Breast Lift Procedure Steps
What steps are taken during breast lift surgery? A breast lift can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The certain technique for our patients will be determined based on:
- Bust size and the current shape of the breast
- The areola size and location
- Amount of breast sagging
- Excess skin and elasticity found in the breasts
Step 1 – Anesthesia
To assure patent comfort during this procedure, the proper medications will be given. Our patients will have the option between intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Spindel will recommend the appropriate form of anesthesia for each patient.
Step 2 – The incision
There are three common incision patterns:
Around the Areola


Around the Areola and Vertically Down from the Areola to the Breast Crease


Around the Areola, Vertically Down from the Breast Crease and Horizontally Along the Breast Crease


Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts
After Dr. Spindel performs the incisions:
- The breast tissue will be lifted and reshaped to improve the contour of the breast and how the breast feels.
- The nipple and areola is then repositioned to a more natural looking height.
- If the areolas are too large, they will be reduced by removing the excess skin at the perimeter.
- Excess skin is removed to make up for the loss of skin elasticity.
Step 4 – Closing the incisions
After the breasts are re-positioned, reshaped and excess skin is removed, the incisions are closed causing the remaining skin to tighten. There will be minor scarring, but most incision lines are well concealed in the natural breast contours. Scars are permanent, but will improve overtime and if needed can be treated to reduce visibility.
Sutures are usually deeply layered within the tissue of the breast in order to create support for the newly shaped breasts. There are numerous materials that can be used to close the incision. These materials include: Sutures, skin adhesives, and surgical tape.
Step 5 – See the results
The results from the breast lift procedure are immediately visible. There will be a certain amount of swelling and soreness that occur after surgery, but post-surgical soreness and swelling will resolve with time. The healing process may take several weeks or months before. Recovery time will be different for each individual. Satisfaction with the procedural results will continue to improve with time.

Dr. Michael R. Spindel, M.D.
St. Mary’s Outpatient Center • 2860 3rd Ave #220 • Huntington, WV 25702
Call Us: 304.697.5272
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm