Post-Weight-Loss Breast Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR

A post-weight-loss breast lift is a procedure that can restore a more sculpted and contoured appearance to the breasts after losing a significant amount of weight.

Losing weight is a significant achievement, regardless of the means. However, many women find that their skin loses its elasticity and their breasts start to take on a deflated or sagged appearance. (1) With a post-weight-loss breast lift, you can attain a more natural silhouette that aligns with the efforts and dedication you have put towards yourself.

Dr. Quita Lopez is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Aesthetic Laser Center who offers a full array of cosmetic and medical spa services to rejuvenate and refresh your appearance. Dr. Lopez honed her expertise by undergoing extensive, specialized training and working with national and international pioneers in her field.

To learn more about how you can benefit from this procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation online or call (503) 353-0888.

About Post-Weight-Loss Breast Lifts

A post-weight-loss breast lift is a procedure that Dr. Lopez can perform to recontour the chest after you have lost a significant amount of weight. Breast lifts, also known as mastopexies, remove excess breast tissue and elevate the position of the breasts to improve their shape without altering their natural volume. (2) Dr. Lopez may also perform this procedure to reshape and reposition your nipples, creating a more symmetrical and balanced appearance overall.

Benefits

There are several benefits you can experience when undergoing a post-weight loss breast lift. They include:

  • Recontoured Breast: The primary benefit of this procedure is achieving more sculpted and shapely breasts.
  • Smoother Skin: This procedure removes redundant skin and tissue from the breast mound.
  • Enhanced Proportions: Undergoing a post-weight-loss breast lift can create a more balanced look between your head, breasts, and body.
  • Repositioned Nipples: Dr. Lopez can perform this procedure to restore a more proportionate, symmetrical, and centralized look to the nipples.
  • Tailored Treatment Plan: Dr. Lopez will customize each aspect of your procedure according to your natural anatomy and aesthetic goals.
  • Lasting Results: When you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, your results can last for several years to come.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for a post-weight-loss breast lift if your breasts have taken on a deflated or sagged appearance due to the effects of weight loss or pregnancy, and you wish to address them to achieve a more contoured and sculpted appearance.

To undergo this procedure, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should have completed your weight loss journey and possess a stable weight you can maintain long-term. You should also no longer have any plans to have children or breastfeed. Dr. Lopez will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to restoring your breasts is attending a personal consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Lopez will explain what the procedure consists of, review your medical history, and discuss your aesthetic goals. She will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your breast anatomy, tissue quality, and skin condition.

Dr. Lopez will use this information alongside your goals to confirm your candidacy and start creating your treatment plan. She will determine what incision pattern to use and how much tissue to remove. Depending on your desired results, she may also suggest pairing your procedure with another.

If you are ready to schedule this procedure and start working towards more sculpted and shapely breasts, we invite you to contact us online or call (503) 353-0888. We offer consultations at both our Lake Oswego and Woodburn offices.

Preparation

After you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Lopez and her team will give you a set of detailed preparation instructions. We ask that you follow each one, as they can elevate your procedure, recovery, and results. They include:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Discontinue using any medications or supplements that may contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Preparing Time Away: Arrange to take a step away from your professional and personal responsibilities and commitments.
  • Arranging At-Home Care: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home from your procedure and stay with you for the first few days afterwards.
  • Running Errands: Pick up any medications you will need as you heal and rearrange your home to ensure it is a comfortable recovery environment.
  • Ceasing Your Substances: Stop consuming any nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your appointment, as these substances can lead to certain complications developing.

Procedure

Dr. Lopez performs each breast lift on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. The exact duration of your procedure will vary depending on its complexity, but you can expect it to last several hours. Dr. Lopez will begin by placing incisions around the breasts using one of two techniques: the vertical technique or the anchor technique.

  • Vertical Technique: The vertical technique places one incision around the perimeter of the areola before placing a second incision that extends vertically downward towards the bottom of the breast.
  • Anchor Technique: The anchor technique builds off of the vertical technique, but places a third incision that extends horizontally across the breast crease.

After Dr. Lopez has accessed the necessary tissues, she will reposition your breasts to a higher position on the chest. She will reshape the breast mound and remove any redundant breast skin and tissues. If necessary, she will also reshape and reposition your areolas and nipples to a more proportionate and central location. Once she has completed your corrections, she will close your incisions and transfer you to a recovery suite to rest.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will need to take some time to yourself to focus on healing. Dr. Lopez recommends incorporating light walks and gentle movements into your routine as soon as you feel well enough to. You will be able to return to desk work and other light activities after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks, but demanding tasks or heavy lifting should continue to be avoided until you have achieved a full recovery.

Throughout this time, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and general tenderness around the treated areas. These effects will subside on their own with time, but you may also manage them using prescribed medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Lopez will also provide you with a supportive bra to wear.

You will be given a set of postoperative instructions to guide you through your recovery. They will direct you on how to care for your incisions, mitigate your side effects, and return to your routine. If any questions arise, Dr. Lopez and her team will be available to guide and support you.

Results

Your results will vary, but once they develop, you can expect more shapely and rounded breasts, smoother skin, improved proportions, and more even contours—each of which can contribute to a more sculpted and defined silhouette overall. Your nipples may also appear more proportionate, symmetrical, and centralized.

The results of a post-weight-loss breast lift are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. To preserve them, Dr. Lopez recommends maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits.

Cost of Post-Weight-Loss Breast Lift in Portland, Oregon

The cost of your post-weight-loss breast lift will vary depending on a combination of different factors. These include the extent of your corrections, the surgical techniques Dr. Lopez employs, whether she combines your procedure with another, and more. Once she has established each of these details with you, she will provide you with an inclusive pricing estimate.

FAQ

Can a post-weight-loss breast lift help me lose weight?

No, it cannot. This procedure addresses sagging skin left after losing weight, and patients must have already achieved a stable goal weight as part of their candidacy.

What type of anesthesia will Dr. Lopez use when performing my post-weight-loss breast lift?

Dr. Lopez will perform your post-weight-loss breast lift using general anesthesia. This means that you will be comfortably asleep throughout the entire experience.

How long will it take for me to recover after my post-weight-loss breast lift?

Your recovery timeline will vary depending on several factors

How will I know if I am a candidate for a post-weight-loss breast lift?

Attending a consultation is the best way to confirm your candidacy. Here, Dr. Lopez can converse with you about your goals, review your medical history, and perform a physical assessment to ensure you have realistic goals and are ready to undergo surgery.

Where will Dr. Lopez place the incisions during the procedure?

The type of incision pattern Dr. Lopez uses will vary depending on the severity of your concerns, but she always makes them in regions that you can easily conceal beneath your clothing.

Can Dr. Lopez address any concerns affecting my nipples during a post-weight-loss breast lift?

Yes, Dr. Lopez can reposition or reshape your nipples to achieve a more symmetrical and proportionate appearance across the breasts.

References

  1. Hurwitz DJ, Golla D. Breast Reshaping after Massive Weight Loss. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2004;18(3):179-187. doi:10.1055/s-2004-831905
  2. Toomey AE, Cape J D. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. December 11, 2024. Accessed September 25, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/