Breast Lift San Francisco | Breast Reduction
Cosmetic breast surgery is a deeply personal choice, as each woman will have a unique vision for what looks and feels right on her body. If you’re looking to reduce, reshape, or reposition your breasts, you may be interested in a breast lift or breast reduction. Both procedures offer powerful ways to improve the appearance of your breasts and can enhance your quality of life.
Whether your breasts have always been low on your chest, have sagged over time due to gravity, age, or pregnancy-related changes, or have changed in shape due to breastfeeding, weight loss, or weight fluctuations, a breast lift can help restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing shape. The procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the skin envelope around the breast tissue, which elevates the position of the breasts and nipples on the chest. This results in a lifted and rejuvenated appearance.
Breast reduction may offer the ideal solution for those who feel their breasts are too large or heavy, and are seeking a smaller breast size that is more proportionate to their frame. Whether the result of natural growth over time, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or fluctuations in weight, overly large breasts can impose a physical burden, cause discomfort, and limit participation in physical activities. Reducing the breasts’ size and reshaping their contours can alleviate discomfort, provide a more aesthetically pleasing look, and restore confidence.
Dr. Ginger Xu is an Ivy League-trained female plastic surgeon who will tailor her cosmetic breast surgery approach to meet your needs. If you are ready to improve your quality of life by partnering with one of San Francisco’s best breast lift and breast reduction surgeons, we invite you to schedule your private consultation today. Contact Dr. Xu online or call (415) 506-4300 to get started. She will walk you through all your options and help you make the best choice.
Why Choose Dr. Xu for Your Breast Lift or Reduction in San Francisco?
As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Xu understands the relationship between how your breast appearance may affect how you feel as a woman, and she looks forward to working with you to achieve your unique sense of feminine confidence.
Succeeding in the competitive field of plastic surgery requires compassion, attention to detail, gifted hands, an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, and a genuine motivation to help other people. Dr. Xu felt drawn to become a board-certified plastic surgeon because of the breadth, artistry, and creative complexity required to provide natural-looking results.
At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we believe in the concept of “soft, gentle beauty.” This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of our practice, from our sophisticated and refined approach to our attention to detail. Under the expert care of Dr. Xu, you can trust that we will do everything we can to help you achieve your desired outcome and also have an entirely natural appearance. The goal of Dr. Xu’s breast surgeries is never to create an overdone look. Instead, her aim is to achieve a natural, but enhanced breast appearance that is in harmony with the rest of the body.
What Is a Breast Lift?
Medically known as a mastopexy, a breast lift creates a more youthful silhouette by repositioning the breasts and nipples to sit higher on the chest. This procedure tightens breast tissue that has begun to sag due to age, pregnancy, weight changes, and breastfeeding by removing excess skin along artfully designed incisions, which allows Dr. Xu to reshape and create your new breast contours.
Meet Dr. Ginger Xu
Dr. Xu embraces the responsibility and transformative opportunity to alter a patient’s appearance in a way that is congruent with their own values and matches a more cohesive sense of self; to realign the external with the internal; to create an improved emotional landscape and a better life. These ideals captivate and inspire her every day.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Many women seek breast lift surgery in middle age after significant weight loss or after having children. The resulting loss of skin elasticity and breast volume associated with these experiences can make your breasts look flattened or deflated, and the breasts can have downward pointing nipples that lie below the breast fold. Even without these changes, over time your breasts may slowly descend to a lower position on the chest than before. In some cases, young women in their teens and 20’s have breasts that appear elongated and stretched, as part of a familial condition, and have always been that way.
There are certain medical conditions and factors that may make a woman a less suitable candidate for breast lift surgery. Women who have a history of breast cancer, active infections or skin diseases, are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have a compromised immune system, or a bleeding disorder should avoid undergoing the procedure. It is important to have a thorough medical evaluation and a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if breast lift surgery is right for you.
What Happens During a Breast Lift?
Like other plastic surgery procedures, breast surgery techniques continue improving and evolving. The most recent innovations focus on decreasing scarring and other side effects for life-changing results.
The specific steps involved in your bespoke breast lift will vary according to your customized surgical plan. After you are safely resting under anesthesia, Dr. Xu will make one of these incision patterns and use them to elevate your breasts to sit higher on your chest wall:
- Circumareolar or donut lift (a circle around the areola)
- Lollipop or vertical lift (the above with a vertical line extending down from the areola)
- Anchor lift (the above with a horizontal line across the natural breast fold; this is shaped like an inverted T)
During your consultation, Dr. Xu will decide which incision pattern is best for you based on factors such as your breast size and shape, the degree of sagging you are experiencing, your skin elasticity, and the position of your areolas. With all breast surgery patients, Dr. Xu is careful to ensure the resulting scarring will be as inconspicuous as possible when healed.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breasts that are disproportionately large for your frame can be uncomfortable and discouraging. They can also lead to a hunched posture and chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Having oversized breasts may come between you and the lifestyle you want because they limit the physical activities you can comfortably perform and prevent you from being able to wear specific styles of clothing.
A breast reduction surgery can provide you with immediate relief from these issues by removing excess skin and breast tissue to create smaller, shapelier breasts that are a better fit for your overall frame or lifestyle goals. As a skilled breast surgeon, Dr. Xu can reduce a significant amount of volume in performing this procedure. You will also see an aesthetic re-reshaping of your breast contours, areolas, and nipple position, as a breast lift is always also a part of a breast reduction. Dr. Xu is always moved by the immense impact that this surgery can have on her patients’ quality of life. In many cases, patients no longer need to wear a bra for support after surgery. Women typically look forward to buying new, better-fitting bras though, and bra-shopping becomes a celebratory event.
After a San Francisco breast reduction, women report feeling lighter and more comfortable with their appearance. They have more freedom to move and enjoy improved self-confidence.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is suitable for women who have large or heavy breasts that are causing physical discomfort and hindering their physical activity. This can include neck, back, or shoulder pain, chafing or irritation, deep grooves in the shoulders caused by bra straps, and enlarged areolas. However, cup size doesn’t always indicate whether a woman would benefit from breast reduction surgery. Some women may prefer smaller breasts that fit their body frame even if they don’t have functional issues.
It is important to note that certain medical conditions like a history of breast cancer, active infections, pregnancy or breastfeeding, a compromised immune system or a bleeding disorder, may make a woman unsuitable for the procedure. Before undergoing the procedure, a medical evaluation and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended. Patients should have a clean medical history related to breast cancer and be up to date on screening mammograms.
What Happens During a Breast Reduction?
During a breast reduction, Dr. Xu removes excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size that is better proportioned to your body type and also in line with your goals. The amount removed can be customized to each patient’s preference to achieve your desired breast size. Similar to breast lift surgery, there are various incision types that Dr. Xu might use, including the lollipop or vertical lift, the inverted-T or anchor reduction, or the free nipple graft reduction technique.
Dr. Xu always takes the time to clearly discuss and understand your desired breast size prior to surgery; it’s never just “up to the surgeon.” The goal of this surgery is to alleviate the physical and mental discomfort associated with having excessively large breasts and restore your joy and confidence.
What Can I Expect During My Breast Lift or Breast Reduction Recovery?
Breast lift and breast reduction are outpatient procedures. Please arrange for someone to drive you home and help you around the house for at least the first 24 hours of your recovery period. You may need prescription pain medications for the first few days to manage discomfort.
Recovery varies by individual but typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, you should avoid lifting your arms above your head or doing anything strenuous. You can return to your usual activities as tolerated. Most women can go back to work after a week but must avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.
As part of her individualized approach to surgery, Dr. Xu will provide detailed instructions to ensure you have a safe and effective recovery, including how to care for your incisions and when to return for follow-up visits. Dr. Xu’s drainless breast lift and breast reduction techniques also provide a more comfortable healing experience.
Bay Area Female Plastic Surgeon
Being a female plastic surgeon allows Dr. Xu to relate to and empathize with her patients on a more personal level, especially when it comes to breast surgery. Breast appearance is a significant aspect of a woman’s physical appearance and self-esteem and can profoundly impact how she feels about herself. A female plastic surgeon is in a unique position to understand these concerns as she is also a woman and can relate to the experiences and emotions associated with breast appearance.
“As a woman, I understand what it’s like to navigate societal expectations while staying true to your goals and desires regardless of other people’s opinions. Ultimately, doing what’s right for you is the greatest act of self-care.”
Dr. Xu firmly believes that plastic surgery is an expression of self-love, body positivity, and emphasizing natural beauty. She can relate to why you may want to have a cosmetic procedure done and advise you on the best ways to reach your desired results.
Schedule Your San Francisco Breast Lift or Reduction Consultation with Dr. Xu
A plastic surgery consultation is your opportunity to meet privately with Dr. Xu, review your health history, and determine if her aesthetic philosophy aligns with yours. Together you will decide if breast surgery is a good match for your goals and lifestyle and create a unique and customized surgical plan.
If you are researching breast surgery, schedule your consultation today by connecting with us online or calling (415) 506-4300. Dr. Xu will walk you through all your available options and help you decide if surgery can help you accomplish your goals.
FAQs
Breast Lift and Reduction
Dr. Xu always performs a breast lift as part of breast reduction surgery.
Some breast lift patients may also wish to pursue a breast augmentation either with implants or a fat transfer to add targeted volume to deflated areas in the upper pole of the breasts.
Breast lift or reduction surgery can often be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction of the front bra rolls and sides. These liposuction techniques target excess fat in the surrounding areas of the breasts and can help to slim and contour the body, creating a cleaner line along the breast contours. Adding liposuction can improve the overall silhouette of the body and enhance the results of breast surgery.
Your total price will vary based on your unique surgical plan, including whether you choose to combine surgeries. Dr. Xu can give you a more accurate estimate after talking to you about your goals.
If you are healthy, a breast reduction can be appropriate at any age, before or after deciding to have a family. In most cases, breast reductions are performed on women who have reached physical maturity (approximately 18 years or older). Having a reduction procedure before that time may affect long-term surgical results, as the breasts may continue to grow.
We will provide you with detailed instructions to follow, including when to come to follow-up appointments and when you can go to work and resume your fitness regimen. We recommend planning for at least a week of downtime after breast surgery, during which you must focus on resting, practicing self-care, and sleeping on your back. Be patient with yourself, and don’t try to rush back into things too soon.
A breast lift specifically tightens your breast skin and elevates your breasts and nipples to a higher, more youthful appearing position, while a breast reduction does this in addition to making your breast size smaller by also removing extra unwanted breast tissue at the same time. Dr. Xu’s approach to both surgeries ensures results that enhance your natural beauty.
Any breast surgery has the possibility of affecting your ability to breastfeed, so if breastfeeding is of utmost importance to you, it would be best to wait until after you are finished having children. However, some women are naturally unable to breastfeed and so it’s hard to entirely predict how this surgery affects your outcomes.
If your breast size or appearance is strongly affecting your quality of life, it may be worth pursuing surgery even if you are planning to have a baby or expand your family; you just need to fully consider how pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations might affect and change your breast surgery results. Even if that happens, there is always the option to have a corrective revision procedure later. Dr. Xu can walk you through all your options.
Yes, breast implants can be added to a breast lift procedure. In fact, combining breast implants with a breast lift can be an effective way to achieve optimal results. Adding breast implants specifically creates volume and fullness to the upper region of the breasts which is a common area of deflation that cannot be addressed by a breast lift alone. The two procedures can work synergistically to improve your breast shape and position. It is important to note that small implants are an option. Sometimes even the smallest implant can create a noticeable difference and be just enough to obtain an ideal look for a patient.
Yes, much like an augmentation with breast implants, an augmentation with fat grafting can be added to a breast lift procedure. Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a natural form of breast augmentation which involves removing excess fat from one area of the body using liposuction and injecting it into another area to add volume and contour. In a patient undergoing a breast lift, a breast fat transfer can add volume and fullness to the breasts, in addition to improving their shape and contour. Fat grafting can be a particularly appealing option for patients who want to avoid the use of breast implants or who want a more natural-looking result.
During a breast lift or breast reduction, there is always the opportunity to reduce and resize the areola as the incisions for these procedures are always made around the areola; as a result, the skin and tissue surrounding the areolas may be redesigned based on each patient’s preference.