Is a Breast Lift Painful?

Some discomfort is normal during the first few days after surgery, often described as chest soreness or tightness. Pain is usually well-managed with prescribed medication, and many patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected. Most women find that pain diminishes significantly within the first week, making recovery smoother than anticipated.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll attend an initial consultation, a preoperative visit, your surgery, and a series of follow-up appointments. Follow-ups are scheduled to ensure your healing is progressing as expected and to monitor your long-term outcomes. These visits are also a great opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized aftercare recommendations.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice an immediate improvement in breast position and shape after surgery, but swelling and bruising will temporarily get in the way of the final result. As your body heals, your breasts will settle into their new position, and results become more refined over several months. Most patients see their best results between three and six months, once the tissue has fully healed and scars begin to fade.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The extent of scarring depends on the type of incision used, which may include around the areola, vertically down the breast, or along the breast crease. Over time, most scars fade significantly, blending into the natural skin tone. Your surgery will include specialized scar care products to optimize scar appearance. With proper aftercare, they often become discreet and barely noticeable.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Breast Lift?

Patients are encouraged to walk shortly after surgery to promote circulation, but vigorous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Light exercise can often resume after 2 to 3 weeks, while high-impact workouts and chest-focused exercises are typically delayed for 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I Combine a Breast Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, many women choose to combine their breast lift with breast augmentation for added volume or with a tummy tuck and liposuction as part of a mommy makeover . Combining procedures allows for more dramatic results with one recovery period. During your consultation, Dr. Wilson will help determine the safest and most effective approach for your goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Breast Lift?

Like any surgery, a breast lift carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, or changes in nipple sensation. Specific to mastopexy, there may be risks of uneven shape or scarring. However, these complications are rare, especially in the hands of an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Wilson. He will review all potential risks and the steps taken to minimize them during your consultation.

How Do I Find the Best Breast Lift Plastic Surgeon Near Me in Lake Norman or Charlotte, NC?

The best way to find a qualified surgeon is to look for board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), review before-and-after galleries, and read patient testimonials. A top surgeon should also take time to listen to your goals and explain your options in detail. Patients throughout Charlotte and Lake Norman choose Dr. Wilson for his combination of advanced skill, personalized care, and proven history of natural-looking results.

Breast Lift

Lake Norman Plastic Surgery

Introduction

Introduction to Breast Lift

Over time, factors like aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and genetics can cause breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. Many women find that even with healthy lifestyle habits, sagging or drooping is unavoidable. A breast lift (mastopexy) at Lake Norman Plastic Surgery restores the breasts to a more lifted, youthful position, helping patients feel confident in their natural curves again. Dr. Henry Wilson, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, offers highly customized breast lift procedures throughout the Lake Norman region, designed to rejuvenate your silhouette while maintaining balance and natural beauty.

Before + After Gallery

Breast Lift Patient

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A smiling woman with her eyes closed is posing in a black camisole or bodysuit, touching her head with one hand. A blurry reflection is visible in the background. - Breast Lift in Huntersville, NC

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift removes excess skin, tightens surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful location. Unlike breast augmentation, which focuses on increasing size with implants, a breast lift primarily improves breast position, contour, and firmness. For women who have noticed sagging due to aging, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, a breast lift can restore a youthful profile. In some cases, Dr. Wilson may recommend combining your lift with breast augmentation or fat grafting to achieve the most balanced and refined result.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Breast Lift?

Ideal candidates in Huntersville, Lake Norman, and the greater Charlotte area for a breast lift are women in good health who are unhappy with sagging, elongated, or deflated-looking breasts. You may be a good candidate if your nipples point downward, your breasts have lost firmness, or you notice stretched skin around the areola. Patients should also be non-smokers (or willing to quit before surgery) and have realistic expectations about results. A breast lift is often recommended for women who have completed childbearing, as future pregnancies may affect long-term outcomes.

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?

The benefits of a breast lift extend beyond appearance. While the most obvious improvement is a firmer, perkier breast shape, patients often enjoy a better fit in clothing and swimwear, along with a restored sense of confidence. Additional benefits include:

Elevating sagging breasts to a more youthful position
Improving breast symmetry
Reducing stretched areolas or repositioning nipples to a natural placement
Creating a smoother, firmer contour without relying on implants
Enhancing body proportions for a balanced silhouette

For many women, these changes not only restore their appearance but also enhance their well-being in everyday life.

What’s the First Step?

Your Breast Lift Journey with Henry WIlson, MD

The first step toward a breast lift is scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Wilson at Lake Norman Plastic Surgery. During this visit, he will carefully evaluate your medical history, breast tissue, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals. You’ll discuss incision options, surgical techniques, and whether combining your lift with implants or autologous fat may achieve your desired results. Our team will also review preparation guidelines, financing options, and recovery details so you feel fully informed before moving forward.

A physician, Dr. Henry Wilson, wearing a dark suit and yellow tie, shows a tablet to a seated female patient with long dark hair in an examination room. The tablet screen displays before-and-after photos of a woman's face. The patient is looking intently at the tablet. A framed certificate hangs on the wall behind the patient.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Lift Surgery

On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at our accredited surgical facility in Huntersville and meet with Dr. Wilson and your anesthesiologist. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Wilson makes precise incisions based on your surgical plan. Excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped, and nipples are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location. The procedure typically takes between two and three hours, depending on its complexity. Afterward, you’ll spend time in recovery before heading home with detailed instructions for care.

Close up shot of Dr. Henry Wilson outdoors, wearing protective scrubs, mask and hair cap. He wears glasses and a magnifying glass emphasizing his precision.

Breast Lift Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Breast Lift Care

Recovery from a breast lift usually requires about one to two weeks of downtime. You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the initial days, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Most patients return to work and light activities within 10 to 14 days, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. Supportive garments are worn during recovery to minimize swelling and support the new breast shape. Dr. Wilson provides a personalized aftercare plan, including specialized scar care products to help minimize incision visibility and support smooth healing. Final results become more visible as swelling subsides, with full outcomes appearing within three to six months.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Lake Norman, NC?

The cost of a breast lift in Huntersville, Lake Norman, and the greater Charlotte area varies depending on the complexity of the surgery, the technique used, and whether it’s combined with other procedures such as augmentations. Pricing includes surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and facility costs. During your consultation, our staff will provide a personalized estimate and review financing options to help make your breast lift affordable and accessible.

Why Choose Dr. Wilson?

Dr. Henry Wilson is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He completed advanced fellowship training in breast and aesthetic surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, where he trained under Dr. Scott Spear—one of the world’s foremost authorities in breast surgery. Dr. Wilson’s surgical approach is defined by precision, artistry, and an understanding of proportion, helping each patient achieve natural, balanced results. He is certified by both the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Portfolio shot of Dr. Henry Wilson outdoors, wearing a navy suit, light blue shirt and yellow tie. He looks past the camera smiling.

Breast Lift FAQ’S

Some discomfort is normal during the first few days after surgery, often described as chest soreness or tightness. Pain is usually well-managed with prescribed medication, and many patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected. Most women find that pain diminishes significantly within the first week, making recovery smoother than anticipated.
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in breast position and shape after surgery, but swelling and bruising will temporarily get in the way of the final result. As your body heals, your breasts will settle into their new position, and results become more refined over several months. Most patients see their best results between three and six months, once the tissue has fully healed and scars begin to fade.
The extent of scarring depends on the type of incision used, which may include around the areola, vertically down the breast, or along the breast crease. Over time, most scars fade significantly, blending into the natural skin tone. Your surgery will include specialized scar care products to optimize scar appearance. With proper aftercare, they often become discreet and barely noticeable.
Yes, many women choose to combine their breast lift with breast augmentation for added volume or with a tummy tuck and liposuction as part of a mommy makeover. Combining procedures allows for more dramatic results with one recovery period. During your consultation, Dr. Wilson will help determine the safest and most effective approach for your goals.
Like any surgery, a breast lift carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, or changes in nipple sensation. Specific to mastopexy, there may be risks of uneven shape or scarring. However, these complications are rare, especially in the hands of an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Wilson. He will review all potential risks and the steps taken to minimize them during your consultation.
The best way to find a qualified surgeon is to look for board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), review before-and-after galleries, and read patient testimonials. A top surgeon should also take time to listen to your goals and explain your options in detail. Patients throughout Charlotte and Lake Norman choose Dr. Wilson for his combination of advanced skill, personalized care, and proven history of natural-looking results.

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