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Restore Your Youthful Shape and Confidence

Time is perhaps our most valuable gift, but the passage of time leaves its marks on the body. Breast changes are unavoidable and often bothersome, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. Regardless of the causes, you deserve to feel comfortable in your own body. If sagging or drooping breasts are a source of stress, discomfort, and embarrassment for you, a breast lift offers the solution. A more lifted, symmetrical, and youthful breast contour improves confidence, physical comfort, and emotional well-being.

At Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, Dr. Randy Rudderman and our compassionate team are dedicated to helping you reach your aesthetic goals. Each breast lift procedure is designed to enhance your natural form and help you feel comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.

Are you interested in learning how a breast lift can enhance your overall physique and boost your confidence? Contact us at 678-566-7200 or request your consultation to begin your plastic surgery journey today! We are located in Alpharetta and Atlanta, GA and proudly serve patients from around the country.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve confidence and daily comfort by lifting and reshaping the breasts, improving breast symmetry, and balancing the proportion of the areola and nipple. As a part of the natural aging process, hormone changes, and weight fluctuations, skin and ligaments lose elasticity, and tissue is pulled downward with gravity. As a result, the breasts will naturally start to sag or droop. Many women who consider a breast lift feel that their breasts look deflated, saggy, low and uneven or asymmetric, or that their nipples point downward – and consequently, drooping breasts can make you appear older than you are and older than you feel.

Breast lift surgery involves the removal of excess skin, the tightening of breast tissue, and the repositioning of the nipple so that the breasts sit higher on the chest wall, creating a more youthful, uplifted breast contour.

A breast lift is designed to:

  • Elevate breast tissue and place volume in a higher, more flattering position
  • Remove excess skin and tighten tissue for long-lasting support
  • Reduce and reshape the areola for improved balance
  • Reposition the nipple while maintaining sensation and breastfeeding potential
  • Improve breast symmetry, creating a more proportionate appearance

It is really important to note that a breast lift most often results in a breast shape and appearance that looks like a larger breast. A breast lift takes a long breast and repositions the volume in a smaller, more youthful space, and most women often feel like their breasts appear significantly fuller following surgery. While a breast lift alone does not address the volume of the breast, the result is often a much larger, more balanced breast shape and volume. Many women would rather not have to use a breast implant. In cases where the current volume is not adequate, a breast augmentation may be an appropriate option.

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Before and After Photos

A gallery of images to assist in finding the sample results you might be looking for in surgical, injectables, and med spa.

View Our Breast Lift Photo Gallery

What Does Dr. Rudderman Do That Allows for Better Potential Outcomes?

Breast lift operations available globally use 4-5 skin incision patterns and a variety of pedicle and breast glandular treatments, resulting in 40-50+ distinctly different techniques for breast lifts. While breast droop is often a mismatch between the amount of skin and the volume and location of the breast tissue, the operation is NOT a skin-only treatment.

Why Should You Choose Dr. Randy Rudderman for Your Breast Asymmetry Surgery?

Having been in practice since 1989, Dr. Rudderman offers his patients a wealth of information and expertise that only experience can provide. For every treatment he performs, he incorporates effective and predictable surgical techniques that are employed with an uncompromising respect for the natural human form. He understands that all bodies change and that our desires and preferences do too.

Dr. Rudderman has a collaborative relationship with the fashion industry and understands how clothing and plastic surgery share a purpose: to modify, conceal, and accentuate. While not every patient may have a keen interest in fashion, his understanding of how these two fields work in harmony allows him to approach his surgical plans in a way that is both sensitive to cultural norms while celebrating the patient’s natural beauty. A treatment plan designed by Dr. Rudderman will always factor in a patient’s desires, natural frame, genetics, lifestyle, fashion culture, and the expectation of change with time.

Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgeon in a headshot with a blue shirt and darker blue tie wearing glasses
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What Technically Contributes to More Predictable Long-Term Results?

The surgery dissection technique (pedicle selection) is critical in preserving blood supply to the nipple and protecting nerves and tissue of the breast. This structural mastopexy addresses breast glandular shaping and internal support (soft tissue load bearing) to resist both gravity and natural aging.

Why Does the Approach to Treatment Matter?

Selection of the specifics used requires experience, judgement, technical skill, and artistry. The choices made impact long-term shape and breast function. This planning and surgical approach provides higher predictable long-term outcome and accounts for the natural aging process. Adding breast implantsduring a breast lift can, in some cases, accelerate the breast stretch rate long term.

What Should I Expect During My Atlanta, GA Breast Lift Consultation?

At Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, we value collaboration and partnership. You should plan for your consultation to take at least one hour. During this time, you will meet with Dr. Rudderman and other members of our team to situate and integrate yourself into our practice. A partnership with Dr. Rudderman is a collaborative relationship with the entire team.

Our goal at every consultation is to meet you, learn about who you are, what lifestyle you lead, and your goals for not just surgery but the next phase of your life. Understanding the way your condition impacts your daily life, physically and emotionally, is an essential component of effective treatment planning. Once we have a complete picture of what you are looking for, we can tailor a treatment plan for long-term results and sustainable beauty.

During your consultation with Dr. Rudderman, you should expect:

  • A full exam of breast tissue, skin elasticity, and symmetry
  • A discussion of your goals, lifestyle, and desired outcome
  • A personalized surgical plan that may include a breast lift alone, lift with implants, or implant removal with lift
  • Education about your condition, treatment options, risks and benefits, recovery, and long-term expectations

We are very focused on explaining the current anatomy considerations, the options for treatment, the expected outcomes, and how these factors address your desires for change.

Dr. Rudderman specializes in breast surgeries and understands the artistry and surgical complexity that they demand. His advanced technique and delicate, precision surgical skills achieve the most natural-looking results possible.

How Is My Condition Assessed?

Breast ptosis, or sagging, occurs when the breast tissue loses elasticity and begins to droop below its ideal position on the chest wall. While this is perfectly natural and happens to most women, it can be distressing. Whatever the cause of your ptosis (droop), you deserve to feel comfortable in your body. To determine the most appropriate surgical approach for you, Dr. Rudderman will assess your degree of ptosis, the quality of your skin and tissue and the volume of current breast tissue.

Grades of Breast Ptosis:

  • Grade I (Mild Ptosis): Your nipple sits at or slightly below the inframammary fold, the crease beneath your breast, and most tissue remains above this fold
  • Grade II (Moderate Ptosis): Your nipple drops 1-3 centimeters below the fold, with a noticeable amount of tissue hanging below the crease
  • Grade III (Advanced Ptosis): Your nipple falls more than 3 centimeters below the fold, and your nipple points downward rather than forward
  • Pseudoptosis: Your nipple remains at or above the fold, but the majority of your breast tissue has descended below it, creating a sagging appearance

Whatever the cause of your ptosis, the resulting discomfort, frustration with the way clothes and bras fit, and concern or embarrassment about participating in physical activity, is the same. Your breast lift treatment plan will factor in your degree of ptosis and the way your condition impacts your daily life.

How Do I Know a Breast Lift is Right for Me?

Breast lift procedures are some of the most common procedures we do, meaning they are right for a lot of women. If you are bothered by sagging breasts and want to feel better in your body, in your clothes, and during your daily life, scheduling a consultation is the best way to determine whether a breast lift is right for you.

Ideal breast lift candidates:

  • Are generally healthy enough for surgery
  • Have a positive outlook for their surgery and a realistic idea of what it can accomplish
  • Have breasts that sag or look “deflated”
  • Feel your nipples point downward, or sit too low on the chest
  • Notice that bras and swimsuits no longer fit properly
  • Have always felt your breasts were low or asymmetrical and want a more natural, balanced look
  • Understand the surgical risks and benefits

Can I See Dr. Rudderman’s Breast Lift Before and After Results?

View our gallery to see Dr. Rudderman’s outstanding and natural-looking results of real patients’ breast lift before and after photos.

How Should I Prepare for Breast Lift Surgery?

Preparing for breast lift surgery involves a few steps, but mostly, you should get excited about your upcoming transformation. In general, you should:

  • Prioritize nutrition: It can be helpful to prepare balanced, nutritious meals or arrange for a meal delivery service. During recovery, getting optimal nutrition is essential to ensure your body has everything it needs to heal.
  • Plan for help: You may need to arrange childcare, pet care, or help around the house during your immediate recovery. Plan for 3 to 4 days of help with children and household tasks.
  • Medical review: Dr. Rudderman may recommend running routine medical tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. These tests may include routine blood tests, an EKG, or a mammogram.
  • Consider your medication: During your consultation, Dr. Rudderman will review your medications, vitamins, and supplements. You may need to discontinue anything that increases the risk of bleeding or bruising for 2 weeks before and after surgery, including fish oil, garlic, ginseng, vitamin E, Ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Quit smoking: Nicotine use negatively impacts healing and will increase your risk of complications. Dr. Rudderman recommends that all patients discontinue nicotine use at least two weeks to two months prior to and following surgery to help ensure optimal outcomes, reduce risk, and achieve the best possible recovery. We will review your smoking history to determine the safest approach.
  • Focus on a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can do to prepare for any surgery. Develop or continue a sustainable exercise routine that will support a stable weight, long-term health, and a higher probability of a smooth recovery.
  • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential to your recovery. Drink plenty of water during the days leading up to your surgery to support recovery.
  • Get excited: Your breast lift surgery is an investment in your quality of life. Get excited about who you will be, what you will wear, and what you will get to do once you have fully recovered. Reclaiming your body and self-confidence is always something to be proud of.

How Is Breast Lift Surgery in Alpharetta, GA Performed?

All breast lift procedures take place in a fully accredited surgical center with state-of-the-art technology, hospital-level safety standards, and an experienced medical team dedicated to your care. Additionally, Dr. Rudderman takes pride in performing every single aspect of your surgery himself. As you go into surgery, you can feel confident knowing you are being cared for by the most qualified professionals available at every step of the process.

  • 1. Day of Surgery Prep: On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the surgical center and meet with Dr. Rudderman to review your treatment plan and ask any last-minute questions you may have. He will then mark your breasts for surgery, and you will meet with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
  • 2. Incisions: When you are sedated and prepped in the surgical suite, Dr. Rudderman will make the appropriate incisions, usually around the areola, from the areola to the inframammary crease, and along the crease, to access the underlying breast tissue.
  • 3. Reshaping: Once he has access, Dr. Rudderman will carefully reshape and reposition the breast tissue to achieve improved symmetry. This may involve lifting the tissue, tightening the skin, repositioning the nipple, adjusting areola size, and modifying the inframammary crease. It is important to note that the nipple will remain attached to the underlying ducts and nerves during surgery.
  • 4. Incisions: After surgery is complete, Dr. Rudderman will close your incisions with sutures, apply a light surgical dressing, and fit you with a post-surgical bra to ease the pressure on your incisions and support your new breasts. Dr. Rudderman’s delicate approach to tissue care and suturing helps promote optimal healing of the breast tissue and incisions.

Most breast lift procedures take 1.5–2.5 hours and are performed on an outpatient basis.

The operation and artistry involved in breast lift procedures are specific to each woman. During your consultation, you will receive extensive education regarding your condition, your concerns, your options, your risks and benefits, and your probable outcome. The goal of every procedure is a safe surgery, excellent appearance, normal anatomic redistribution, and an outcome that lasts for years and ages appropriately.

What Should I Expect After Breast Lift Surgery?

Immediately after surgery, you will be wearing a surgical dressing and a bra. As you will have been put under anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. In general, you can expect the following during your Atlanta and Alpharetta breast lift recovery:

Physical recovery:

  • You can expect mild swelling and some discomfort. Dr. Rudderman will prescribe pain medication for comfort management, but this should resolve on its own. After 24-48 hours, most patients should be able to manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen.
  • Swelling is generally mild and generally resolves on its own in 2-3 weeks.
  • Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
  • You will have a type of brown paper tape on the incisions to protect the area and help with minimal scar formation. This tape is reapplied for about 3-4 weeks.    
  • You may have a drain tube placed that needs to be checked several times a day. This drain is commonly removed in 24 hours during your first follow-up visit.

Return to normal activities:

  • Most patients can return to desk work in 3 to 4 days. If your job requires physical activity, you may need to take more time off or request modified duties while you recover.
  • Women with children often can return to full childcare within reason in 3-4 days, including carpool and driving.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks or until Dr. Rudderman has cleared you to do so. At 3 weeks most begin aerobics, and at 4-5 weeks, most return to yoga, pilates, tennis, and may begin upper body weightlifting as tolerated.

Post-Surgical Follow-up Visits:

  • You will be seen in the office 24 hours post-surgery and given a more comfortable bra.
  • Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled for:
    • One week post-op
    • 2 weeks later (Three weeks post-op)
    • One month later (7-8 weeks post-op)
    • Four months later (6 months post-op)

Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure you’re healing as expected and are satisfied with your natural, age-appropriate results.

When Will I See My Breast Lift Results?

Fortunately, you will be able to see immediate improvements in your breast appearance following surgery. A brief overview of a realistic timeline of results is as follows:

  1. You will notice an immediate improvement in your breast appearance following surgery.
  2. Significant improvements are often visible a few weeks post-surgery.
  3. By six weeks, most of the swelling will be gone, allowing you to have a better idea of what your result will look like.
  4. Between 6 months to 1 year, you will be able to enjoy your result.

Partner with Georgia’s Premier Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Randy Rudderman

Dr. Randy Rudderman is one of Atlanta and Alpharetta’s most trusted plastic surgeons. As an expert in breast procedures, he understands the complexities and artistry required to give his patients the balanced, natural-looking results they deserve. A partnership with Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa is a partnership with a knowledgeable team of experts who are as committed to your quality of life as you are.

Learn about breast lift options near me by calling Dr. Rudderman at 678-566-7200 or request your consultation online to get started with your transformation. You are worth it.

Atlanta Breast Lift FAQs

Breast sagging (ptosis) is caused by:

  • Aging and natural loss of skin elasticity.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which stretch the skin and ligaments.
  • Weight fluctuations, leading to changes in skin and tissue support.
  • Genetics, including breast size, skin quality, and chest shape.
  • Gravity and lifestyle factors, which gradually pull breast tissue downward.

Some women notice sagging early in life, even during puberty, while others experience gradual drooping over decades.

If you are looking for additional volume, you and Dr. Rudderman will discuss breast augmentation. However, many patients find that techniques for breast reshaping and lifts often result in a natural, more symmetrical appearance without the need for implants. Many who feel that they are too small often find that by repositioning breast tissue, they will have greater projection and a more aesthetically pleasing breast that fits more comfortably with bras and clothing off the rack.

No surgery is magic, but achieving improved breast symmetry can result in increased comfort and confidence in and out of clothing, regardless of your starting place. Once he fully understands your aesthetic and lifestyle goals, Dr. Rudderman will be able to make a recommendation for you.

Yes. Many women with implants eventually choose implant removal plus a lift for a more natural look, improved comfort, and long-term confidence. A lift can restore youthful shape, even without implants, by repositioning your natural breast tissue.

In breast lift procedures, the superficial skin and soft tissue are elevated, allowing for the breast tissue to be reshaped to a more normal anatomic appearance, including often repositioning on the chest wall. This is accomplished by understanding and achieving the best possible balance between several factors, including:

  • Breast volume
  • Skin and soft tissue
  • Chest wall shape
  • Nipple and areolar size and position
  • Your height, shape, weight, age, lifestyle, and desires for surgery

With these considerations, Dr. Rudderman carefully plans out your unique surgical plan to give you the best result possible.

No, the nipple and areola remain connected to breast tissue and nerves. This technique helps preserve sensation and, in some cases, the ability to breastfeed. Permanent loss of nipple sensitivity is rare.

If breast tissue is removed, it is sent to Northside Hospital Pathology Department for microscopic evaluation. A pathology report is added to your medical record. If only the skin is removed, it is safely discarded.

You will need to avoid all rigorous, aerobic, or strenuous activities for 3+ weeks until healing is adequate and Dr. Rudderman tells you it’s okay. Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate and blood pressure and can cause the operated area to swell, delaying your healing. We will see you frequently during your healing process to help you, and typically, you can return to your usual athletic activity in 4+ weeks (like yoga, tennis, pilates, or swimming). Exercise can be an important part of recovery, and we follow your recovery closely to help you reach your goals.

Yes. Many women with implants eventually choose implant removal plus a lift for a more natural look, improved comfort, and long-term confidence. A lift can restore youthful shape, even without implants, by repositioning your natural breast tissue.

No. The nipple and areola remain connected to breast tissue and nerves. This technique helps preserve sensation and, in some cases, the ability to breastfeed. Permanent loss of nipple sensitivity is rare.

If breast tissue is removed, it is sent to Northside Hospital Pathology Department for microscopic evaluation. A pathology report is added to your medical record. If only skin is removed, it is safely discarded.

You will need to avoid all rigorous, aerobic, or strenuous activities for 3+ weeks until healing is adequate and Dr. Rudderman tells you it’s okay. Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate and blood pressure and can cause the operated area to swell, delaying your healing. We will see you frequently during your healing process to help you, and typically, you can return to your usual athletic activity in 4+ weeks (like yoga, tennis, pilates, or swimming). Exercise can be an important part of recovery, and we follow your recovery closely to help you reach your goals.

No. Both heat and ice can damage tissue and cause tissue loss and severe wound healing issues or scarring. Massage, as well, can cause healing disruption in the first several weeks. You will be in a soft bra without compression, and we will give you specific instructions to care for the operative site and promote uneventful post-operative recovery.

Most patients return to desk jobs in about 4 days. For example, women who have surgery on Thursday are often back to work on Monday. If drains are used, they are usually removed in 1–2 days.

You will need a responsible adult to drive you to your surgery, stay there, and then drive you home and stay with you overnight after you have had surgery and anesthesia. We will advise you based on your operation, and especially if you have small children or pets. Your follow-up visit will usually be within 24 hours, and you will need to have someone drive you to this appointment and back home.

Results are long-lasting, often lasting many years. Natural relaxation occurs during healing and over time with aging and lifestyle, but most women enjoy the benefits of their lift for a decade or longer. Revisions can be done later if desired.

All surgeries involve some discomfort. Dr. Rudderman is highly skilled and uses advanced techniques and refined instruments that minimize discomfort during his surgical procedures. Many patients will take either Tylenol or minimal pain medications for several days. The skin may be relatively numb for several days to weeks after breast lift operations and may have some areas with persistent sensory changes.

Yes. All of our surgeries are performed in a fully accredited surgery facility, using state-of-the-art technologies and a world-class staff with all the comfort and safety factors.

Yes. All cases are supervised by a board-certified medical doctor who specializes in anesthesiology.

Yes, he performs all of his patient’s surgeries. Many surgeons use assistants to suture or perform part of the operations. Dr. Rudderman performs the entire operation, including all suturing, on every patient.

No. A breast lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance does not cover it.

Yes. We offer financing through CareCredit and other options, making breast lift surgery more accessible.