Awake Breast Lift
in Long Island, NY

Age Focus in Long Island offers the awake breast lift as a refined option for addressing breast sagging with precision and care. This technique emphasizes comfort and safety by utilizing local anesthesia, allowing patients to avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia. The procedure adapts to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, providing natural breast contours and enhanced firmness. Our surgical methods focus on minimizing visible scarring while delivering lasting improvements.

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What is an Awake Breast Lift? Banner

What is an Awake Breast Lift?

An awake breast lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and reshape drooping breasts without the use of general anesthesia. Instead, patients remain awake and comfortable under local anesthesia, allowing for a quicker recovery and fewer risks compared to traditional surgery. This technique is ideal for individuals seeking to improve breast contour and address the effects of aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy that often lead to drooping breasts.

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Breast Lift Types

Crescent Lift

This breast lift option uses a subtle surgical technique to correct mild sagging. A small crescent-shaped piece of skin is removed from above the areola, allowing for a slight upward lift. This method is often recommended for patients with minimal drooping who may also be undergoing breast augmentation. Because the incision is limited, scarring is minimal, and the recovery tends to be quicker compared to more extensive lift types.

The periareolar lift, also called the donut lift or Benelli lift, is designed for women experiencing mild to moderate breast sagging. This technique involves a circular incision around the edge of the areola, allowing Dr. Gargiulo to remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue. The result is a more youthful breast contour with improved nipple placement. Because the incision is made around the areola, scarring is typically well-concealed.

The vertical lift, commonly known as the lollipop lift, is a surgical procedure that addresses moderate to significant sagging by reshaping the entire breast. It involves a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision extending from the bottom of the areola down to the breast crease. This configuration allows Dr. Gargiulo to remove more skin and reshape the breast tissue for a firmer, uplifted appearance. The surgical procedure is more extensive than periareolar techniques but offers greater correction while still avoiding the need for horizontal incisions under the breast.

The anchor lift is the most comprehensive option for correcting severe breast sagging. It involves three incisions: one around the areola, one vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and one along the crease itself. This method allows Dr. Gargiulo to remove a significant amount of excess skin and reposition the breast tissue and the nipple for optimal shape and projection. The technique is especially beneficial when the nipple position has significantly descended, offering dramatic and long-lasting results.

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Your Breast Lift Consultation

Preparation for a breast lift begins with a thorough consultation to determine candidacy and develop a customized surgical plan tailored to the patient’s anatomy and goals. During this initial meeting, Dr. Gargiulo reviews the individual’s medical history, discusses expectations, and explains the procedural details. This step is essential for ensuring safety, since awake breast lifts are performed under local anesthesia. Our plastic surgery team may also provide pre-operative guidelines regarding medications, smoking, and overall health to optimize healing and results.

Awake Breast Lift Procedure

Anesthesia

The awake breast lift is performed using local anesthesia, often combined with oral sedation to promote relaxation while maintaining full consciousness. This approach avoids the risks and recovery associated with general anesthesia. The treated area is numbed to ensure comfort, and our surgical team monitors vital signs continuously.

Incision placement depends on the degree of lift required and the chosen technique, ranging from small periareolar incisions to more extensive vertical or anchor patterns. Each incision is made with precision to minimize visible scarring while allowing effective access for reshaping. The approach is selected to best address sagging and achieve natural-looking contour improvements.

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Gargiulo repositions the breast tissue to create a more lifted, youthful appearance. This step is critical for restoring symmetry and firmness. The breast shape is refined and supported by tightening the surrounding tissue, helping to maintain long-term results. The procedure is performed with care to preserve sensation and vascular supply.
After the internal reshaping, Dr. Gargiulo focuses on removing excess skin that contributes to sagging. This allows the skin envelope to better conform to the newly elevated breast contour. By eliminating stretched or redundant skin, the procedure enhances the appearance and structure of the breast.
After the breast has been reshaped and excess skin removed, the incisions are carefully closed using layered sutures to support healing and maintain the new contour. Special attention is given to aligning the skin edges to minimize tension and reduce the appearance of scars. In some cases, surgical tape or skin adhesives may be applied to reinforce the closure. The incision sites are then dressed to protect the area and promote optimal recovery.
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Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery

First 24 Hours

Rest is essential during the first 24 hours after an awake breast lift as the body begins the initial healing process. Mild discomfort, swelling, and tightness around the chest are common but manageable with prescribed medication. A surgical bra is typically worn immediately after the procedure to reduce swelling and stabilize the newly lifted breasts. Light walking may be encouraged to promote circulation.

In the first week, most patients experience gradual improvement in swelling and soreness. The surgical bra is essential in supporting the healing tissues and maintaining the new shape. Strenuous activity, lifting, and upper body movement should be avoided. Follow-up visits are often scheduled to monitor progress and ensure incisions heal properly.
By the second to fourth week, many patients transition from a surgical bra to a regular support bra without an underwire, which continues to provide gentle compression and structure. Swelling continues to subside, and energy levels begin to return to normal. Light activity may be resumed, but heavy lifting and intense exercise remain restricted to prevent strain on the body and ensure optimal healing.
After one month, the majority of restrictions are gradually lifted. Most patients can resume full daily routines, including low-impact workouts. Final results continue to settle as the body completes the healing process, and incision lines fade over the following months.

Add-On Procedure: Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a common add-on procedure to a breast lift, especially for individuals seeking to restore or enhance breast volume in addition to lifting. While the lift addresses sagging and repositions the breasts for a more youthful contour, augmentation focuses on increasing fullness and projection. This is achieved using saline or silicone implants, which are selected based on the desired shape, feel, and individual anatomy. Combining both procedures can create a more comprehensive transformation, offering firmness and enhanced size in a single surgical plan.

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Ideal Candidates for an Awake Breast Lift

Awake breast lift candidates typically share similar physical characteristics or personal experiences that have affected the shape and position of their breasts. This procedure is suited for those with specific aesthetic concerns related to sagging breasts and changes due to significant life events, such as pregnancy or weight loss. Ideal candidates include:

Enhance your confidence with curves that feel like you.

Schedule your breast augmentation consultation to discuss your goals and explore personalized options for beautiful, natural-looking results.

Benefits of an Awake Breast Lift

The awake breast lift offers many advantages, making it an appealing option for patients seeking breast rejuvenation. These benefits address aesthetic outcomes and procedural considerations, enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Key advantages include:

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Breast Lift Cost in Long Island, NY

The cost of awake breast lift in Long Island, New York, ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience. Prices can vary based on factors such as facility fees and aftercare. Board-certified plastic surgeons usually charge higher costs due to their credentials and experience.
Schedule a consultation at Age Focus today to learn more about our procedures and receive personalized price quotes.

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What Makes Our Awake Breast Lift Different From Others?

Our approach to the awake breast lift reflects a deep understanding of how excess weight and natural aging impact breast contour over time. With over 10 years of experience performing breast lifts, Dr. Gargiulo brings a unique blend of surgical precision and holistic insight into each procedure. His extensive background in anesthesiology and pain management ensures that patients feel comfortable and well-cared-for throughout their journey. Having performed thousands of cosmetic surgeries, Dr. Gargiulo has helped patients enhance their self-esteem and achieve the desired results through personalized care beyond standard practice, tailoring every detail to fit individual needs and goals.

FAQs

How long do breast lift results last?

Many women find that their results can last 10 years or more, although factors like aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can affect longevity.

Yes, a breast lift is typically included in breast reduction surgery since the removal of excess tissue often requires lifting and reshaping.

Yes, breast size can be increased during a breast lift by adding breast implants. Most women choose silicone and gummy bear implants for a natural look and feel.

Look for surgeons who use advanced technology, provide a personalized treatment plan, and are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or other reputable organizations for proven expertise and safety. Dr. Gargiulo embodies all these qualities, offering top-level care and excellent results.