minor degree of sagging. It is also a great option for women who want to reduce the size of their areola.

Lollipop Technique

The lollipop technique, also called the vertical technique, is a more invasive breast lift procedure that is tailored toward larger breasts or breasts with moderate to severe sagging. It provides a high degree of lift. The lollipop technique places a circular incision around the areola. The second incision resembles an old-fashioned keyhole, with a half-circle incision above and around the areola that continues down each side of the areola into a point at the base of the breast. The breast skin is removed, the areola is lifted into the upper portion of the incision, the breast skin below the areola is pulled together into a vertical line and sutures are placed in the midline of the breast and around the areola to hold the new breast position in place.

Anchor Technique

The anchor technique is the most common breast lift procedure. It is the most invasive of the four methods and removes a considerable amount of skin from the lower portion of the breast, enabling it to provide the most significant amount of lift. It is particularly useful for treating severe breast sagging or large breasts. One incision is placed around the entire border of the areola while the second incision resembles an anchor that starts above the areola to create a half-circle around the areola and then fans out to the sides of the breast and down to the crease where the breast meets the ribcage. The anchor-shaped skin is removed, the areola is repositioned in the upper incision and the remaining skin on the underside of the breast is pulled upward to lift the breast into place. Sutures hold the entire breast in its new position.

The Day of Your Breast Lift Procedure

Someone will need to come with you on the day of your procedure so that you have a driver to take you home. Dr. Andrews will review the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. He will draw incision guidelines on your breasts. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be given to you, based on the surgical technique being used and your comfort level. Once you are sedated, incisions will be made and the breast skin that will be removed is carefully separated from the breast tissue while leaving the areola intact. The areola is repositioned into its new, raised location on your breast and the breast skin is brought together and secured with sutures or staples. Surgical bandages are applied to protect and secure the area. The entire procedure may take two to three hours. Afterward, we will observe you for a few hours in the recovery room to ensure you are safe to return home. Typically, a breast lift is an outpatient procedure and most patients go home the day of surgery.

Recovering After a Breast Lift

In the first few days after your breast lift, you can expect minor soreness and pain along the incisions. Pain medication may be used to ease your discomfort. You may also have bruising and swelling on your breasts for approximately two weeks. Wearing a compression garment or surgical support bra will minimize these symptoms and aid the healing process. Some patients experience numbness in the breast skin, areola or nipples that can last up to 12 weeks. This is common and should resolve over time. As your incisions heal over the next few months, they may appear pink or shiny. Avoid sun exposure to minimize discoloration.

Do not exert yourself, lift heavy objects or perform strenuous exercise until Dr. Andrews clears you to do so. Sleep on your back to avoid compressing your breasts. Carefully following your home-care instructions and resting in the early days of your recovery will help the healing process and lessen the chances of complications.

What Results Can I Expect After a Breast Lift?

You will immediately notice that your breasts sit higher and your areolas point forward or outward, in a natural and youthful fashion. Your breasts may also feel firmer because the sagging has been eliminated. Your incisions may feel lumpy and look red following your procedure. While there will be scarring, the incisions will diminish in size and color in the next one to two years and are usually hidden by undergarments or bathing suits.

You will continue to notice an improvement in your breasts’ appearance and feel as the incisions heal and the swelling diminishes. The removal of excess skin makes the entire breast tighter and rounder; thus, some patients may notice that their breasts are slightly smaller. While a breast lift cannot stop the natural aging process, you can expect your breast lift to give you beautiful, more youthful breasts that will last for years to come.

How is Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery Different?

The team at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery wants to help you feel like your best self. They will not pressure you into unnecessary procedures or provide procedures that won’t accomplish your goals. Instead, they will listen to your concerns and offer their expert medical guidance. The decision is yours, but with their expertise and training, rest assured that all of your questions will be answered and a customized plan will be made that meets your specific needs.

All breast lifts are performed at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, located in Coralville, Iowa. We are pleased to serve the neighboring communities of Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Dubuque and the Quad Cities.

Contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery

A breast lift can restore your breasts to a more youthful appearance and enhance your overall figure. The best way to learn if a breast lift is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews. He will listen carefully to your concerns and goals, evaluate your current breast tissue, consider your overall health and advise which procedure or combination of procedures will help you achieve the look you desire. To schedule your consultation, call Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-800-6877.


Click the button to the right to view more before and afters.

Before & Afters

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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