BREAST LIFT By Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS in New York City

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left, media, press, joshua zuckerman, cosmopolitan, new york post, new york times, best plastic surgeon, top plastic surgeon, awards, quotes
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Frontal view of vertical breast lift by Dr. Zuckerman. Patient, female, images taken one month postop. Breast lift surgery can raise the breast mount, restoring a youthful, perky contour.


Introduction to Breast Lift

Many women experience ptosis, or sagging, of the breasts over time as a result of various factors including: pregnancy, weight loss, aging, and gravity. In addition, changes in breast shape, such as loss of fullness or the natural roundness of the breasts, often accompanies weight loss or breastfeeding after pregnancy. With breast lift surgery, known medically as mastopexy, Dr. Zuckerman can help you rejuvenate and lift your breasts, eliminating sag and excess skin and reviving their natural shape. A breast lift can raise the breast mound, restoring a “perky”, youthful appearance. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2017, breast lift surgery is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedures nationwide. A woman does not have to sacrifice the aesthetic appearance of her breasts for her children or for weight loss. Dr. Zuckerman trained at elite medical institutions including Brown University and New York University and is highly experienced in this procedure. It is his second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure of the breast. He can help you achieve natural-looking results, and he has perfected techniques to ensure that the lifted breast maintains its natural shape. While a breast lift alone cannot add volume as a breast augmentation with breast implants does, Dr. Zuckerman’s results may partially achieve a similar effect. Upon viewing Dr. Zuckerman’s breast lift outcomes, some prospective patients ask if outcomes include an augmentation! Click to view each section in the breast lift guide below for more detail about the procedure. Or, if you’re ready for your consultation with Dr. Zuckerman, contact his office today.


Breast Lift

Am I A Candidate For Breast Lift?



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Many women experience sagging of the breasts to varying degrees. Most can be addressed effectively with a breast lift by Dr. Zuckerman.

Good candidates for breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, by Dr. Zuckerman are those women who experience ptosis, or sag, in their breasts. This may be accompanied by excess skin. The degree of sag, or ptosis, may range from mild to severe, up to and including the nipple being located at the lowest portion of the breast mound. A mastopexy may also be able to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nipple-areolar complex. The areola is the more darkly pigmented area around the nipple, and in large or drooping breasts often appears enlarged or stretched. As part of the procedure, Dr. Zuckerman can remove excess areolar tissue and raise the breast mound to restore your bustline to a high, beautiful contour. If you have pain or discomfort due to overly large breasts and would like breast tissue removed, a breast reduction may be the best fit for you. Breast lift surgery and breast reduction surgery are similar, but in the latter case, Dr. Zuckerman removes breast tissue to decrease the size of the breast mound while in the former, he works to lift the existing breast mound but does not change its size.

Breast lift surgery is best performed in those women who do not plan to have future pregnancies, because breastfeeding can affect breast shape and position. If needed, Dr. Zuckerman can discuss alternative surgical options including breast augmentation at your initial cosmetic surgery consultation.



Dr. Zuckerman explains how he can raise and restore sagging breasts after pregnancy, aging, or weight gain/loss with breast lift surgery (mastopexy).




Breast Lift

Breast Lift in Detail



breast lift, incisions, techniques, periareolar, circumvertical, lollilop, vertical, wise pattern, anchor

The three different types of incisions in breast lift surgery that Dr. Zuckerman performs: Periareolar, Circumvertical (Vertical / “Lollipop”), Wise Pattern (Anchor).

Dr. Zuckerman’s breast lift surgery improves a sagging appearance, removing excess skin and raising the breast mound. The procedure typically proceeds as follows:

  • Dr. Zuckerman makes incisions according to the incision pattern being used. Breast lift surgery requires a series of preoperative markings, because the initial incision pattern is different than the final closures due to the excess skin planned for removal.
  • Dr. Zuckerman removes excess skin within the incision pattern, and the remaining skin is tightened. If necessary, Dr. Zuckerman can decrease the size of the nipple-areolar complex by trimming tissue circumferentially from around the areola.
  • The breast mounds and nipples are repositioned and lifted to a higher position on the chest wall.
  • Dr. Zuckerman then closes the final incisions according to one of the incision patterns displayed at left.

Dr. Zuckerman performs breast lift surgery with one of three techniques. Each technique involves a different incision pattern, but most incisions are well-hidden by the areola or in the inframammary fold, the crease beneath the breast. Depending on the size of your breasts and the degree of ptosis, or sag, Dr. Zuckerman will recommend one of three surgical techniques:

  • Periareolar: This involves an incision around the areola only, an inconspicuous location, and may be a good option for those requiring only a moderate lift.
  • Circumvertical (Vertical): This technique is also known as a “Lollipop” and involves the periareolar incision plus a vertical incision from aerola to the inframammary fold.
  • Wise Pattern: This technique is also known as the anchor incision and combines the Circumvertical incision with an additional incision hidden in the crease of the inframammary fold underneath the breast.

Dr. Zuckerman Minimizes Surgical Incision Scars for the Breast lift

Each breast lift is different, but with experience, Dr. Zuckerman has developed techniques to minimize the amount of scarring as a result of this procedure. The three techniques above are listed in increasing incision length order with the Wise Pattern composed of approximately 50% longer incision overall than the vertical technique. Dr. Zuckerman uses the Wise Pattern for patients with significant ptosis (sag) but strives to avoid it in when possible to minimize scarring. He most commonly performs the vertical breast lift and will use the periareolar technique when possible. It is important for patients to undergo surgery with the proper technique to avoid compromising the ultimate shape of the new breasts, but with experience, Dr. Zuckerman has been able to hone his surgical techniques. In certain cases, he may be able to perform a vertical breast lift where others would seek a Wise Pattern incision.

Dr. Zuckerman realizes that for breast lift patients the scar is a significant consideration before surgery, but he urges patients to consider that the ultimate goal is to raise the breasts. The overwhelming majority of patients care very little about their incision scars after surgery, because overall they are very satisfied with the more important aspect: the raised breasts themselves. In addition, scars from accidental trauma are quite different than surgical scars, which ultimately heal to very thin lines that may be nearly invisible. In addition, Dr. Zuckerman provides a comprehensive scar care regimen for up to one year after surgery to help patients achieve the best scar possible. He is happy to discuss any preference you may have for technique and incision at your initial cosmetic surgery consultation. Each breast lift procedure is customized to a patient’s unique needs and surgical goals.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist. With Dr. Zuckerman’s experience, the operation is typically completed in two hours or less. You may undergo surgery at Dr. Zuckerman’s state-of-the-art, fully equipped operating room located inside his office in midtown Manhattan. This operatory facility has been certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF), certifying it as a facility that offers an equally high standard of care as a hospital. The privacy, discretion, and convenience of Dr. Zuckerman’s private in-office operating room facility is an exclusive benefit of Zuckerman Plastic Surgery that many patients appreciate. Should you desire, you may also undergo surgery with Dr. Zuckerman at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, a major hospital in Manhattan in the Northwell system where all types of breast, body, and face cosmetic surgery procedures are performed. Dr. Zuckerman is on staff in the department of plastic surgery for Northwell system hospitals in Manhattan among others.

Breast Lift with Implants (A Combined Aug/Pexy)

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Combined breast lift and breast augmentation by Dr. Zuckerman. Patient pictured before surgery and 2 months postop. 275cc round silicone breast implants placed.

With a breast lift, Dr. Zuckerman can raise the breast mound eliminating sag. However, the procedure is limited in the amount of upper pole fullness to breast that it can restore, and many women especially after pregnancy and breastfeeding experience significant deflation of the breasts and upper pole loss. Dr. Zuckerman’s breast lifts are unique in that he is able to create a high, round breast and restore some amount of upper pole breast fullness, but in many cases, patients have more volume loss than is addressable via breast lift alone. For these patients, Dr. Zuckerman can place a breast implant and perform a combined “aug/pexy” surgery in a single operative period. Please inquire at your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Zuckerman if this combination may be right for you.



Breast Lift

Breast Lift Recovery



Patient should expect some postoperative discoloration due to bruising and swelling after their breast lift procedure. As noted above, on the day of surgery, Dr. Zuckerman applies a long-acting local anesthetic called EXPAREL® for all his patients undergoing this procedure. Whereas most traditional pain medicines last up to a maximum of twelve hours, EXPAREL® gradually releases medication to a particular region for up to three days. This approach is a significant departure from previous techniques and minimizes postoperative pain and discomfort.

Most of Dr. Zuckerman’s patients may resume their normal daily activities after approximately one week, but Dr. Zuckerman advises patients to avoid intensive exercise, lifting, or other activities which would place stress on the breast incisions for about four weeks after surgery. Any residual scarring from the incisions should be mild and fade with time. If you have any questions or concerns about recovery, Dr. Zuckerman is happy to answer them at your initial cosmetic surgery consultation. He and his staff are happy to schedule surgery in advance of holidays or vacation, but your surgery must be finalized well in advance.



Breast Lift

Breast Lift Before and After by Dr. Zuckerman



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Frontal view of vertical breast lift by Dr. Zuckerman. Patient, female, images taken one month postop.

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Frontal view of vertical breast lift combined with breast augmentation by Dr. Zuckerman. Patient, female, images taken two months postop. 275cc smooth round silicone breast implants, with submuscular placement.

More Before & Afters

Dr. Zuckerman publishes many of his previous breast lift results with patient consent. The before and after image gallery has pairs of high resolution images from three to four angles for each patient. Many prospective patients enjoy finding a similar case to their own that Dr. Zuckerman has performed in the past. Take a look through the gallery by clicking on the button below.

BEFORE AND AFTER IMAGE GALLERY



Breast Lift

Risks of Breast Lift



Breast lift surgery is a very common procedure and is overwhelmingly safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Zuckerman will take every precaution to minimize the risk of complications. Below we list some of the possible, albeit rare, complications:

  • Wound breakdown
  • Alterations in nipple or breast sensation
  • Hypertrophic, raised, scarring
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation
  • Infection of the incision sites
  • Remaining breast asymmetry
  • Fat necrosis

Dr. Zuckerman will be happy to address any and all concerns you may have at your initial consultation.



Breast Lift

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift



Below are the answers to some questions Dr. Zuckerman most frequently receives from prospective patients. If you don’t see your question below, feel free to contact Dr. Zuckerman’s office, and a member of his staff will be glad to reach out to you.

Can I combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation?

Yes, this is a very common combination. If you wish to raise the level of the breast mound on the chest wall alone, a breast lift is the appropriate option, and a high-quality breast lift outcome results in a high, round, but natural-looking breast. Breast lift surgery will reduce the size of the areola as well. Combining the lift with a breast augmentation involving placement of a breast implant may be appropriate if you desire additional breast volume, especially upper pole fullness, and an implant can to some extent disguise mild ptosis or sag. These two operations can be combined into a single operation called an augmentation mastopexy, or “aug/pexy” for short.

Can I undergo a breast lift without general anesthesia?

Unfortunately this is typically not possible. A mastopexy is significant surgery and as a result, I do not perform this procedure under local anesthesia for the safety of the patient.

Will my breasts drop after breast lift surgery?

Yes, to some extent the breasts will settle into their final location in the months after surgery. However, a plastic surgeon should endeavor to compensate for this at the time of surgery, and I have spent years perfecting the location of the breast mound and nipples precisely to optimize the long-term surgical result.

Can I undergo breast lift surgery if I plan to lose weight afterward?

I recommend that you be close to a stable weight before undergoing breast lift surgery, because the shape of the breasts can be sensitive to weight loss. In fact, one reason patients often seek breast lift surgery with me is to correct the loss of upper pole fullness and sagging of the breasts due to substantial weight loss.

Can I breastfeed after undergoing a breast lift?

Yes, typically speaking patients should have no difficulty breastfeeding after breast lift surgery. It is very rare that this operation, especially when correctly performed, affects a woman’s ability to breastfeed.



Breast Lift

Request Your Breast Lift Consultation



Are you ready for your breast lift consultation with Dr. Zuckerman? He will perform a thorough evaluation of your desired outcome and needs based on your anatomy and medical history. Dr. Zuckerman will also address any questions or concerns you may have about the surgery and discuss with you the details of his approach: incision location(s), procedure length and techniques, likely operative outcome, etc. Contact his office by clicking the button below or by calling 212-231-9897. Dr. Zuckerman also offers consultations via Skype and a process for out-of-town patients to visit New York City to have surgery with him.

REQUEST YOUR CONSULTATION


Dr. Zuckerman speaks with a cosmetic surgery patient.

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ABOUT DR. ZUCKERMANYOUR VISITTESTIMONIALS

Dr. Zuckerman has been selected as a SuperDoctor and profiled in The New York Times Magazine SuperDoctors issue three years in a row, recognizing him as one of the best plastic surgeons in New York.

Dr. Zuckerman has been selected as a SuperDoctor and profiled in The New York Times Magazine SuperDoctors issue three years in a row.



Dr. Zuckerman was quoted on the use of Kybella to eliminate submental, under the chin, fat. He also opined on how an angular jaw line is essential to societal classical perceptions of facial beauty.


Dr. Zuckerman appeared on an episode of The Doctors TV show on CBS for a preoperative evaluation of a severe burn victim who requires a complex plastic surgery reconstruction.

Dr. Zuckerman appeared on an episode of The Doctors TV show on CBS for a preoperative evaluation of a severe burn victim who requires a complex plastic surgery reconstruction.


For Mothers' Day, Dr. Zuckerman introduced two of his patients to the New York Post who were interviewed and said how much they enjoy their experience at Dr. Zuckerman's office.

A mother and daughter pair of Dr. Zuckerman’s patients were interviewed by the New York Post about how much they enjoy their experience at Dr. Zuckerman’s office, undergoing cosmetic Botox and Juvederm treatments.


Dr. Zuckerman was interviewed on the trend of “Trophy Husbands” where men undergo plastic surgery for Fox5 News.

Dr. Zuckerman opined on the trend of “Trophy Husbands” where men undergo plastic surgery for Fox5 News.



Dr. Zuckerman was interviewed on nipple piercings, their implications for breastfeeding, and why plastic surgery intervention may be required to remove them.


Dr. Zuckerman was selected as a SuperDoctor for New York state for plastic surgery. This selection is Dr. Zuckerman’s third year in a row and recognizes him as one of the best plastic surgeons in New York.

Dr. Zuckerman was selected as a SuperDoctor for New York state for plastic surgery. This selection is Dr. Zuckerman’s third year in a row and recognizes him as one of the best plastic surgeons in New York.



Dr. Zuckerman discussed the fact that liposuction is not a shortcut to weight loss. It is a sculpturing tool best used to shape and contour targeted problem areas with excess, stubborn fat.


About Us

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Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is the cosmetic surgery practice of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS located in New York City. Dr. Zuckerman specializes in tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, buttock augmentation, and cosmetic breast surgery. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery also offers an array of non-surgical treatments including musculoparalytics such as Botox, lip augmentation, tear trough rejuvenation for dark eye circles, laser resurfacing, microneedling, medical grade skincare and more. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is a d.b.a. name for Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS, P.C., a Professional Corporation registered in the state of New York (DOS ID #: 5192265)
800A Fifth Avenue Suite 101
New York, NY 10065
Phone: 212-231-9897
Specialty: Plastic Surgery
Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS, P.C.
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