Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy) in Seattle, WA
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular procedure among women who want to restore a youthful, elevated breast shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, or age-related changes. Over time, breast tissue can stretch, lose firmness, and descend to a lower position on the chest. A mastopexy lifts the breast mound, reshapes internal breast tissue, refines stretched skin, and repositions the nipple-areola complex so the breasts sit higher and look naturally supported. At Sound Plastic Surgery in Seattle, breast lift procedures are performed with an emphasis on elegance, precision, and proportionate enhancement that aligns with each patient’s natural figure.
A breast lift is well-suited for women who are satisfied with their natural breast volume but feel their breasts have begun to sag or look deflated. The procedure focuses on reshaping—not enlarging—the breasts. By restoring projection and improving symmetry, a mastopexy helps patients feel more confident in everyday clothing, swimwear, or activewear, often improving comfort and posture as well.
Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery and Long-Term Expectations
Breast lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients return home the same day. The early recovery period includes swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort, which gradually improve over the first one to two weeks. Many patients return to light daily activities within a week and resume regular exercise between four and six weeks, depending on their healing progress.
Supportive garments help maintain the new breast shape during the initial healing phase. As swelling decreases and tissues settle, the breasts evolve into their final shape over several months. With stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, mastopexy results remain long-lasting, although natural aging and gravity will continue to influence the breasts over time.
Breast Lift With Augmentation (Optional) – Understanding Your Options
While many women choose a breast lift alone, others also want to restore volume. For those who desire both elevation and fullness, a breast lift may be combined with breast augmentation. This combined procedure, known as mastopexy-augmentation, is most appropriate for patients who have experienced both sagging and volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes.
It is important to clarify that augmentation is entirely optional. A lift alone is the correct approach when the primary concern is sagging. Augmentation is considered only when a patient desires additional size, upper-pole roundness, or a fuller silhouette. When requested, implants add volume while the lift refines tissue shape and nipple position. The combined procedure requires careful planning to balance implant placement with the reshaping required for a natural lift.
The surgeons at Sound Plastic Surgery guide patients through this decision with an assessment of anatomy, lifestyle goals, ideal proportions, and long-term expectations. The intention is never to “sell implants” but to inform patients of available options so they can choose the outcome that best matches their desired look.
"His staff is wonderful, office is clean and inviting, Dr Sattler has a great bedside manor. Had my breast lift and augmentation recently. They are healing up great and look wonderful. Can't wait for Dr Sattler to do my lower body lift in November. If your looking for a great surgeon don't look any further Dr Sattlers best in the Seattle area."
Breast Lift With Other Body Contouring Procedures
Many women incorporate mastopexy into a broader rejuvenation plan. A breast lift can be combined with breast reduction for lighter, smaller breasts, or with abdominal contouring procedures for a comprehensive transformation. Mommy makeovers often include mastopexy to address breast changes alongside tummy tucks or liposuction. Combining procedures in a single surgical session can simplify recovery and create more harmonious overall results.
"I'd become healthy, active and spent over a year taking care of myself in every way. I wanted to be proud of my body in every way too. This just wasn't the case after breastfeeding 2 children and losing a significant amount of weight. I sought consultation from multiple, excellent plastic surgeons in the area and decided that a breast lift surgery with breast implants was the best decision for me."
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery and Mastopexy-Augmentation
Does a breast lift increase my breast size?
A breast lift does not increase size. It reshapes and elevates your natural breast tissue. If you want additional volume, implants may be added, but this is optional.
How do I know whether I need a lift or augmentation?
If your breasts sag or the nipples point downward, a lift is needed. If you want more fullness or upper-breast roundness, augmentation may be added. Some patients benefit from both procedures.
Can a breast lift alone improve upper-pole flattening?
A lift improves projection by reshaping natural tissue. However, significant upper-pole fullness typically requires augmentation.
How long do breast lift results last?
Most patients enjoy many years of improved breast shape. Weight changes, pregnancy, and aging influence long-term results.
Will pregnancy affect my breast lift?
Yes. While safe, pregnancy can stretch the tissues and alter your results. Many patients wait until they are done having children.
Does combining implants with a lift affect recovery time?
Recovery is similar, although patients may feel added tightness early on due to implant placement. Most return to light activity after a week.
Is sensation affected after a breast lift?
Temporary changes in breast or nipple sensation are common and usually improve with time. Permanent changes are possible but less common.
Can I breastfeed after a mastopexy?
Some women can breastfeed after a breast lift, but this is not guaranteed. The ability to breastfeed varies by surgical technique and individual anatomy.
What kind of scarring should I expect?
Scars depend on the incision pattern required for your degree of lifting. Most scars fade significantly over time and are placed to remain as discreet as possible.
Is a breast lift alone enough if I want a rounder look?
If your primary goal is a rounder breast shape with more fullness, augmentation may be recommended. A lift alone focuses on elevation and reshaping, not enlargement.