Mountain West Plastic Surgery
60 Four Mile Drive, Suite 11
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 609-0210
Fax: (406) 609-0211
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Breast Lift
Did having children take a toll on the shape of your breasts? Or has aging caused your breasts to sag gradually? Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Michelle Spring and Dr. Michael Hromadka, perform breast lift surgery to restore a more youthful breast shape. Their experience is unmatched in the area, and women considering breast lift travel to Kalispell from Missoula, Great Falls, and throughout Montana, and Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho, to have their surgery here at Mountain West Plastic Surgery.
Breast Lift
Before & After Photos
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What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a breast enhancement procedure, popular with women after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight changes, that reshapes sagging breasts and raises them to a youthful position on the chest.
Breast Lift Incision Options
During a breast lift, the surgeons use incisions designed to produce the ideal results. The incision pattern used depends primarily on how much the breasts sag and the elasticity of the skin. Options include:
- Anchor: For patients with more severe sagging, the anchor incision pattern provides the most support. Also called an inverted T incision because of its shape, the technique involves making an incision around the areola, a vertical incision that extends to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the base of the breast.
- Lollipop: If your breast shows only moderate sagging, the surgeons will make incisions around the areola and vertically down the middle of the breast (creating a lollipop shape).
- Doughnut: You may be a good candidate for this technique if you have mild or moderate breast sagging. An incision made around the areola is enough for the surgeons to create a perkier breast shape.
- Crescent: In some cases, the degree of sagging is minimal, and the only incision required is one made along the upper half of the areola.
Dr. Hromadka is a skilled surgeon with gifted hands, no doubt, but it’s his interaction with his patients that really sets him apart. He is very understanding and LISTENS to his patients. That’s why other surgeons refer (their patients) to him.
5-Star RealSelf review
Combining a Breast Lift With Breast Implants
If you want to increase the size of your breasts along with improving their shape, you can combine breast augmentation with a breast lift. Patients often wonder if breast augmentation alone can also restore a more youthful breast shape. That is typically not the case because the weight of the implants can make the breast sag more without a lift.
During the breast lift procedure, your surgeon creates an implant pocket behind the breast tissue and inserts the implants before closing the incisions. During your consultation, Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka discuss your implant options and the placement location—either behind or in front of the chest muscle.
Dr. Spring is very personable and comfortable to speak with…(She) and her entire staff were very responsive to my needs throughout the recovery period. I couldn’t have imagined a better result! I finally have the breasts I’ve always wanted at 65 years of age!
5-Star RealSelf review
Combining Procedures
Our surgeons often combine breast lift surgery with other procedures to provide multiple improvements with one surgery and recovery period. Popular options include:
- Breast augmentation
- Tummy tuck
- Liposuction
- Arm lift, thigh lift, and other post-weight loss procedures
- Breast implant removal
Combining breast and body procedures is often called a mommy makeover because it’s popular with women who have had one or more babies. Whether you choose one procedure or multiple, we offer a variety of financing options to make your aesthetic dreams come true.
What Happens During a Breast Lift?
Both Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka create a custom surgical plan for you after assessing the degree of sagging and the quality of your breast skin and discussing your cosmetic goals.
After making the incision or incisions, your surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue to an elevated position. They also move the nipple and areola to a higher position to ensure the results look natural. The surgery, which our surgeons perform at outpatient surgical centers in Kalispell and Whitefish, typically takes between 90 minutes and 3½ hours.
How Long Is Breast Lift Recovery?
Each patient heals at their own pace, so it’s difficult to say specifically how long it will take you to recover. It’s the experience of our surgeons that most patients need a week off from work to recover following a breast lift. During that time, it’s important to follow the postoperative instructions provided closely.
Swelling and bruising are common and usually peak about 2 or 3 days after surgery. Patients can manage their discomfort with prescription pain medication. It’s important to take brief walks around your home starting the day after your surgery. The surgical bra you wear home after surgery should be replaced after a few days with a support bra that should be worn consistently for 3 to 4 weeks. Using moisturizer can help keep the breast skin soft and hydrated, but avoid applying the moisturizer on the sutures.
How Will the Scars Look After a Breast Lift?
Scars result anytime a surgeon makes an incision. Some products can lessen the appearance of scars, which typically fade significantly about a year after the surgery. You can also expect to lose some feeling in your nipples and breasts temporarily. The numb sensation gradually fades as the swelling subsides.
Meet Our Surgeons
The combination of surgical skill and decades of experience sets Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka apart from other plastic surgeons not just in Kalispell, but throughout Montana and the Northwest. Assisted by Kristy Ehrmantraut, PA-C, their surgical physician assistant, Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka are known for their down-to-earth personalities and for spending the time to truly understand their patients’ goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast lift surgery worth the scar?
Breast lift scars typically become very light and thin once they are healed. Most patients say the improvement in breast shape and position is well worth the scars.
How painful is the surgery?
Because breast lift surgery does not involve the chest muscles, discomfort is typically mild after surgery. Most patients take the prescription pain medication only for the first few days.
How do I know if I need a breast lift or breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation increases breast size and reduces mild sagging. If you are bothered by moderate to significant sagging, you will need a breast lift. Many patients need both procedures to enlarge and reshape their breasts.
Can they reduce my areola size during this procedure?
Yes. Our surgeons often reshape and resize one or both areolas during breast lift surgery.
Will I lose a cup size?
Many patients wear a smaller bra cup size after breast lift surgery—not because their breasts are actually smaller, but because the excess skin has been removed.
When can I go braless after a breast lift?
Once the swelling has faded and the incisions have healed, it will be safe to go braless. However, to maintain your new shape and prevent future sagging, it is best to wear a bra as consistently as possible.
Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Are you ready to discover how a breast lift at Mountain West Plastic Surgery can enhance your look and your confidence? To discuss your options with one of our two highly trained plastic surgeons, request a consultation using the online form. Or you can call our office at (406) 609-0210 to schedule an appointment.
