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Breasts represent much more than a body part—they symbolize youth, femininity, and confidence. As time passes, many women experience sagging or deflated breasts, especially following pregnancy or weight loss.
Relying on a bra to "fix" sagging may not feel like enough because it doesn’t address the underlying issue. This is where a breast lift comes in. A properly performed breast lift sculpts and elevates the breasts to a more youthful position, providing a beautifully balanced silhouette.
Dr. Joseph T. Cruise is a breast lift specialist and board-certified surgeon in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience performing all types of breast lifts with or without augmentation. He and his professional staff have created this breast lift resource for women in Newport Beach and the surrounding areas who are looking for all the information they need about aesthetic breast surgery. In addition, the staff at Cruise Plastic Surgery provides you with many before and after breast lift pictures, so that you can see the results for yourself.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin, tightening surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola higher on the breast mound.
The goal is not necessarily to make the breasts larger, but to restore a youthful, elevated appearance that complements the rest of the body.
Dr. Cruise customizes each breast lift based on the degree of sagging, the quality of the skin, and the patient's personal goals. In some cases, a lift alone provides the ideal result. In others, a breast lift can be combined with augmentation to restore lost volume while reshaping the breast.
To understand how Joseph T Cruise, MD evaluates and treats the breasts, read through the page he has written about his Breast Lift Philosophy, which outlines the various breast lift options and issues that can arise when a surgeon doesn't use the best treatment approach.
Many of our breast lift patients at Cruise Plastic Surgery choose to take the opportunity that plastic surgery provides to not only regain the look and feel their breasts had in their youth, but to enhance them beyond their previous appearance.
By choosing to have breast augmentation, in addition to a breast lift, women can make their breasts larger, fuller, and more shapely than they’ve ever been, therefore experiencing a whole new look and sense of enjoyment with their breasts. Joseph T Cruise, MD provides many before and after pictures of breast lift patients with and without augmentation, so his potential patients can see exactly what results to expect from both procedures.
Implants can be placed in three different ways:
Joseph T Cruise, MD's preferred placement method is Complete Muscle Coverage. For more information about this technique, visit: Complete vs. Partial Muscle Coverage
When breast augmentation was first performed, the common technique was to place breast implants above the muscle. Over time surgeons determined it would be better to place implants below the pec major muscle to avoid incidences of capsular contracture, rippling, and an "implanted look."
This muscle placement technique has become the preferred method for most plastic surgeons. Most patients do not realize "under the muscle" does not actually mean the implant is fully under the muscle, rather half the implant is not covered. A more appropriate term for this technique is partial muscle coverage.
Although under the muscle (i.e. partial muscle coverage) is the most common technique used today, Joseph T Cruise, MD prefers to use a technique called "complete muscle coverage." This requires that the implant is placed below the pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and usually a portion of the external oblique so that the lower and outer part of the implant is also covered. The images below demonstrate the anatomic and aesthetic differences between partial muscle coverage and complete muscle coverage.
As part of the natural aging process, breast tissues weaken causing the breast implants to shift to the sides, which can cause a wide cleavage. Complete muscle coverage allows for closer cleavage with a reduced risk of future cleavage widening. Joseph T Cruise, MD refers to this as the "book end" technique. Full muscle coverage acts like "book ends" supporting the implants so they don't move into the armpits.
Complete lateral coverage of implant
Better cleavage as muscle prevent implants from sliding
50% of implant uncovered
Breast lift surgery with Dr. Cruise is performed under general anesthesia at a fully accredited surgical center in Newport Beach. The procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours.
During surgery, Dr. Cruise makes precise incisions based on the degree of lift required. Common incision techniques include:
Using these incisions, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple is repositioned to a more youthful, natural height. The areola may also be resized for better proportion if needed. Meticulous suturing techniques are used to ensure a clean, refined result with minimal visible scarring over time. Patients return home the same day with detailed instructions for a smooth recovery.
Women do not want scars that make their breasts look “operated on,” and as an experienced, skilled Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Joseph T Cruise, MD goes to great effort to minimize scarring. He puts meticulous detail into closing breast lift incisions in addition to using surgical tape for approximately 3 months to reduce tension, so the scars are more likely to remain thin and flat.
Youthful breast tissue has more elasticity because of the stretchy connective ligaments that hold the breast in a perky, nipple-forward position. Over time, and especially after having children or losing weight, these ligaments stretch, causing more mature breasts to sag. Breast lift surgery is the only permanent solution for improving shape, volume, and perkiness.
The breast lift procedure can correct a number of common complaints such as:
Joseph T Cruise, MD created this Cruise Classification system to visually represent the 7 primary breast shapes and the coinciding recommended procedure for each.
Breast tissue - Little to modest amount
Nipple position - 6 to 4 cm above the lower breast crease
Breast tissue - Modest amount
Nipple position - 4 to 2 cm above the lower breast fold
Breast tissue - Moderate breast tissue
Nipple position - 2 to 0 cm above the lower breast crease
Breast tissue – Moderate
Nipple position – 0 to -2 cm below the lower breast crease
Breast position - Skin sag and breast tissue are causing the breasts to sit low on the chest wall, beginning to cover the upper portion of the upper abdomen
Breast tissue – Moderate +
Nipple position – (-) 2 to (-) 4 cm below the lower breast crease
Breast position – Sits very low on chest, shortens appearance of the abdomen
Breast tissue – Moderate to significant
Nipple position – (-4) to (-6) cm below the lower breast crease
Breast position – Sits well below chest wall, covering a portion of the upper abdomen
Breast tissue – Significant
Nipple position – (-6) or > cm below the lower breast crease
Breast position – Breasts sit far below the chest wall, covering almost all of the upper abdomen
The positive effects of youthful, beautiful breasts are clear:
For the right candidate, there are also several psychological benefits of a breast lift:
As you start to notice changes in your breasts—such as sagging or a loss of shape and perkiness—you may find yourself reaching out to friends who have had cosmetic surgery to hear about their breast lift experiences and how they feel after surgery. We believe that connecting with others is an important part of feeling informed and confident about your decision. We encourage our patients to speak with past patients directly and explore trusted resources like RealSelf.com to gain a real-world perspective on what to expect from your breast lift journey.
At Cruise Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joseph T. Cruise personally consults with each patient to understand her unique concerns, anatomy, and goals. Every woman’s breast shape, degree of sagging, and emotional journey with her body is different, which is why each treatment plan is highly personalized. You may be a good candidate for a breast lift with or without augmentation if:
Joseph T Cruise, MD designed the "Look You Want" interactive diagram below to help his patients visually demonstrate what they want their breasts to look like after breast lift surgery.
Click the images below to select the look you want in each category and complete the submission process. You will be contacted by one of Joseph T Cruise, MD's consultants after your selections are reviewed.
Some women may only need a lift, while others who desire more volume and upper fullness may benefit from combining a breast lift with augmentation. During your consultation in our Newport Beach office, Dr. Cruise will guide you through the best options for your body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic vision.
While breast lift surgery does involve incisions, Dr. Cruise uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring, placing incisions carefully to fade into natural contours over time. His signature “California natural” style results in beautifully lifted, perky breasts that look youthful yet completely authentic.
Click the graphic below to find and select the image which most closely represents the "Look You Have" now. You will then be given an idea of which procedure you may need.
Get started now!
Our team offers attentive monitoring and support during your recovery. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 7–10 days, though more strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 4–6 weeks.
You’ll wear a supportive surgical bra during the initial healing phase to protect your results and help shape the new breast contour. Swelling and mild discomfort are common in the first few days but improve steadily. Dr. Cruise and his team will provide personalized aftercare instructions and will check your healing at each follow-up visit.
Patients are often surprised by how quickly they regain comfort and mobility and how natural their new shape feels.
The surgical timeline has three primary stages. The first stage consists of scheduling your surgery date and preparing for surgery day. The second stage is the actual surgery itself, followed by the final recovery stage.
Once you decide to move forward with breast surgery, the first step will be selecting the best time to have it done. Timing is everything! You want to be sure you have adequate time for recovery, and if possible, support by a loved one or friend after surgery, and throughout your healing process. If you want to be fully recovered in time for a big event, trip, etc, this needs to be taken into consideration as well. Please let us know the details of your plans, so we can help determine how far in advance you have surgery to ensure you are fully recovered.
The day before surgery, you will receive a call from the surgery center and/or our office to confirm your arrival time, and to go over important instructions.
Prior to leaving for the surgery center, review your paperwork for a complete list of things to do, not do, and what to bring with you. Take any necessary medications. If you wear contacts, take them out and wear glasses. Wear comfortable loose clothing. Nothing that has to be pulled over your head. Button up shirts are ideal.
The breast lift timeline below outlines what to expect at every stage of your surgical journey. We have included our breast augmentation timeline in the event it is determined you are a candidate for implants only or if you choose to add implants to your breast lift.
Recovering After Breast Lift Surgery
"80% of your results come from surgery, 20% from aftercare"
Recovering After Breast Lift With Free Nipple Graft
"80% of your results come from surgery, 20% from aftercare"
The results of a breast lift are visible immediately, with the shape and scars continuing to refine over the next several months.
Breasts will sit higher on the chest, have better projection, and feel firmer and more youthful. With Dr. Cruise’s meticulous technique, scars fade significantly and are easily concealed within natural contours or beneath clothing and swimwear. Breast lift results are designed to age gracefully. While the body continues to naturally change over time, most patients enjoy long-lasting improvements that maintain their youthful silhouette for many years.
The purpose of a breast lift with or without implants is beautiful, natural, youthful breasts with minimal scarring. Achieving this does not happen by chance. As with any activity, specialization improves results. It has allowed Joseph T Cruise, MD to optimize every aspect of the surgical process. This includes advanced surgical techniques that address the core problems associated with traditional breast lift techniques performed by the vast majority of plastic surgeons.
Joseph T Cruise, MD decided over a decade ago that the only way to achieve the best results in the breast and body was to specialize. The most persistent problem women complained about was their breast lift results, i.e., poor shape, significant asymmetry, bad scarring, and often breasts that remained too large and saggy after surgery. These problems are often such a concern that they are the main reason many women do not have the procedure done. Specializing has allowed Joseph T Cruise, MD to develop the techniques and gain the experience to reliably avoid these issues. Unwilling to accept these complications, Joseph T Cruise, MD has dedicated the majority of his career to developing surgical techniques and protocols that minimize or eliminate them.
Specializing in breast procedures has led to two significant advancements 1) Breast sculpting – necessary to achieve optimal breast shape and 2) Complete muscle coverage when using an implant – necessary to achieve secure implant positioning, optimal cleavage, and long-lasting results.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals with Dr. Cruise and receive personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.
“Even though it has been several years since my breast augmentation, it is still fun to buy new tops, dresses, and lingerie because I have curves in all the right places. Thanks to Joseph T Cruise, MD's good eye and judgment...I am just the perfect size. I can still look professional in a business suit or I can look sexy in a clingy low cut dress.”
“I love the way my breasts feel! One of my biggest concerns was how my breasts would feel after having surgery. I had very little breast tissue to start and I thought implants would make them feel unnatural. I don't know what Joseph T Cruise, MD does but they feel so natural! And, my boyfriend loves them too!”
“From the moment I walked into the office everyone there greeted me with a warm welcome. And since the surgery, I love when I have my checkups because I get to see all the staff and have a blast talking with them! Joseph T Cruise, MD is so down to earth and honest with me. He gave me exactly what I had in mind. I am so happy with my breast augmentation and so glad I chose him.”
Yes, we accept several types of financing, making cosmetic procedures accessible for a range of budgets. Cruise Plastic Surgery accepts the following forms of payment:
Financing: Prosper Lending, Care Credit, Alphaeon Credit
A breast lift may be covered by insurance depending on the severity of the symptoms the breasts are causing. It is important to check with your health insurance company first and foremost as a starting point. Not all plastic surgeons accept insurance even if it is covered, although self-billing can be an option.
A breast lift alone may be sufficient for some women, especially those who do not want a breast implant. A lift without an implant will provide a very natural appearance with the possibility of some degree of persistent sag which will increase over time. A breast implant provides a longer-lasting result and an overall better shape.
Two questions to ask yourself:
Dr. Cruise will spend time educating you about your options and make personal recommendations based on your specific goals.
There is always the possibility of losing some sensation with a breast lift, particularly around the areola. When performed by a skilled breast lift surgeon, complications are minimized, yet still possible.
After breast lift surgery you will likely lose some sensation in your nipples. However, in the majority of cases, the feeling does come back.
A breast lift will leave scars but they do improve over time and, when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, could become nearly undetectable.
It is possible that a breast lift could cause the nipples to be less sensitive. In most cases, this is only temporary.
Dr. Cruise will advise when you can shower after breast lift surgery. In most cases, it is okay to shower within a couple of days to a few days after surgery. It is important to keep the incisions dry and clean for proper healing. Showering should be kept to a minimum. Avoid long showers and try to keep the incisions out of direct contact with water until they are completely closed.
A breast lift can reduce the overall cup size if a reduction of breast tissue is performed at the same time.
The type of breast lift you need will depend on several factors, including your desired result, the extent of breast sag, and whether you want to include a breast implant. All of this and more will be discussed in full detail at your consultation with Dr. Cruise.
Dr. Joseph Cruise uses advanced techniques for closures to ensure the least amount of tension possible to the incision site. Reducing tension during the healing process greatly reduces the risk of the scars widening. Dr. Cruise also has all of his breast lift patients wear surgical tape over their incisions for eight or more weeks as an added measure to reduce tension. Lastly, the use of a specially formulated scar gel helps with optimal healing of scars. The wonderful thing about scars is that they improve over time. Most patients of Cruise Plastic Surgery routinely comment about how well their incisions have faded by the one-year mark.
Breast implants are covered by warranties with terms set by the manufacturers. In most cases of complications, these warranties can cover the removal or replacement surgeries required.
One of the complications associated with having breast implants is capsular contracture. During your consultations with Dr. Cruise, he can help you understand what it is and how it can be treated.
There is little risk that women who have breast augmentation will not be able to breastfeed, or have a reduced ability to breastfeed, after a breast augmentation procedure.
Mammograms can still be performed with breast implants, however the provider will likely need to take more pictures than normal to get a clear image for diagnosis.
Silicone implants were taken off the market in 1992. After 14 years of rigorous testing, more than any other medical device in history, the FDA deemed the implants safe and allowed them back on the market. We have provided a Silicone FAQ page for those who would like more information about silicone implants.
