BREAST LIFT EXPERT
A NATIONAL LEADER IN BREAST SURGERY
Dr. Ary Krau is the go-to breast lift surgeon in South Florida. He uses a surgical technique that leads to a more beautiful breast shape and less scarring. With more than 20 years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Krau is widely known and respected for his expertise. He is a five-year member of the prestigious Mentor LEAD Program Advisory board (one of only 35 surgeons selected nationwide), solidifying him as an authority in breast surgery.
Dr. Krau believes in delivering personalized, attentive service throughout his patients’ breast lift experiences in Miami. He is involved with his patients from their initial consultation throughout their follow-up. Dr. Krau treats his breast lift patients as if they were relatives of his. His priority is the safety, comfort and satisfaction of his patients at all times.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST LIFT?
You may be a good candidate for breast lift if you:
- have sagging breasts due to pregnancies, genetics or the effects of aging
- your breasts/nipples sit below the breast fold (the crease below the breast where your bra/bikini top underwire sits)
- simply desire a perkier breast contour and position
- are in good physical and psychological health
- do not smoke
- are aware of the potential risk of complications
- have reasonable expectations of surgery
- understand what type of results are realistic
DO I ALSO NEED BREAST IMPLANTS WITH MASTOPEXY?
In order to answer that question, you must ask yourself if you want to improve the shape as well as the position of your breasts.
Breast lift raises the nipple and areola, as well as the breast itself, to a higher and perkier position on the chest. However, what it cannot do with any reliability is produce upper pole fullness; in other words, it cannot “fill out” the top of the breast. After a breast lift, the breast will have a natural “teardrop” shape that gradually slopes downward. Many of Dr. Krau’s patients desire a more youthful breast shape that is fuller on the top with more cleavage, and the only way to produce that fullness reliably is with the placement of an implant.
If you would like perkier-looking breasts with more fullness and cleavage, learn more about combination breast augmentation-breast lift.
YOUR BREAST LIFT CONSULTATION
During your breast lift consultation, Dr. Krau will perform a physical examination of your breasts, noting elements such as your skin quality and elasticity. He will ask you to describe your ideal cosmetic outcome, and he will explain whether this is realistic.
Dr. Krau will explain the procedure in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. If you decide to move forward with surgery, he will map out his planned approach and give you pre- and post-operative instructions.
SUPERIOR BREAST LIFT TECHNIQUES
When it comes to breast lifts, Dr. Krau says his specific technique leaves patients with less scarring and a better shape. “While the traditional breast lift is done with an anchor incision, the technique I use, a vertical mammaplasty, does not require that long horizontal incision,” says Dr. Krau. “Not only do patients have one less scar, but the shape of the breast is better and the longevity of the breast lift is longer.”
Dr. Krau explains that, traditionally, surgeons have relied on the skin to reshape and support the breast. However, he adds, “We recognized over the years that the skin is a very poor structure for breast support. If you rely on the skin and put too much tension on it, it will stretch and you will be back to square one,” says Dr. Krau. “The vertical technique relies on the internal structure of the breast or fascial framework for support. That, we know, does have strength and does hold, leaving little tension on the skin itself, less scarring and faster healing.”
WHY DR. KRAU’S APPROACH TO BREAST LIFT IS SUPERIOR
The breast lift is a procedure that repositions the breast at a higher position. For a variety of reasons, some women find that their breasts are positioned lower than they would like them to be. This could be due to pregnancy, weight loss or simply genetics. In some cases where the breast is essentially deflated, adding volume with implants alone could produce quite acceptable results. However, this is not always the case and the breast needs to be surgically lifted.
BENELLI BREAST LIFT
In minor degrees of sagging, the lift can be performed with an incision that is limited to just around the areola. This operation is called a Benelli lift, donut lift or circumareolar lift. This operation is appropriate in smaller breasts when there is only minimal breast sagging below the fold of the breast, and the nipple is in relatively good position. Although this type of lift is attractive in the sense that only a relatively inconspicuous circular incision around the areola is needed, it should not be overused. When this type of lift is performed for more severe degrees of droopiness, breast shape can become distorted and the circumareolar scar — which usually heals quite well — often heals poorly.
VERTICAL/ LOLLIPOP LIFT
When the breast is larger and the sagging is more severe, a more formal lift is required. This will require additional incisions with either just a vertical incision, known as a vertical or lollipop lift, or a vertical as well as a horizontal incision, known as the anchor lift.
MINIMAL SCARRING BREAST LIFT (LEJOUR TECHNIQUE)
When it comes to performing the lift surgery, the incisions themselves do not completely describe the lift operation. What is performed internally can have a profound effect on the final result. Traditionally, and still way too often, the skin of the breast is the vehicle by which the breast is lifted. That is, a certain pattern of skin is excised and then the incisions are closed, resulting in a tighter skin envelope. This tightening of the skin envelope pushes the breast tissue into a higher position. This skin-only lift, although initially producing acceptable results, fails in several ways. Firstly, placing tension on skin incisions produces unacceptable scars. Additionally, the skin quickly stretches to relieve the unnatural tension and the breast lift drops to a less-than-desired position.
In the mid-1990s, a breast lift technique that used the internal structure of the breast rather than the skin was popularized by an innovative surgeon from Belgium named Madeline Lejour. This technique entails reshaping the breast internally and suspending it in a higher position. The skin plays no role in this technique for support. Sutures are placed within the fascial framework of the breast, which resists stretching and transmits no tension unto the skin surface. The results using this technique are superior in that they are longer-lasting and produce incisions that are usually inconspicuous. Additionally, the horizontal incision that is often mandatory in a skin-only lift can be avoided.
I became intrigued by this technique at its inception, at around the time I began my own plastic surgery practice (1994). The results produced by this technique compared to those produced by the skin-only technique are stark. I remember early on in my practice, before the Lejour technique was known, I often turned down women seeking a breast lift procedure because I felt the results of the skin-only lift were unsatisfactory and would be a disservice if performed.
Those days are, fortunately, gone. Women, today, have a successful breast lift technique available that results in a beautiful shape that is long-lasting with minimal scarring. I have performed thousands of lifts using the Lejour technique with uniform satisfaction to women. I have lectured at the University of Miami to the plastic surgery residents, and often have visiting plastic surgeons come to my operating room to learn the technique’s nuances. I have also performed this procedure on several wives of plastic surgeons in Miami and elsewhere. Although I use this technique in its basic format, I have modified it in several important ways that improved its results.
In summary, the results achieved from a breast lift are very much technique-dependent, and, therefore, surgeon-dependent.
BREAST LIFT SURGICAL PROCESS
Breast lift is an outpatient procedure performed at a state-of-the-art, fully accredited surgical center. You will receive sedation and anesthesia for your complete comfort. Surgery will take about an hour.
Dr. Krau typically makes incisions around the nipple-areolar complex and extending vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold following the vertical mammoplasty technique. Through the incisions, Dr. Krau repositions the nipple-areolar complex higher on the breast mound. He also removes excess skin and reshapes the breast into a more pleasing contour and normal position. At this point, he may insert breast implants (depending on your surgical treatment plan). Note that the vertical mammoplasty technique does reduce the size of the breasts slightly, because a certain amount of tissue must be removed during breast lift. To preserve your breast size or increase it, you need to consider implants.
COMBINING BREAST REDUCTION WITH MASTOPEXY
Certain women choose to combine breast reduction with lift for smaller, lighter and perkier breasts. Learn more about breast reduction.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery suite and monitored for a short time. Then, you will be released into the care of a loved one, who should drive you home or (if you are from out-of-town) to your hotel and stay with you overnight. You have the option to stay in our on-site recovery suite if you wish.
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RECOVERING FROM BREAST LIFT
One of Dr. Krau’s priorities as a plastic surgeon is providing excellent, thorough follow-up care. He will meet with you several times during your recovery to check how you’re healing, remove any sutures and answer your questions. He likes to meet with patients within 24 hours of surgery.
For your initial recovery, you will be wearing a bra with light dressings over your incision lines. You should wear this bra for two to three weeks to support the breasts’ new shape/position.
Dr. Krau will prescribe oral pain medication to take if you feel any discomfort. Your breasts will feel sore and look swollen and bruised at first; these side effects quickly subside. If you had implants placed, they may look very high on your chest, but will gradually settle into place as your body heals.
Typically, Dr. Krau’s breast lift patients return to light activities within seven to 10 days. He will advise when to resume more vigorous exercise and normal activities.
Every woman recovers differently from breast lift. It’s essential to listen to your body and not push yourself to return to normal activities too quickly, as this could cause complications.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BREAST LIFT?
By nature all surgeries carry some element of risk. However, the skill and experience of the surgeon dramatically decrease the risk of complications. Dr. Krau is proud of his low rate of complications, which can be attributed to his expertise and breadth of experience. He will discuss the specific risks of breast lift during the consultative phase.
BREAST LIFT COST AND FINANCING
Dr. Krau wants you to feel confident in the value you receive at his practice. You can always expect premium service at an affordable price.
Breast lift surgery is competitively priced, ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. Your specific breast lift pricing will depend on several factors; for example, if Dr. Krau is also placing breast implants, the surgery will be more expensive than standard breast lift.
We offer several plastic surgery financing options through CareCredit and MyMedicalLoan.com, which help you pay for breast lift incrementally. Learn more about how to finance breast lift surgery.
BREAST LIFT FAQS
- Why does breast lift surgery become necessary?
- What type of results can I expect from cosmetic breast lift?
- How long do the results last?
- Does insurance cover breast lift surgery?
- Are there financing options for breast lift?
WHY DOES BREAST LIFT SURGERY BECOME NECESSARY?
Over time, the body stops producing collagen and elastin, two proteins that are vital for healthy, elastic skin. Without these proteins, the skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag. This can lead to sagging breasts.
Aside from the cosmetic effects of the natural aging process, breastfeeding, major weight loss or the effect of gravity over time can also cause the breasts to sag. In addition, these factors can cause the nipples to migrate down the surface of the breasts, so they point downward instead of straight ahead. These factors can also lead to overly enlarged areolas.
When women become frustrated with sagging breasts, downward-facing nipples and / or overly enlarged areolas, breast lift becomes necessary to correct these aesthetic concerns.
WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM COSMETIC BREAST LIFT?
Once your body has healed and any residual swelling throughout the treatment area has resolved, you can expect perkier breasts that are positioned higher up, in a more youthful-looking position, on the chest wall. You can also expect forward-pointing nipples located in the center of the breasts and areolas that are in proper proportion to the overall size of the breasts.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?
The results of breast lift surgery are extremely long-lasting. However, no plastic surgery procedure can stop the natural aging process or the effect of gravity over time, and the breasts will continue to age after surgery.
DOES INSURANCE COVER BREAST LIFT SURGERY?
Typically, insurance does not cover breast lift surgery. However, Dr. Krau strives to make all his plastic surgery procedures accessible to a wide variety of patients.
ARE THERE FINANCING OPTIONS FOR BREAST LIFT?
There are multiple financing options available. Dr. Krau accepts most major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard and American Express. In addition, third party financing companies, including CareCredit and MyMedicalLoan.Com, offer several financing options for those who qualify.
SCHEDULE A BREAST LIFT CONSULTATION
If you’d like more information about breast lift with Dr. Ary Krau, please call (305) 861-6881 or send us an email.