Is a Breast Lift Painful?

A breast lift is not considered particularly painful by most of our patients in Washington, DC. This is thanks to the fact that the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you sleep soundly while all work is carried out. After surgery, Dr. Bitar will make sure you are relaxed, comfortable, and free from stress by prescribing oral pain medications.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Dr. Bitar will ensure that you are supported at every stage of your breast lift journey in Fairfax, VA. In addition to your consultation and surgery date, you will return to the office for multiple follow-up visits. These appointments enable the doctor to monitor your healing process, address any concerns, and verify that no complications have arisen.

How Long Until I See Results?

With each passing month of recovery, swelling and bruising will fade, and your newly contoured breast appearance will begin to emerge. However, it can take up to six months before you see your final outcome, so it is essential to be patient and maintain close contact with Dr. Bitar and his team.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The major concern of women having a breast lift is scarring. There is a trade-off between the amount of scarring on the breast and the duration of the lift’s effectiveness. If a minimal lift is performed, the scars may be less visible; however, the breasts will be more likely to sag sooner, as not enough skin is removed, and another lift may be necessary in the future. We are often asked many questions about scars. Usually, scars will heal very nicely. We also offer women a unique scar tape and cream system proven in a study on 800 patients to optimize scar healing. The vast majority of patients are very happy with their lift and eventually become very accepting of the scars as a worthwhile trade-off.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Breast Lift?

Most patients will need to wait approximately 4-6 weeks before delving back into their normal exercise routines. However, you can begin taking brief, gentle walks immediately after your surgery, as this can help encourage healthy circulation and improve your mood.

Can I Combine a Breast Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, absolutely. Dr. Bitar commonly pairs a breast lift with breast augmentation or a mommy makeover to create the most comprehensive results possible. He can discuss your options for addressing multiple cosmetic issues simultaneously during your private consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Breast Lift?

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in ensuring that we provide the best possible surgical experience. This process encompasses preoperative preparation, the actual surgery, and postoperative care. General Complications General complications can occur with any surgery. Cosmetic surgery is typically a safe procedure performed on healthy patients and, like all surgeries, comes with a low risk. To further lower the risk of complications, we operate at a first-class surgery center with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses. To avoid postoperative complications, we advocate for early mobilization – patients seen in our office one or two days after surgery – and active participation in their own postoperative care. When we create a partnership, the results invariably improve. Bleeding Bleeding after a breast lift is very rare. Before surgery, our patients are tested to make sure they don’t have any common bleeding disorders by their own physicians and by lab tests. In our practice, the rate of hematomas is less than 1%. Infection The most important step in avoiding infections is to perform the surgery at a first-rate surgical facility with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses. Patients are given the appropriate intravenous antibiotic coverage throughout the surgery. During the surgery, the patient’s skin surface is cleaned thoroughly. After the procedure, our patients are prescribed a one-week course of antibiotics to minimize infection. As a result of these extra precautions, our rate of infection after a breast lift is extremely low. Wound healing problems can occur at the superficial incision level, where tension is highest, and a small open wound may form, which typically heals nicely with dressing changes and antibiotic ointment. The scar usually heals very well. Very rarely, we may perform a scar revision to improve the appearance of a scar. Ability to Breastfeed Women are sometimes concerned that if they get a breast lift, they will not be able to breastfeed afterward. The likelihood of losing the ability to breastfeed after a breast lift is very low. The inability to breastfeed after breast lifts that we have performed has not occurred with any of our patients to our knowledge. Loss of Nipple Sensation Loss of nipple sensation is a potential complication that is rare, with less than 1% occurrence. Temporary loss of sensation from a “stunned” nerve or a bruised nerve may occur in the time period after surgery, but sensation in the vast majority of cases returns within a few weeks. Smoking Smoking is an absolute contraindication in breast lift. The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarette smoke cause a severe reduction in blood supply to the skin and breast tissue during healing. This results in delayed wound healing, wound separation, death of the skin, loss of nipple tissue, and a higher risk of infection. Cotinine testing is performed in patients with a smoking history to ensure that they are safe when having this procedure.

How Do I Find the Best Breast Lift Plastic Surgeon Near Me in the Washington, D.C. Area?

When choosing a breast lift surgeon in the Washington, D.C. area, it is essential to evaluate each provider’s training background, awards, specialized techniques, board certifications, reviews, and patient outcomes. Next, you will want to meet your provider in person to establish if you can communicate effectively together and if you will feel comfortable working with the surgeon. Dr. Bitar invites you to book a private consultation in Fairfax, VA, where you can get to know each other better and have all your questions answered with care and sincerity. Call today to get started.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Northern Virginia & Washington DC

Table Of Contents
Introduction
Procedure Summary
What is a Breast Lift?
Before & After
Preparing For Surgery
What to Expect
Recovery
Why Choose Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute?
Cost
FAQs

Introduction to Breast Lift

Over time, a woman’s breasts can sag and lose their youthful shape. Several factors can affect the shape and firmness of a woman’s breasts, such as genes, as in “I inherited my mother’s breasts,” weight fluctuation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and gravity.

Breasts that have sagged can be lifted to recreate that “perky” look by removing the excess skin and repositioning the breast volume higher on the chest wall. If the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) has enlarged with time and you would like it to be reduced, that can easily be done with a lift.

The degree of breast sagging can be a factor in determining the type of breast lift needed. With the removal of excess skin, the breast may lose approximately 10-15% of its volume and become smaller than desired. Also, some women may have preexisting breast asymmetry or want more fullness of the upper breast, which generally cannot be achieved with a breast lift alone. In these situations, the best option may be to combine a breast implant with a lift.

Dr. George Bitar, MD, FACS, an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients globally and locally from Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Vienna, Alexandria, Washington D.C., and Maryland, from his boutique practice in Fairfax, VA., performs breast lift surgery with consummate artistry and precision, delivering a nuanced transformation and a seamless treatment experience at his world-class, accredited facility.

Procedure Summary

Pain Level After Surgery

Mild-Moderate

Anesthesia

General

Duration of Surgery

2-3 Hours

Scars

Around the areola, lollipop, or anchor incision

Final Results

3-6 Months

Return to Regular Work

1-2 Weeks

Resume Exercise

4 Weeks

Price Range

$16,500 and up

Young light-skinned woman with shoulder-length dark brown wavy hair wearing a black blazer and top. She looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression, subtle makeup highlighting her eyes and cheekbones. Her hands rest gently on her chest. The background is a soft beige wall with gentle shadows, and the lighting is soft and flattering, giving the image a polished fashion or beauty portrait vibe. - Breast Lift in Fairfax, PA

What is a Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery addresses breast ptosis, or sagging, a common concern after aging, significant weight loss, or pregnancy/childbirth. The surgery not only lifts drooping breasts but can also restore the appearance of downward-facing nipples, creating a perkier, more youthful-looking silhouette. While it can yield dramatic results when performed alone, a breast lift is often paired with breast augmentation or a mommy makeover for even more comprehensive improvement in the overall shape and projection of the chest.

Before & After Gallery

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) B&A

View Results

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?

When performed with expertise, precision, and artistry by Dr. Bitar, a breast lift comes with a wealth of impressive benefits, including the following:

Combats sagging breasts
Restores a perky, attractive upper body profile
Repositions the nipples in a more youthful-looking location
Expands options for swimwear, lingerie, and clothing
Boosts confidence
Can be paired with augmentation or reduction surgery
Long-lasting, natural-looking changes

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Breast Lift?

Ideal candidates for a breast lift are unhappy with drooping breasts and nipples that face downward. They may have noticed unwanted changes in breast perkiness after aging, pregnancy, or weight loss and are seeking a dramatic solution that will restore balance and harmony to the upper body. To qualify for surgery, patients need to be at a stable weight, be non-smokers, and be free from any uncontrolled medical issues. Dr. Bitar will conduct a detailed consultation process to ensure the surgery is safe, successful, and rewarding for you.

What’s the First Step?

An initial consultation is scheduled, during which we will discuss the breast lift procedure and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Your medical history will be reviewed, and you will be asked to see your medical doctor for a physical check-up and a few laboratory tests to ensure you can undergo the surgery safely. You are asked to stop medications that cause bleeding, such as aspirin or aspirin-like products (Motrin or Ibuprofen), a week before this procedure. You are asked to stop smoking two weeks before and after surgery to optimize your safety and results. You are given the opportunity to speak with patients who have undergone the same surgery you are considering. We will see you shortly after the surgery (in a day or two, usually). You are seen regularly after your surgery and are always welcome to return for follow-up, even years after your procedure, at no additional charge.

A clean, bright medical recovery room with two empty gurneys separated by curtains and packages from the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute placed on the beds.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Lift Surgery

The breast lift scar undoubtedly causes a lot of women who seek this operation some anxiety, and that is understandable. The location of the scar will depend on the degree of breast sagging and the amount of skin that needs to be excised.

Minor Lift: A periareolar, Benelli, or “donut” lift is performed where a “donut” shaped segment of skin is removed from around the areola, and the scar is only around the areola.
Moderate Lift: A “lollipop” lift is performed, where the skin around the areola and from the lower aspect of the breast is removed. The resulting scar is located around the areola and extends vertically from the areola to the bottom of the breast at the midline, shaped like a lollipop.
Major lift: A “wise pattern” lift is performed with an anchor incision. Skin is removed from around the areola and a significant portion of the lower half of the breast, leaving a scar shaped like a lollipop, plus horizontal scars extending part or the entire lower crease of the breast, forming a scar that resembles an anchor.

Breast Lift Recovery

Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will outline what to expect postoperatively, including estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level.

For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery, driving you to your next-day follow-up visit. With most procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel, and flying. Additionally, we recommend that you refrain from exercise until cleared by your physician, typically around four weeks post-surgery.

You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high-protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.

To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned.

For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number, should you need to reach him outside of office hours. The final post-operative visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites, as the results are fully apparent, and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to return and visit us, even years after your surgery.

A photo of a smiling Dr. Bitar, a man with dark curly hair, wearing a dark blue suit and a patterned tie, standing outdoors in front of blue glass windows and greenery.

Why Choose Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute?

Dr. George Bitar, MD, FACS, is a trusted, sought-after surgeon who is board-certified and fellowship-trained. He provides patients in the Washington, D.C. area with concierge care, outstanding results, and an unwavering commitment to safety. As an award-winning body sculpting expert, Dr. Bitar has performed over 20,000 cosmetic surgeries with precision and artistry. He is considered among the top providers in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Dr. Bitar completed a competitive breast surgery fellowship, training with among the most experienced surgeons in the field, including Dr. Ivo Pitanguy in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Marchac in Paris, Dr. Mendelson in Melbourne, Dr. Widgerow in Johannesburg, and Dr. Ellenbogen in Beverly Hills.

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best possible surgical experience, emphasizing patient safety while striving to optimize surgical results. This process includes comprehensive preoperative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful postoperative care regimen that emphasizes patient comfort and promotes recovery.

The Institute has adopted several strategies to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose overall health and lifestyle choices allow for healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a thorough preoperative assessment that includes a comprehensive history and physical examination, as well as targeted laboratory tests.

All surgeries are performed in-house at our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, representing the gold standard in patient safety and care. This certification ensures we meet the highest standards, with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses on-site, adhering to strict protocols to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, refining his skills, and introducing new techniques, all with the goal of enhancing safety and surgical outcomes.

We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is dedicated to our patients’ well-being, and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote a comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical outcomes.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of a breast lift in Fairfax and the greater Washington, D.C., area may vary depending on the desired changes, the techniques used by the doctor, and whether the procedure is combined with other aesthetic options, such as breast augmentation or a mommy makeover. The best way to obtain a personalized, all-inclusive quote is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bitar and his team.