A breast lift, or mastopexy, offers women with sagging breasts a more youthful and uplifted breast contour. While this procedure can take years off a woman’s appearance, it doesn’t grant her body immunity from time and gravity’s toll. If you are considering plastic surgery and wondering, “How long does a breast lift last (and how can I make my results last longer)?” this blog post is for you.

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

The longevity of your results will depend on a combination of factors, including your body’s natural aging process, whether you start or grow a family after your procedure, and how well you care for your breasts post-surgery. Typically, most women will start noticing changes in their breasts after 10 to 15 years, though that doesn’t mean they stop enjoying their results.

Some patients will choose to have a secondary procedure to correct sagging or skin laxity, while others are content with how their body has aged. While your breasts will still change over time, they will still look younger and better than they would have without surgery.

Our practice uses GalaFlex®, an “internal bra” to support the breasts and extend your results. This natural mesh structure dissolves after 12 to 18 months but not before stimulating collagen and elastin production for more youthful and resilient breast tissue.

Factors Affecting Breast Lift Longevity

Different factors can affect your breasts’ appearance over time, including:

Weight Gain or Loss

Significant weight fluctuations can change the size and shape of your breasts, potentially leading to stretched, lax skin. Maintaining a relatively stable weight can help you preserve your breast lift results for longer.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Common questions that arise during a breast lift consultation include, “Can you breastfeed after a breast lift?” or “How long after a breast lift can I get pregnant?” The good news is this: most breast lift techniques preserve the milk ducts and nerves to allow breastfeeding to be possible, and the surgery has no impact on fertility or the ability to get pregnant.

However, pregnancy and nursing can compromise your breast lift results due to the significant physical changes that motherhood brings. If possible, we advise you to wait until your family is complete before undergoing a breast lift.

Aging

As we age, our skin loses elasticity. The breasts may start to sag again and develop excess folds of skin. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper skin care and exercise, can help you look younger for longer.

If you have chosen to combine your breast lift with implants, you may find that the extra weight from the implants exacerbates sagging. Since implants need to be exchanged every 10 to 20 years, having a second breast lift performed during that time could help extend the life of your results.

Surgical Technique

The skill and experience of your surgeon can significantly affect the longevity of your results. A well-performed surgery with appropriate incision techniques and suture placement can lead to longer-lasting results and higher satisfaction over time.

Learn more about how to get the best results from your breast lift in our related blog post.

Post-Operative Care

Following all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial for a safe, smooth recovery. These instructions may include wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending all follow-up appointments. Proper care from the beginning can minimize the risk of complications and contribute to the longevity of your results.

How To Prolong Your Breast Lift Results

We recommend the following tips to help you maximize your breast lift results:

• Maintain a stable weight
• Protect your skin using sunscreen and limit sun exposure
• Moisturize your chest area to prevent premature skin aging
• Wear supportive bras regularly, especially during physical activities, to reduce the stress on your breasts
• Support your overall health with regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Speak with your surgeon if you plan to have more children or experience significant life changes for guidance on preserving your results

Take the Next Step

A breast lift can restore a woman’s confidence and give her the shapely contours she desires. While it isn’t a permanent solution, the results can be enjoyed for several years (or indefinitely, depending on personal preference).

If you are ready to explore what a breast lift can do for you, please request a consultation or call us at (914) 423-9000 to get started.