Breast Lift Surgery Bellevue And Kirkland
Procedure Time
2 Hour
Recovery Time
3-5 Days
Losing breast volume and firmness is a common issue for many women after pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process. These physical changes often create a discouraging gap between inner vitality and outer appearance. Sagging tissue or a lower breast profile can deeply lower self-confidence, turning clothing selection into a source of frustration rather than joy. The silhouette in the mirror no longer reflects the youthful energy felt on the inside.
A breast lift can be the best solution for women living in Kirkland, Bellevue, and nearby areas who have these concerns. Northwest Face & Body provides breast lift surgery in the Bellevue and Kirkland regions under the direction of Dr. Ludwig A. Allegra and Dr. Tarak Patel.
With decades of experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Allegra is well regarded and the most experienced surgeon at Northwest Face and Body. At the same time, Dr. Patel is a renowned plastic surgeon who specializes in breast revision surgeries for patients suffering from breast cancer.
What Is Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also called mastoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. This surgery reshapes the breast contour and repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful height. Unlike breast augmentation, which adds volume through implants, a breast lift focuses on correcting sagging and improving breast shape.
Types of Breast Lift in Bellevue and Kirkland
Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Patel perform specific mastopexy techniques tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and the degree of lifting required. Patients in Bellevue and Kirkland receive a customized surgical plan based on the amount of excess skin and the nipple’s current position.
Crescent Lift
This technique addresses minimal sagging. The surgeon makes a small, semi-circular incision along the upper half of the areola. By removing a small segment of skin, the nipple is elevated slightly. This method leaves the least amount of scarring and is often combined with breast augmentation for patients needing only a minor adjustment.
The Periareolar (Donut) Lift
Suitable for mild ptosis, this technique involves a circular incision around the entire areola. The surgeon removes a ring of skin to lift the breast and effectively reduce the size of an enlarged areola. This approach keeps scarring confined to the border of the areola, making it less visible.
The Vertical (Lollipop) Lift
Designed for moderate sagging, this technique allows for more significant reshaping. The incision circles the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease, resembling a lollipop shape. This method lifts the nipple, removes excess skin, and tightens the breast cone for a perkier, more youthful projection.
The Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift
This is the traditional technique for correcting significant ptosis and reshaping pendulous breasts. The incision traces around the areola, extends vertically to the crease, and runs horizontally along the inframammary fold. While this method requires a longer incision, it provides the most dramatic and powerful transformation for patients requiring substantial lifting and contouring.
Combining Breast Lift with Other Procedures
Many patients choose to combine a breast lift with another breast procedure to address both shape and volume in one surgical plan. The right combination depends on anatomy, skin quality, and the desired final contour.
- Breast Lift with Augmentation (Implants): A mastopexy lifts and reshapes the breasts, but it does not add volume. When more upper breast fullness is desired, implants can be placed during the same surgery to restore roundness and improve projection.
- Fat Transfer to the Breasts: For patients who prefer a more natural approach to added fullness, fat can be taken from another area of the body and carefully transferred to the breasts. This can enhance upper-pole fullness and soften contours, while keeping results subtle and implant-free.
- Breast Lift with Reduction: If breast heaviness contributes to sagging, neck or shoulder discomfort, or difficulty with bra and clothing fit, a lift can be combined with breast reduction. This approach removes excess breast tissue while also elevating the breasts for a lighter, more supported shape.
- Breast Lift with Augmentation Revision: For patients with existing implants, a lift can be paired with revision surgery to improve position and shape. This may include removal of old implants and replacement with new implants, along with reshaping to correct sagging, stretching, or changes that happen over time.
How a Breast Lift Procedure Works
A breast lift (mastopexy) is designed to raise the breasts by removing extra skin and reshaping the breast tissue so the breasts sit higher and look more supported.
- Step 1: Consultation and surgical plan At Northwest Face & Body, the process starts with a consultation to review breast shape, nipple position, skin quality, and goals. From there, the surgical approach is selected based on the amount of lifting and reshaping required.
- Step 2: Anesthesia for comfort and safety Breast lift surgery is commonly done with anesthesia. Northwest Face & Body notes that it is an outpatient procedure and is almost always performed with general anesthesia at their Kirkland location.
- Step 3: Incisions are placed for the lift required
The incision pattern depends on anatomy and the amount of sagging. Common options include:
- Around the areola
- Around the areola plus a vertical line down to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease
- Step 4: Lifting and reshaping the breast tissue After the incisions are made, excess skin is removed, and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped to create a higher, firmer contour.
- Step 5: Nipple and areola repositioning when needed If the nipples sit low or point downward, they are repositioned to a more natural location on the breast. The areola can also be adjusted in size when appropriate.
- Step 6: Closure and final shaping The incisions are closed carefully to support the new breast shape and help place scars as discreetly as possible based on the chosen technique.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery in Kirkland?
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) in Kirkland is often a good option for patients who want a higher breast position, firmer shape, and improved contour.
- Breast sagging or drooping that developed after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, aging, or genetics
- Nipples that sit low or point downward, especially when unsupported
- Breasts that look flatter, longer, or less firm, with a shape that no longer feels balanced
- Stretched skin or enlarged areolas due to loss of skin elasticity over time
- One breast that sits noticeably lower than the other may benefit from reshaping
- Good overall health and stable weight, since weight stability helps maintain results
- Non-smoker status or willingness to stop nicotine, because smoking reduces blood flow and slows healing. Northwest Face & Body notes that the procedure is not offered if someone is smoking or has not stopped for at least 3 weeks
- Clear goals and realistic expectations, including understanding that lifting and reshaping involve scars that fade over time
What Are the Risks of a Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, but every procedure has risks. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularities, fluid collection, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. In some cases, revision surgery may be needed to refine results. Smoking and nicotine use can significantly increase the risk of complications and slow healing, so patients are typically required to stop before surgery.
At Northwest Face & Body, Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Patel plan breast lift procedures carefully, select the most appropriate technique for each patient, and provide clear pre and post-operative instructions to support safe healing and predictable results.
The Best Breast Lift In Bellevue And Kirkland
Northwest Face & Body offers breast lift surgery (mastopexy) in Bellevue and Kirkland with two highly qualified surgeons, so patients can choose the provider whose background and style feel like the best fit after consultation.
- Dr. Ludwig A. Allegra: Practicing in the Seattle area since 1983, Dr. Allegra brings decades of surgical experience to breast lift planning and execution, with a focus on restoring a lifted shape and natural contour. He also holds board certification in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, reflecting a long-standing surgical foundation and advanced training.
- Dr. Tarak Patel: Dr. Patel is double board-certified in Plastic Surgery and General Surgery and completed a military medical career that included deployment to Iraq and long-term service as an Army surgeon. Northwest Face & Body notes he has 25 years of service, bringing a strong reconstructive mindset to cosmetic work, and he has been recognized as “Best Cosmetic Surgeon” in Best of South Sound while also receiving American Cancer Society recognition for breast cancer awareness fundraising.
Free Personalized Consultation for Breast Lift
Ready to explore breast lift surgery in Bellevue or Kirkland? Schedule a confidential consultation at Northwest Face & Body with Dr. Ludwig A. Allegra or Dr. Tarak Patel to review anatomy, lifting options, scar placement, and a personalized surgical plan designed for a natural, supported result. Request an appointment today.