Annapolis, Maryland|(410) 266-7120|Contact us|About|Gallery|Patient Resources
HomeBreastBreast Lift | Reduction

Breast lift and reduction with Dr. Claire Duggal

Breast Lift & Reduction

A breast lift reshapes and repositions sagging breasts. Breast reduction reduces the size of overly large breasts, while also providing reshaping and lifting. Both give the breasts a younger shape in better proportion with the rest of your body.

At a glance

SurgeonDr. Claire Duggal
Breast lift2–3 hours
Breast reduction3–4 hours
AnesthesiaGeneral
BasisOutpatient, home same day
DowntimeAbout a week
Normal activityBy about 6 weeks
Final results3–6 months

Surgeon

Dr. Claire Duggal

Breast lift

2–3 hours

Breast reduction

3–4 hours

Anesthesia

General

Basis

Outpatient, home same day

Downtime

About a week

Normal activity

By about 6 weeks

Final results

3–6 months

Mastopexy

What is a breast lift?

Breast lift surgery reshapes and lifts sagging breasts by removing excess skin, shifting underlying tissue, and repositioning the nipple. The procedure corrects the effects of stretching and sagging from weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or the effects of aging. The result is a perkier, rounder, and more youthful breast appearance.

Patients who desire larger breasts or a fuller upper breast can opt to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation — either with saline or silicone implants, or with autologous fat grafting.

Reduction mammoplasty

What is a breast reduction?

Breast reduction is surgery to reduce and reshape large breasts. Dr. Duggal removes excess fat and glandular tissue and lifts the breasts to give a firmer, more rounded, youthful appearance. It can also relieve back, shoulder, and neck pain and other discomfort, and make exercise more enjoyable.

Some men can also benefit from breast reduction surgery. It is possible to surgically correct excessive breast tissue in men, a condition known as gynecomastia, giving the chest a more masculine look.

A breast lift can correct

Nipples that point downward or are positioned below the breast crease

Asymmetrical or unusually shaped breasts

Stretched breast skin

Expanded areolas

A breast reduction can also

Eliminate discomfort and painful indentations from bra straps

Resolve skin irritation below the breast

Give you more freedom in clothing choices

Allow you to become more physically active

Boost your self-esteem and self-confidence

VECTRA 3D imaging

An instant preview of expected results.

Because you have already seen the result, you can be confident in the outcome of the procedure.

01

Your experience begins with a VECTRA 3D picture session. This creates the starting point for your aesthetic consultation.

02

Using special simulation software with your 3D picture, Dr. Duggal will show you the possible results of the treatment. You will be able to experiment with different looks until you find the one you want.

03

Once you have decided on the appearance you want, this simulation will provide a basis for your surgical plan.

What to expect during surgery

Dr. Duggal performs breast lift and breast reduction procedures under general anesthesia in the operating room, typically on an outpatient basis, so you return home on the day of the procedure.

In the majority of cases, incisions are placed around the nipple and in a vertical line from the bottom of the nipple to the crease underneath the breast, called a vertical pattern. Some cases may require an additional incision in the crease underneath the breast, called a Wise pattern.

Dr. Duggal removes excess skin and reshapes the tissue inside the breasts, and in breast reduction selectively removes unwanted fat. If necessary, she may rotate the nipples into a higher position and reduce the size of the areolas.

What to expect in recovery

You will need a friend or family member to drive you home once you wake up from the sedation, and should have someone stay with you the first night. Expect some discomfort and swelling in the first few days, managed with appropriate pain medication and a supportive surgical bra.

Most patients need about a week of downtime with only light activities, then build up gradually. By about six weeks, you should be back to your normal activity and exercise routine.

It may take three to six months to see final results. Incisions heal over the first few weeks, and scars continue to fade over the first year.

Questions patients ask.

To be a good candidate, you should be in good health and close to your ideal weight. If you use tobacco, you will need to quit at least six weeks before your surgery and remain tobacco-free for at least three weeks after. You should also have reasonable expectations for the procedure, which Dr. Duggal can explain in her consultation with you.

For long-lasting results, it is best to wait until you are done having children before having either of these procedures. If you do have children afterward, there is a small risk that the surgery will affect your ability to breastfeed. If this is a concern for you, be sure to bring it up in your consultation.

All surgery involves the risk of scarring. A crescent incision leaves minimal scarring hidden inside the dark pigment of the areola. Other breast lift techniques could leave thin vertical or horizontal scars on the breasts. The scars fade over time, and should be less noticeable after a year.

In most cases, Dr. Duggal makes incisions around each nipple and downward to the breast creases. Some procedures may require an additional incision along each crease. She uses these to remove excess skin, reshape breast tissue, and selectively remove unwanted fat as needed.

Not here. Breast lift and breast reduction are paid for directly — we do not work with insurance for these procedures. Financing is available through Cherry, and our patient coordinator can go through the costs with you at your consultation.

Each patient’s pain level is different, but most individuals describe post-surgery discomfort as minimal to moderate. We will prescribe appropriate pain medications for the discomfort you experience.

Dr. Duggal’s advanced techniques ensure long-lasting improvements, but factors like aging, weight fluctuations, and gravity will continue affecting you over time.

As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetrical results, and the possibility of revision surgery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are typically temporary and manageable with proper care. Dr. Duggal will discuss these in detail during your consultation.

Many of our patients choose to pair surgeries to save money and achieve more comprehensive results. For instance, you might consider improving your entire silhouette with a tummy tuck or Brazilian butt lift. Dr. Duggal will be happy to discuss these options during your consultation.

While everyone heals at a different rate, most patients need about a week away from work and strenuous activities. You will probably feel well enough to resume light exercise and a mostly sedentary job after a week. Most patients return to their usual routines, including exercise, by the six-week mark.

While we welcome you to explore non-surgical lifting and tightening options such as SkinTyte, you should be aware that the results are far less dramatic than what you can expect with surgery.

Breast lift and reduction surgeries should not significantly affect your ability to obtain accurate mammograms. However, you should inform your radiologist of your surgical history so they can account for resulting changes in your breast tissue.

Why choose Dr. Duggal?

She takes the time to listen to and understand the goals of each of her patients, and makes sure they never feel rushed in consultation. Dr. Duggal treats patients as she would her own family members — with honest guidance and personal attention throughout the process.

Request a consultation(410) 266-7120

Related reading

How Your Breast Shape Changes After Breast ReductionRead in the journalWill a Breast Lift Get Rid of Stretch Marks?Read in the journalShould You Include Implants With Your Breast Lift?Read in the journal