Breast Lift Indianapolis & Carmel, Indiana

At times, your reflection in the mirror might seem like a distant echo of your vibrant past. Your breasts, weathered by time, motherhood or weight changes, may have lost their youthful perkiness. Each clothing choice and glance at your silhouette can stir a longing for a figure that reflects your inner confidence and vitality.

Breast lift surgery could be the key to regaining that lost buoyancy. It reshapes and lifts sagging breasts, reviving their youthful contour. This procedure is not merely about aesthetics but also the power of self-confidence and self-love. A breast lift is an uplifting transformation that brings a physical change in celebration of your journey and your body.

Breast Lift Quick Facts

Procedure Length: 2-4 hours
Anesthesia: General
Downtime: 10-14 days
Cost: $8,000 and up

About Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a specialized plastic surgery procedure designed to combat the natural effects of aging, gravity or life events like motherhood. These factors can contribute to breast sagging (a condition known as breast ptosis) and nipples that point downward.

Your breast lift surgeon will meticulously tighten and lift your breast tissues to restore a firmer, more youthful appearance. Crucial to this transformative surgery is repositioning the nipples and areolas, lifting them along with the breast tissue for a harmonious, youthful look. Ultimately, a breast lift offers a means to regain a firmer, more youthful bust that can boost your self-confidence and comfort in your body.

Benefits of a Breast Lift

Mastopexy offers multiple benefits, both physical and emotional, including:

Lifted, more youthful and perky breasts
More round, shapely breast contour
Elevated nipple location and projection
Increased fullness in the upper portion of the breasts
Firmer breasts
Smaller areola size (if desired)
Improved self-image and self-esteem
Ability to feel more confident without a bra and in various clothing and swimsuit styles

“I had an amazing experience here! From the very first consultation appointment to all of the follow-up post-op appointments I was always met with a smile and all the ladies in the office took the time to get to know me. I never had a problem getting an appointment and when I had questions prior to the procedure, I was even able to talk to Dr. Short on the phone. I highly recommend Dr. Short and her team for any kind of breast surgery. She really took the time to find out exactly what my goal was and what my likes and dislikes were and came up with a plan to achieve that. I trusted her to give me what I wanted and she absolutely delivered!”

Aaron H.

Breast Lift Candidates

The breast lift procedure is best suited for women seeking to improve severe drooping of their breasts (ptosis). As time passes, your body starts to produce less collagen, a type of protein that keeps your skin plump, firm and tight. Therefore, ptosis often becomes more severe as we get older.

Many breast lift candidates see the first signs of sagging after childbirth and nursing due to breast size fluctuations and strain on the tissues that also diminishes collagen. Weight fluctuations can cause similar breast stretching and sagging. Unfortunately, some patients have a genetic predisposition to breast sagging and may experience it at a younger age regardless of weight changes or childbearing.

An Ideal Candidate May Have One or More of the Following Concerns:

Drooping breasts
An elongated breast shape
Breast tissue that falls below the breast crease
Loose breast skin, tissue and/or ligaments
Loss of upper breast fullness
Low nipple and areola position (nipples fall below the breast crease or point downward)
Enlarged and/or stretched areolas (the pigmented region around the nipples)
A desire for a “perkier” breast shape
A desire to wear a strapless dress and other clothing styles without a bra

Your Breast Lift Consultation

At the Gillian Institute, your initial consultation is pivotal to a successful breast lift experience. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Kimberly Short, this meeting is designed to align your unique needs and goals with the potential outcomes of the surgery.

During your consultation, Dr. Short will comprehensively evaluate your medical history, current health status and specific aesthetic desires. She will take the time to understand your expectations and help you form a realistic view of the potential results. Remember, outcomes can vary based on individual factors such as age, genetics and lifestyle, making this personalized approach crucial.

You will learn about every facet of the breast lift procedure, from the surgical techniques employed to the post-operative care and expected recovery timeline. Dr. Short’s commitment is to ensure you’re thoroughly informed and comfortable with the process.

For added convenience and flexibility, the Gillian Institute offers both in-person consultations and virtual consultations. You can choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and can rest assured that you’ll receive the same level of dedicated, individualized attention either way.

“As your breast lift surgeon, my mission is to help you unveil a rejuvenated version of yourself that reflects your vision and inner vitality. I approach every breast lift surgery as a unique journey toward restoring your youthful perkiness and reshaping your silhouette. Combining a sophisticated understanding of the female form with meticulous surgical precision, I aim to deliver results that enhance your natural beauty and boost your self-confidence. In my hands, your transformation will be crafted with the utmost care, personalized to your needs and guided by the shared vision of celebrating your individuality. My hope is to provide an experience and results that foster a more vibrant, confident you.”

Dr. Kimberly Short

Breast Lift Techniques

There are many approaches to mastopexy. The right one for you will depend on your goals and anatomy.

There are four general breast lift techniques:

Standard Mastopexy (“Lollipop Lift”)

Standard mastopexy is also known as the “lollipop” or “short scar” breast lift. It is one of the most common breast lift techniques used.

In this approach, Dr. Short creates incisions that encircle the areola and extend downward to the lower breast crease in a distinctive lollipop shape. The lollipop incision allows for strategic tightening in the inframammary crease to achieve the desired perkiness and upper pole fullness. The nipple position is also improved with this breast lift technique.

Periareolar Mastopexy

For the periareolar breast lift, the incision encircles the areola. This is the simplest approach to a breast lift, where only the nipple is elevated to a higher, perkier position on the breast.

Mini Mastopexy

For our younger patients who may only seek a subtle improvement, we offer a mini mastopexy. In this approach, the incision is placed under the bosom to tighten and remove excess skin in the lower pole of the breasts.

Wise-Pattern Mastopexy

The Wise-pattern breast lift approach is not very commonly used. It is usually reserved for the most severe cases of breast ptosis. This approach may be recommended for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

Planning the Surgery

01 PREPARATION

It’s essential to properly plan and prepare for your recovery well ahead of your surgery day. At your confidential consultation, Dr. Short or a member of her team will provide you with a personalized set of pre-op instructions that are tailored to the specifics of your case.

02 TIME OFF WORK

You will need to take seven to 10 days off from work and most physical responsibilities. After that, you’ll still need to avoid lifting more than 10 pounds until two to three weeks after your breast lift surgery.

03 CAREGIVER

You will need a caregiver for 24 to 48 hours after your breast lift. Many patients ask a friend or family member for assistance, but a nurse can be hired for a fee if needed or preferred.

What to Expect During Your Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery typically takes two to four hours to perform, which will vary based on the technique used.

Anesthesia

The breast lift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis while you are under general anesthesia. The highly experienced and trained anesthesiologists at the Gillian Institute offer a smooth anesthesia experience, with most patients waking up comfortably and without nausea. Our anesthesiologists were chosen for their exceptional abilities, and they also belong to a larger group from St. Vincent Hospital, one of the top-rated hospitals in Indianapolis.

Lifting and Reshaping the Breasts

To achieve more youthful breasts with a rounder, firmer contour, Dr. Short will lift, tighten and reshape lax skin and tissue and remove the excess. This also involves raising the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position.

The Recovery Process

After your surgery, your chest will be wrapped in light dressings. You will have bruising and swelling in the area and may experience some discomfort that can be alleviated with pain medication. Dr. Short will prescribe you a stretchy and supportive surgical bra to wear for two weeks to help resolve swelling and aid in healing.

Your first post-operative appointment will be the day after surgery, during which Dr. Short will evaluate your healing and ensure everything is going smoothly.

Incision and Scar Care

Skin glue adhesive or steri-strips are applied to the incisions and will remain intact for two weeks. Scar treatment options are available at your two-week appointment. Extensive taping of the breast incisions is recommended for the first six to eight weeks to prevent severe scarring.

Activity Restrictions

You may resume light activity after 10 to 14 days of recovery. You can return to aerobic activity six weeks after surgery.

Your Breast Lift Results

Immediately following the surgery, you will notice a significant change in the shape and position of your breasts. They will appear higher, firmer and more youthful, with the nipples repositioned to align harmoniously with your new breast shape. However, it’s important to understand that these initial results will be somewhat obscured by post-operative swelling and the presence of surgical dressings and support garments.

The final results of a breast lift gradually reveal themselves as the body heals. This process usually takes several weeks to months. By around three to six months post-surgery, most swelling should have resolved, and your breasts will have settled into their new, uplifted position. By this time, the incision lines will also have begun to fade, although complete fading can take up to two years.

The ultimate aim of a breast lift is not just achieving aesthetically pleasing results but also enhancing your self-confidence and comfort. It’s a deeply personal journey, and the final results are not just seen but also felt in a renewed sense of self.

“I cannot speak more highly of my experience at the Gillian Institute! The staff is incredibly friendly and Dr. Short’s skill and perfectionism are exactly what you want in a plastic surgeon. I had a tummy tuck and breast lift after losing 100+ lbs and you’d never know it after Dr. Short’s touch. […] I couldn’t be happier and definitely recommend her over all the other surgeons with whom I consulted.”

Carla A.

Why Dr. Short Is Indianapolis’ Top Breast Lift Surgeon

Dr. Kimberly Short, our founder and chief plastic surgeon, has exceptional talent in the field of plastic surgery that has rightfully earned her the reputation as a leading Indianapolis breast lift surgeon. With the precision of a surgeon, the eye of an artist and the understanding touch of a woman, she brings a unique blend of skills to her practice.

A native of Indiana and a product of Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Short’s educational background and rigorous surgical training at Butterworth Hospital have grounded her expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Her unrelenting pursuit of perfection and the desire to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of cosmetic surgery led her to complete numerous fellowships. She sought and completed advanced training from the leading national and international experts in breast, body and facial rejuvenation procedures.

As an active member of prestigious associations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Aesthetic Society and the Association of Women Surgeons, she’s not just a part of the conversation — she’s helping to shape it. From being a consultant for the National Council of Leaders for Breast Aesthetics to speaking on advanced aesthetic techniques, Dr. Short’s influence reverberates throughout the field of cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Short’s refined aesthetic sensibility, dedicated pursuit of advanced training and steadfast commitment to her patients make her the top choice for those seeking a breast lift in Indianapolis.

Schedule a Consultation

The uplifted, shapely breasts of your dreams are closer than you might think. To learn more about breast lift surgery and how it can benefit you, contact the Gillian Institute by filling out our convenient online contact form. You can also get in touch by calling our Downtown Indianapolis office at (317) 787-3260 or our Northside location at (317) 913-3260. We look forward to hearing from you!

As the regional leader in breast enhancement procedures, the Gillian Institute for Plastic, Aesthetic and Laser Surgery is not just a clinic but, rather, a welcoming environment for self-discovery and transformation. Guided by Dr. Short’s dedication to patient comfort and satisfaction, we strive to make your experience with us safe and uplifting every step of the way.

Breast Lift FAQs

How do I know if I need a breast lift?

Many women seek breast lift surgery if they are bothered by their sagging breasts. They may also have nipples that droop down, potentially below the crease at the bottom of their breasts (inframammary crease) and/or enlarged areolas.

Of course, the final decision to pursue plastic surgery is yours alone. A consultation with an experienced breast lift surgeon can help you learn all of the benefits and risks to make an informed decision.

Is there an ideal age for breast lift surgery?

While healthy adults of all ages can undergo breast lift surgery, the ideal age typically ranges from 25 to 50 years old. If you are older than 50, you have a slightly reduced chance of being a good candidate for this procedure. This is because with age comes natural changes and increased health risks that could potentially affect surgical outcomes and recovery.

Older individuals might have a higher risk of complications from anesthesia or surgery, a slower healing process or medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure that could complicate surgery and recovery. Skin elasticity, which is crucial for the best aesthetic results, also decreases with age. This could potentially lead to less satisfactory results or a shorter duration of the effect of the surgery as continued aging and sagging occur.

These factors, however, are highly individual, and there’s no universal age cutoff for plastic surgery. Each patient should have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Short to evaluate their health, understand their aesthetic goals and assess the risks and benefits of the procedure.

How much does a breast lift cost in Indiana?

We know that our patients appreciate our straightforward approach to pricing. At the Gillian Institute, we like to keep things transparent so that our patients know exactly what to expect. Our breast lift surgery cost starts at $8,000. The exact price of your mastopexy will depend on the specifics of your case.

To see which approach best suits you and determine your specific pricing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Short. We also invite you to check out our financing options and watch our specials page for exclusive saving opportunities.

Will breast lift surgery affect my nipple sensitivity?

Breast lift surgery can potentially affect nipple sensitivity, at least temporarily. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon may need to reposition the nipple and areola, which can involve cutting around these areas. This process may impact the nerves, leading to changes in sensation. However, Dr. Short uses gentle, nipple-sparing techniques that minimize trauma to these tissues and nerves whenever possible.

For some women, nipple sensitivity may decrease immediately after the surgery, while others may experience increased sensitivity. In most cases, these changes are temporary, and sensitivity typically returns to normal as the nerves recover during the healing process. However, while rare, there are cases where changes in nipple sensitivity can be permanent.

Can I combine my breast lift with other procedures for enhanced results?

Our patients at the Gillian Institute may choose to pair their breast lift with either a breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery to sculpt their ideal chest. Body contouring procedures like liposuction and a tummy tuck are also commonly combined with breast lift surgery. At your consultation, Dr. Short can advise you on the details of combining procedures and recommend the ideal course of action for your surgery.