Breast Lift

Breast Lift in Houston

Gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding and time all pull in the same direction, and at some point, even the best genetics can’t keep up. If your breasts have lost their shape or position and you’re ready to do something about it, a breast lift (mastopexy) with Dr. Paul Vitenas can restore a firmer, more youthful contour. With over 35 years of experience and more than 10,000 breast surgeries performed, Dr. Vitenas is one of Houston’s most trusted surgeons for natural-looking breast lift results.

35+ Years of Experience

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10,000+ Breast Surgeries Performed

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Breast Lift Surgery in Houston: What You Need to Know

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that raises and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness, volume or position over time. The surgery works by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue and repositioning the nipple-areola complex higher on the breast mound. According to the ASPS Procedural Statistics Report, more than 153,000 breast lifts were performed in the U.S. in 2024, making it one of the five most popular cosmetic surgeries in the country.

A breast lift does not significantly alter the size of your breasts. It changes where they sit and how they’re shaped. For women who want added volume along with a lift, Dr. Vitenas often combines mastopexy with breast augmentation, a procedure known as augmentation mastopexy. And for women whose breasts are heavy enough to cause discomfort, combining a lift with breast reduction may be the better option.

Before & Afters

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What Are the Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery?

The changes that come from a breast lift go beyond aesthetics. Women who come to Dr. Vitenas for mastopexy frequently mention that sagging has affected their clothing choices, their comfort during exercise and how they feel in their own skin. Some of the most common benefits include:

A More Youthful Breast Position

Mastopexy lifts the breast mound back to a higher, firmer position on the chest wall, reversing the effects of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and aging.

Properly Positioned Nipples

Downward-pointing or low-sitting nipples are repositioned to a more natural location on the newly shaped breast.

Improved Symmetry

If one breast hangs lower than the other or differs in shape, a breast lift can create better balance between the two sides.

Better Proportions

Lifted, well-positioned breasts can complement your overall frame and make clothes fit the way you want them to.

Long-Lasting Results

With a stable weight and healthy habits, the results of a breast lift can hold up beautifully for many years.

Am I a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if you’ve noticed that your breasts sag or have lost their shape, your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease, your skin has stretched and your areolas have become enlarged. These changes are common after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations or simply as part of the natural aging process.

Good candidates should be in overall good health, nonsmokers (or willing to quit before and after surgery) and at a stable weight. If you’re planning a future pregnancy, Dr. Vitenas may recommend waiting until afterward, since pregnancy can stretch the tissues again and affect your results.

For women with minimal sagging who primarily want more fullness, breast implants alone may be enough. During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will evaluate your anatomy and recommend the approach that makes the most sense.

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Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Do You Need?

This is one of the most common questions women ask when considering breast surgery. The simplest way to think about it: a breast lift changes position and shape, while breast augmentation changes size and volume. If your breasts have adequate volume but sit lower than you’d like or have lost their shape, a lift is likely what you need. If you’ve lost volume and want fuller breasts, augmentation may be the answer. And if you’re dealing with sagging plus a loss of fullness, combining the two procedures gives Dr. Vitenas the ability to address everything in one surgery.

He’ll help you sort this out during your consultation. Bringing reference photos of the look you’re going for can be helpful, since it gives Dr. Vitenas a clearer picture of your preferences.

The Dr. Vitenas Experience: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Your Consultation: Every Breast Lift Journey Begins Here

Dr. Vitenas will examine your breast size, shape, skin quality and nipple position, then begin a dialogue to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve. He’ll review before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns so you can visualize what’s possible, and he’ll recommend the surgical plan that will produce the best result for your body. You’ll also discuss pricing, financing and scheduling with your patient coordinator.

Pre-Op: How Should I Prepare for My Breast Lift?

Stop smoking, avoid medications and supplements that thin the blood, and complete any lab work needed for medical clearance. You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Surgery Day: What Happens During a Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in Dr. Vitenas’ AAAASF-accredited surgical center. The procedure typically takes two to three hours. Dr. Vitenas most often uses an inverted-T (anchor) incision pattern, which allows for the most thorough reshaping and lifting. This most often involves incisions around the areola, vertically from the areola to the breast crease and horizontally along the crease itself, however, the incision pattern is determined by each patient’s unique anatomy and the degree of lift that is required for the desire results.

Through these incisions, Dr. Vitenas removes excess skin, reshapes the underlying breast tissue and repositions the nipple-areola complex, often making it smaller in diameter, to sit naturally on the newly lifted breast. The remaining skin is tightened around the new shape and closed with fine sutures. Dr. Vitenas also uses a long-acting local anesthetic so that most patients wake up with tightness but minimal pain. You’ll head home the same day with detailed post-op instructions.

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Breast Lift Recovery Timeline

A breast lift has relatively little downtime compared to many other breast procedures. Here’s what recovery generally looks like:

Days 1-3

Tightness, mild discomfort and some swelling are normal. Most patients manage well with prescription medication for the first day or two, then switch to Tylenol.

Days 3-7

Many patients feel well enough to return to desk work within two to three days. You’ll still need to avoid lifting and any strenuous activity.

Weeks 2-6

Swelling and bruising subside. By six weeks, most patients are cleared to resume exercise and normal activities. Your breasts will begin settling into their final position.

Months 3-12

Final results become visible around the three-month mark as the breasts fully settle. Scars continue to refine for up to 12 months, gradually fading into thin, soft lines.

You’ll have regular follow-ups with Dr. Vitenas throughout your breast lift recovery, and our team is always available between appointments.

“When a woman comes to me for a breast lift, the goal isn’t to change who she is. It’s to give her back the shape and confidence that time or motherhood may have shifted. The best results are the ones where she looks in the mirror and thinks, ‘That’s me again, only better.’”

- Dr. Vitenas

Why Dr. Vitenas Is Houston’s Leading Breast Lift Surgeon

Dr. Vitenas has spent the majority of his career performing breast surgery, and his eye for proportion and balance is what sets his results apart. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in craniofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and cosmetic surgery. His AAAASF-accredited facility at 4208 Richmond Avenue in Houston houses consultation rooms, operating suites and recovery spaces under one roof, so you see the same team from start to finish. Dr. Vitenas has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, a Texas Super Doctor and Houston’s Best Facial Plastic Surgeon by Modern Luxury Magazine.

“Throughout my training, I’ve seen it all, and I’ve learned how to create the best result for my patients. My goal has always been to enhance each patient’s natural beauty, ensuring they look their best today and for decades to come.”

Meet Dr. Vitenas

Ready to Lift Your Spirits and Your Shape?

If breast sagging or loss of shape has been on your mind, a consultation with Dr. Vitenas is the best place to start. He’ll evaluate your anatomy, answer your questions and recommend a plan that makes sense for your goals. Contact us today to book your appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a breast lift cost in Houston?

The starting cost of a breast lift with Dr. Vitenas is $13,000. This is an all-inclusive price covering surgeon fees, anesthesia, the surgical facility and all follow-up care. If you choose to combine your lift with breast augmentation or another procedure, the cost will adjust accordingly. Financing through CareCredit, Cherry and Alphaeon Credit is available.

Will a breast lift help with back pain?

In some cases, significantly heavy, sagging breasts can contribute to upper back, neck and shoulder pain. By lifting and redistributing the weight of breast tissue, a mastopexy may help alleviate discomfort in these areas.

How long after a breast lift can I sleep on my side?

You’ll need to sleep on your back for the first few days after surgery to avoid putting pressure on the breasts. Once initial healing has taken place, you can gradually return to sleeping on your side or abdomen. Dr. Vitenas will provide detailed post-op instructions on sleeping positions.

Does weight gain alter breast lift results?

Significant weight gain or fluctuation after your breast lift could affect your results. It may stretch out the skin and cause the breasts to droop over time. Maintaining a steady weight is ideal for preserving your lifted breast contour in the long term.

How will a breast lift affect nipple sensation?

You may experience numbness or changes in nipple sensitivity after surgery. This is usually temporary. Normal sensation typically returns within a couple of months as the nerves heal. Be sure to communicate any changes with Dr. Vitenas during your follow-up visits.

Will a breast lift leave visible scars?

Yes, a breast lift does produce scars, typically around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease and along the crease itself. Dr. Vitenas places incisions carefully to keep them as concealed as possible. Scars continue to mature for up to 12 months after surgery, gradually becoming flatter, softer and lighter in color.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

Some women can breastfeed successfully after mastopexy, while others may have difficulty. If future breastfeeding is a priority, discuss this with Dr. Vitenas during your consultation so he can factor it into your surgical plan.

How long do breast lift results last?

With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the lifted contour and improved shape from a breast lift can last for many years. Gravity and natural aging will continue to have some effect over time, but your breasts should never return to the degree of sagging you had before surgery.

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Breast Lift in Houston

Breast Lift Surgery in Houston: What You Need to Know

Before & Afters

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