Breast Lift Surgery in Overland Park, KC

Kansas City Plastic Surgeon serving Overland Park, Leawood & Nearby Areas of Kansas & Missouri

woman in black bra lifting her breasts

A breast lift or “mastopexy” procedure is performed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). If you would be interested in having the size of your breasts enlarged while having them lifted and reshaped, we recommend that you consider combining your breast lift with a breast augmentation, both of which can be accomplished with a single procedure.

Many patients after breastfeeding lose breast volume and wish to have this replaced. If only a small amount of sagging is present, a breast augmentation procedure alone may be all that is necessary. If your breasts are very large, a breast reduction procedure can be performed at the same time.

For more information about breast lift, augmentation, and other cosmetic breast surgery options, please call Advanced Cosmetic Surgery at 913-341-2188 for a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Levi Young serves patients throughout the Kansas City area, including Leawood.

Does a Breast Lift also increase the size?

No. Breast lifts do not increase breast size; breast lifts simply bring the breasts back to a higher position on the chest, hence the “lift” moniker. Breast lifts bring more of the breast mass back to a higher position on the chest, more akin to where it was before sagging and flattening occurred. Breast lifts can actually make you decrease bra size by one cup. This isn’t because the breasts are smaller; it’s because the breast mass isn’t accumulating at the bottom of the cup.

If you want to increase the size of your breasts, in addition to elevating them, you need to have Dr. Young place breast implants during your breast lift procedure. This adds volume, especially in the upper breasts. Adding implants during this procedure is actually quite easy, as Dr. Young can use the incisions he has made for your breast lift to place the implants. Plus, you only have a single recovery period for what, in effect, are two procedures.

Infographic: Breast Lift with Implants

The Consultation

At the initial consultation, it is important to discuss what exactly you are wanting in regards to nipple position and breast size. We will examine your breast to assess the tone of your skin, areolar size, and quality of your breast tissue. If you are 35 years old or older, you should have had a recent mammogram prior to surgery. Providing photos of the look you want to achieve is helpful.

Are there any risks to the procedure?

Breast lifts are involved surgical procedures. There are the usual risks involved with any surgery: poor wound healing, infection, excessive bleeding, reaction to general anesthesia, and the like. For the breast lift, there is a risk of loss of nipple and/or breast sensation, as the nipples usually are moved. This usually passes as the nerves adjust over time. If you’ve opted to have augmentation, this doesn’t add any additional risk to the surgery.

This is because the incisions are already made, and Dr. Young can insert the implants through those incisions. There are the later risks of augmentation that include capsular contracture, implant rupture, and rippling, but those are long-term risks and are not related to the surgery.

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What do I need to do to prepare for a Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery with Dr. Young is major surgery, so you’ll need to prepare as you would with any surgery. We will have you stop taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and most herbal supplements one week prior to your surgery. These can all cause increased bleeding, which also leads to increased bruising and swelling. If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to stop for two weeks prior to and following your surgery, as smoking constricts the blood vessels, and this impedes healing. We advise our breast lift patients to plan for their recovery when thinking about necessary preparations.

You’ll want to prepare a cozy recovery nest, as you’ll need to lay low for the first few days after your surgery. Have plenty of pillows, blankets, and all the entertainment you need. Also plan on having someone around to help with meals and anything around the house. Remember, you’ll have to limit the amount you lift for a few weeks, so be cognizant of that.

The Procedure

What Are the Steps of a Breast Lift Procedure?

The breast lift procedure is a full process, but each step is essential to helping patients achieve their ideal breast position. When undergoing a breast lift procedure, you can expect to go through the following steps:

  1. Consultation: At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, each potential patient will go through a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Young. The consultation is a perfect time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. Dr. Young will also spend this time determining if you are a qualified candidate for a breast lift.
  2. Anesthesia: On the day of your surgery and at the beginning of your procedure, you will be given IV sedation augmented with local anesthesia to help you remain comfortable and pain-free during your breast lift.
  3. Incisions: Dr. Young will begin making incisions depending on the surgical technique that best benefits your breasts.
  4. Reshaping: After making incisions, Dr. Young will then lift your breast tissue to contour the breasts and improve firmness, giving them a more youthful, secure, and lifted look. 
  5. Closing the incisions: Once your breasts are in their proper position, Dr. Young will close the incisions with the least amount of scarring possible. 
  6. Recovery & Results: The new position of your breasts will be immediately visible after your procedure. However, your recovery period may take time. Following Dr. Young’s aftercare guidelines will ensure a successful recovery.

What Are the Different Types of Breast Lift Techniques?

The breast lift procedure can be performed through many different patterns and techniques. Drawing from years of experience, Dr. Young customizes each breast lift procedure to the needs of each patient, utilizing the surgical technique that will help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

These surgical techniques include:

TheCrescent Lift:

If you have a small amount of skin sagging to correct, Dr. Young may perform your breast lift using the “crescent lift” technique. This technique involves a small crescent-shaped incision to the top of the areola. This is mostly used when a patient is also having breast augmentation.

The Peri-Areolar or “Donut” Lift:

If you experience mild sagging, the “donut lift,” which involves a circular incision around the areola, will be beneficial. It can also help reduce areola size.

The Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift:

The “lollipop lift” is the most commonly used surgical technique for breast lifts. This technique requires the removal of excess skin, which allows for optimal reshaping of the entire breast. Scars from this technique can easily be hidden. This technique can also correct moderate sagging.

The Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift: 

The “anchor lift” will be the most beneficial surgical technique for you if you are someone who has significant sagging and has an excess amount of skin around their breasts. This technique involves three incisions, which end up resembling an inverted letter “T.” Although this technique may come with minimal scarring, it can easily be used for patients who also need a breast reduction.

Which Breast Lift Technique Is Right for Me?

Not every breast lift technique is the right fit for every patient, but at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to helping every patient achieve their goal. That’s why Dr. Young takes great care to consider your current breast size, physicality, and overall breast lift goals to determine the proper surgical technique for you. 

Finding the right surgical technique can be based on the following factors:

  • Breast size
  • Breast shape
  • The size and position of your areolas
  • Breast sagging
  • Skin quality
  • Skin elasticity
  • Extra skin

The Recovery

Day of Surgery

You will spend 1-2 hours in the Recovery Room. Bring a pillow to place between you and the seat belt. Wear a shirt that buttons or zips up the front to allow easier dressing. A family member or friend will need to drive you home. Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated to reduce swelling.

Day 1 After Surgery

It is not uncommon to notice drainage from your incision. You may resume light activity. You may notice more pain and swelling on one side. Asymmetry during the healing process is normal.

Days 2-7 After Surgery

Shower today but do not remove the incision tape. You may wear a front closure sports bra while laundering the surgical bra. Tapering off of the pain medication usually begins by day 4 or 5. A 1-week post-op appointment should be made.

After 1st Week

Pain and swelling improve. You may return to work and light activities. Steri strips will begin to come off the second week after surgery. Cardio exercise may begin at the 2nd week but avoid arm exercises.

After 1st Month

After this visit, you will have no restrictions after 6 weeks. Swelling will continue to decrease.

The Results

The goal of these procedures with Dr. Young is to reverse the sagging and flattening that have occurred due to aging and possibly having children. This surgery brings your breasts back up to a higher position on the chest. This reverses the sagging that has brought more and more of the breast volume to the bottom of the breast.

Lifts are very satisfying procedures for women whose breasts have become pendulous. They can downsize enlarged areolae. They can take nipples that may be pointing downward and bring them back to their natural higher position. And if you’ve opted to have Dr. Young add implants, you’ll gain a curvier figure at the same time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Breast Lift Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Yes, a breast lift can be combined with other breast enhancement procedures, such as breast augmentations or breast reductions. A breast lift may also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction during full-body makeover treatments like the mommy makeover. Combining surgeries can reduce recovery time and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

What kind of scarring should I expect from a Breast Lift?

Scarring will be a part of these procedures, as the incisions are somewhat lengthy. But you’ll be surprised at how they fade with time. The anchor incision will create the most scarring, as you would assume. The best advice for managing or attempting to minimize the appearance of your scars is to leave the silicone wound dressings in place until Dr. Young removes them at your follow-up. Also, always wearing your surgical bra and then your support bra during the first 4-6 weeks is critical. This eliminates any pressure on your incisions, which keeps the scars as narrow as possible.

It also helps eliminate some of the redness. Topical scar-minimizing treatments keep the area moisturized and help to minimize the appearance of the scars. SkinMedica makes one such product called Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline. Lightly massaging your scars can help them heal more smoothly. But you cannot do this too early and put stress on your incisions. Ask Dr. Young when massage could be appropriate, along with the proper technique.

Will my Breasts have any sagging after the procedure?

No. Breast reduction downsizes and firms up overly large natural breasts. A breast reduction is a similar procedure to a breast lift, but a reduction removes breast tissue in addition to loose sagging skin. You can think of a breast reduction as achieving the same results as a breast lift while also downsizing the breasts.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The cost of a breast lift varies according to a patient’s needs and desired end results. Additional costs, such as anesthesia and hospital fees, will also influence the final price. Dr. Young takes pride in offering affordable surgery to all of his patients, and he will be happy to provide you with a total cost of a breast left after your consultation. 

How Long Will the Results From a Breast Lift Last?



On average, the results from a breast lift can last between 10 and 15 years. However, lifestyle choices and genetics play a role in the longevity of your results. Weight fluctuations and pregnancy can affect the results, so it is important to both maintain a healthy weight and complete your family planning prior to having a breast lift. Rapid weight gain and loss may result in premature sagging, even after a lift. 

How Can I Lift My Breasts Without Surgery?



While it is possible to tighten the muscles underneath your chest, it is not possible to lift your breasts non-surgically. You can, however, do things to ward off sagging, which include maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.

There are also many supportive bras that can give an elevated appearance to your breasts; to restore a natural lift and shape of your breasts, plastic surgery is necessary.

What Do I Do if My Breasts Start To Sag Again?


If your breasts start to sag, it is impossible to have a revision breast lift. Dr. Young will assess your breasts and discuss all of your options to help lift your breasts.

A great review for Kansas City plastic surgeon Dr. Levi Young

Schedule a Client Consultation Today

If you are interested in learning more about Breast Lifts, please contact our office by calling 913-341-2188 to schedule a consultation today!