Breast Lift Before & After Photos

View Gallery

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address breast sagging (ptosis) and restore a more youthful breast profile.

During a breast lift, Dr. Burgdorf removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple-areola complex to a higher, more aesthetically pleasing location on the chest wall. The result is perkier, firmer breasts that sit higher on the body and create a more balanced, proportionate silhouette.

Logo media
Woman Posing in a Bikini
Logo media

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?

A breast lift offers numerous physical and emotional benefits for women seeking to rejuvenate their appearance:

  • Corrects breast sagging and restores a youthful contour
  • Elevates the breasts higher on the chest wall
  • Repositions the nipples to face forward rather than downward
  • Creates a firmer, perkier breast profile
  • Improves symmetry between the breasts
  • Enhances your natural breast shape without the need for implants
  • Expands your wardrobe options and increases comfort in fitted clothing
  • Boosts self-confidence and body image
  • Complements breast augmentation or reduction procedures
  • Delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results

Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift in Nashville?

Ideal candidates for a breast lift in Nashville typically:

  • Experience breast sagging or drooping due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging
  • Have nipples that point downward or fall below the breast crease
  • Notice that their breasts have lost firmness, shape, or volume
  • Are in good overall health and do not have uncontrolled medical conditions
  • Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
  • Have completed their family or do not plan to become pregnant in the near future

What Is Recovery Like After Breast Lift Surgery?

Recovery from a breast lift is a gradual process that requires patience, rest, and adherence to Dr. Burgdorf's post-operative instructions. While every patient heals at their own pace, understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident as you embark on your transformation.

Immediately After Surgery

Following your breast lift, you will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical site. Dr. Burgdorf will prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable during the first few days of recovery. You will also be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra to minimize swelling and provide stability to the healing tissues.

The First Week

During the first week, it's important to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous activities within a few days, but you should avoid lifting heavy objects, raising your arms above your head, or engaging in vigorous exercise.

Weeks 2-4

As swelling begins to subside, you will start to see the initial results of your breast lift. Many patients feel well enough to return to work and resume light daily activities during this time, though you should continue to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. 

Long-Term Recovery

Most patients can resume normal exercise routines, including cardio and strength training, around six weeks post-surgery. However, it's important to follow Dr. Burgdorf's specific guidance based on your individual healing. Full recovery and final results typically become apparent within three to six months as residual swelling resolves and the breasts settle into their new position.

Background media
Logo media

Meet Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf: Nashville's Trusted Breast Surgery Expert

Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for delivering exceptional results in breast surgery. His extensive training, artistic vision, and compassionate approach have made him one of Nashville's most sought-after aesthetic authorities.

After earning his medical degree from Tulane University Medical School and completing his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Burgdorf founded Music City Plastic Surgery in 2012. His practice is built on the philosophy of lagniappe—a Louisiana term meaning "to always do the right thing and give a little more than expected." This commitment to excellence and personalized care has transformed the lives of over 3,000 patients in Nashville and beyond.

A Recognized Leader in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Burgdorf's expertise in breast surgery has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

  • Recognition in the top 5% of America's Most Honored Professionals since 2016 (top 1% in 2016, 2019, and 2020)
  • 2014 National Doctor's Choice Award for Plastic Surgery
  • Named one of Tennessee's "Top Ten Plastic Surgeons" in 2014
  • Four-time winner of the Most Compassionate Doctors award from Vitals.com
  • Patient Choice Award recipient from 2011 to 2022
  • RealSelf Top Doctor
  • Mom's Choice Award—Nashville's only plastic surgeon to receive this honor
  • Featured on the Jumbotron in Times Square in 2018 for his Aesthetic Everything Awards, recognizing him as a Top Plastic Surgeon in Middle America, a Top Breast Surgeon, and one of the Top 100 Aesthetic Doctors in the US

GalaFlex: The Internal Bra

During his training, Dr. Burgdorf learned that the most common concern in women undergoing breast lift surgery was not maintaining the elevated position of their breasts long enough after their procedure.  After years of meticulously searching for just the right solution, Dr. Burgdorf landed upon a substance he terms the “Internal Bra”, aka GalaFlex. GalaFlex is a dissolvable mesh made of suture-like material that effectively acts like an internal bra, elevating and maintaining the shape and position of the breast. This mesh gradually dissolves over time (1.5-2 years on average) and the body replaces it with its own collagen. This allows the resulting area to become five times stronger than natural breast tissue, the same tissue that has proven unreliable with its damage from gravity, weight changes, size fluctuations, and life in general. 

While a breast lift on its own can successfully reposition the breast and nipple-areolar complex higher up on the chest wall, the enemy known as gravity never stops. Now, it can be minimized and held at bay for a longer period of time with the ally called GalaFlex.

This mesh allows an individual to more confidently elevate her breasts, choose a desired implant size, and maintain her breast substance without fear of “bottoming out” in the near future. It can lead to longer-term happiness by extending the longevity of results after a breast lift surgery in Nashville. Using GalaFlex is essentially a built-in insurance plan for maintaining your desired look.

Logo media

Dr. Burgdorf Discusses Numbness After Breast Surgery

Logo media

Breast Lift FAQ

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

Is a breast lift painful?

Does undergoing breast lift surgery make it more difficult to detect breast cancer on a mammogram?

Can breast lift surgery be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

How long will it take after a breast lift until I can wear a regular bra?

How long do breast lift results typically last?

Will a breast lift change my breast size?

Can I have a breast lift if I have breast implants?

Is there an ideal time to get a breast lift?

What type of anesthesia is used during a breast lift?

How should I prepare for my breast lift surgery?

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

If you intend to breastfeed down the line, make sure to let Dr. Burgdorf know ahead of time so he can take the right approach to your incisions and procedure. As long as the nipple remains attached to the breast tissue, breastfeeding should still be possible in the future. In cases of more significant ptosis, the doctor may need to create a nipple graft, which might compromise nipple sensitivity and function.

Is a breast lift painful?

During breast lift surgery, patients are unconscious due to general anesthesia and they feel no pain. After surgery, Dr. Burgdorf will provide prescriptions for narcotic pain medications to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed during the first few days of their recovery. Within 2-3 days, most patients switch to over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen.

Does undergoing breast lift surgery make it more difficult to detect breast cancer on a mammogram?

While the breast image will change after surgery, mastopexy does not make it more difficult to diagnose or treat cancer.

Can breast lift surgery be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Many patients undergo mastopexy in Nashville in combination with breast augmentation, breast reduction, mommy makeover surgery, and abdominoplasty.

How long will it take after a breast lift until I can wear a regular bra?

Dr. Burgdorf typically recommends that you wear a bra with no underwire for about 6 weeks after surgery. He will give you the go-ahead when you can resume wearing a normal bra.

How long do breast lift results typically last?

While results can be long-lasting, the aging process and factors like gravity, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect breast shape over time. With healthy lifestyle habits and good skin care, many patients enjoy their results for 10 years or more.

Will a breast lift change my breast size?

A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breasts for a perkier appearance, but it doesn’t significantly change their size. However, some women feel their breasts appear slightly smaller due to the removal of excess skin and lifted profile. If more volume is desired, breast augmentation can be combined with a lift.

Can I have a breast lift if I have breast implants?

Yes. Patients with existing implants may still benefit from a breast lift, especially if sagging or tissue laxity has developed. In some cases, a lift can be performed around the existing implants; in others, a revision may be recommended.

Is there an ideal time to get a breast lift?

Many patients wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete, as future changes can affect the longevity of results. However, any time you feel unhappy with breast sagging and your health allows for surgery, it may be the right time.

What type of anesthesia is used during a breast lift?

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety. Dr. Burgdorf works with board-certified anesthesiologists to carefully monitor your well-being throughout the procedure.

How should I prepare for my breast lift surgery?

Preparation includes stopping certain medications or supplements, arranging for time off work, and planning for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first 24–48 hours. Detailed pre-op instructions will be provided during your consultation to ensure a smooth experience.

Banner media

Don’t Miss Dr. Burgdorf’s #1 Amazon Best-Selling Books

Whether you’re a mom or a dad, Dr. Burgdorf is here to educate you on what extraordinary plastic surgery can do for your self‐confidence and overall quality of life. You deserve the best care and we are here whenever you are ready to get started!

✔The Mommy Makeover: Restoring Your Body After Childbirth
✔The Daddy Do‐Over: Boost Your Confidence in the Boardroom and the Bedroom

LABIAPLASTY SPECIAL

$500 OFF! 

*offer ends 11/30/24

CONTACT US

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (888) 530-7307 .