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Short Scar Breast Lift
in Novi, Michigan

Illuum Cosmetic Surgery in Novi has refined the art of short scar breast lift to deliver exceptional results with minimal scarring. This advanced technique represents a significant evolution in breast enhancement procedures, offering women a more refined solution to address sagging. Modern surgical innovations have made it possible to achieve dramatic improvements while maintaining a natural appearance and feel. The results of our transformative breast lift procedures help women rediscover their confidence with beautifully contoured, youthful-looking breasts.
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What Is Short Scar Breast Lift?

A short scar breast lift, also known as the SPAIR technique, is an advanced surgical procedure that reshapes sagging breasts while minimizing visible scarring. This innovative approach differs from traditional methods by utilizing limited incisions that typically include a circular cut around the areola and a vertical incision. The SPAIR technique allows our plastic surgeons to reshape breast tissue internally, creating a more projected, rounded appearance while repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position. The procedure typically takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete and is performed as an outpatient surgery.

Preparation for Short Scar Breast Lift

Every short scar breast lift begins with a comprehensive consultation between the patient and our board-certified plastic surgeon. During this initial meeting, we evaluate the breast anatomy, degree of sagging, skin quality, and overall health status. Our surgeon thoroughly reviews the patient’s medical history, including previous operations, medications, and lifestyle factors (such as smoking). We also take detailed measurements and photographs for planning. Patients must undergo standard pre-operative laboratory tests and may need a mammogram if they haven’t had one recently.
In the weeks before surgery, patients should stop smoking, avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk, and arrange for post-operative care and transportation. Our surgeon provides specific instructions regarding dietary changes and may recommend special supportive garments for use during recovery.

Scar Breast Lift
Before & After

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Short Scar Breast Lift: A Step-by-Step Procedure

Anesthesia
The short scar breast lift begins with anesthesia in our QUAD accredited surgical center to ensure comfort and pain management during the procedure. General anesthesia allows the patient to remain asleep throughout surgery. In some cases, local anesthesia combined with sedation may be an option, depending on our surgeon’s recommendation and the individual’s needs.
A hallmark of the SPAIR technique is its use of limited incisions. Unlike traditional breast lift methods, this procedure relies on a vertical incision pattern, avoiding the horizontal scar along the breast crease. Our surgeon typically makes an incision around the areola and another vertically down to the breast crease, creating a lollipop-shaped pattern. This approach minimizes scarring while providing effective reshaping.
After the incisions, our surgeon carefully adjusts the underlying breast tissue to achieve a more youthful, contoured appearance. This step involves lifting and repositioning for better projection and firmness. The SPAIR technique emphasizes preserving natural breast tissue, which helps maintain a soft feel.
The procedure includes repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful location on the breast. If necessary, they may also be resized to enhance proportionality with the newly contoured breast. This step is performed carefully to maintain sensitivity and blood supply to the area.
Excess skin is removed to tighten the breast envelope and support the new contour. The incisions are then carefully closed using fine sutures to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. In many cases, our surgeon uses deep sutures within the breast tissue to reduce tension on the skin and further enhance scar quality.
The SPAIR technique allows for subtle, natural-looking enhancements that prioritize maintaining the breast’s original shape and feel. Our surgeon ensures symmetry and balance between both breasts and makes final adjustments to refine the result. This detailed approach combines artistry and precision, offering patients a rejuvenated breast shape with less visible scarring than traditional methods.

Add-On Procedure: Breast Implants

Breast implants are a common addition to a breast lift. They provide more volume and enhance the overall shape of the breasts. Implants can restore lost fullness or create a more dramatic increase in size. This combination procedure is particularly beneficial for patients seeking both a youthful lift and an increase in breast projection. By integrating breast augmentation, our surgeon can customize results to achieve a balanced and proportionate appearance tailored to each woman’s aesthetic goals.

Recovery After Short Scar Breast Lift

Week 1

During the first week, patients experience moderate discomfort and swelling. Pain medication helps manage the initial soreness. To minimize swelling, a surgical bra must be worn 24/7. Sleeping in an elevated position is crucial to reduce symptoms. Light activities can be resumed, but lifting arms above shoulder level should be avoided. Bruising is common during this period, and some drainage may occur at incision sites.

Swelling begins to subside, though the breasts remain sensitive. Most patients can return to work and daily activities, provided they do not involve heavy lifting or strenuous movements. The surgical bra is necessary, but pain levels decrease significantly. Breast lift incisions continue healing, and scabs may form and fall off naturally.
Cardio exercises can be resumed, though high-impact activities and heavy lifting should still be avoided. The surgical bra may be replaced with a supportive sports bra. Sensation in the nipples and breast tissue continues to return to normal. Scars remain pink or red but begin to flatten. Most symptoms resolve during this period.
Final results begin to emerge as residual swelling disappears completely. Regular bras can be worn, and all normal activities, including strength exercises, usually resume. Scars continue to mature and fade, though this process may take up to a year. Breast shape settles into its final position, and sensation returns to normal for most patients.

Candidates for Short Scar Breast Lift

Mild to Moderate Breast Sagging
Candidates for the short scar breast lift typically have mild to moderate excess breast skin. This condition occurs when the tissues lose elasticity, causing the breasts to droop. The SPAIR technique is ideal for addressing these cases without requiring extensive incisions.
Stable Weight
Individuals with a stable body mass are better suited for breast lift surgery, as significant weight fluctuations can impact the longevity of the results. Patients undergo this procedure after pregnancy, substantial weight loss, or age-related changes.
Adequate Breast Tissue
The SPAIR technique is most effective for individuals with sufficient natural breast tissue to create a balanced and contoured shape. Those with minimal breast tissue may require additional procedures, such as implants, to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Good Overall Health
Candidates should be in good overall health, with no underlying conditions that could interfere with healing or increase surgical risks. Non-smokers or individuals willing to quit tobacco products before the operation are ideal, as nicotine can negatively affect breast lift recovery and incision healing.
Realistic Expectations
Ideal candidates for the SPAIR technique understand the limitations of this plastic surgery procedure and have realistic expectations about the outcome. We ensure alignment between the patient’s goals and the achievable results. Breast lift surgery focuses on restoring natural contours rather than dramatically altering size or shape.

Benefits of Short Scar Breast Lift

Minimal Scarring

The SPAIR technique results in fewer breast lift scars than traditional methods. The incisions are limited to the area around the areola and a short vertical line, eliminating the horizontal cut typically made in the breast crease.
The SPAIR technique effectively redistributes breast tissue and improves upper pole fullness. It helps maintain projection and a youthful appearance by preventing the flat upper pole, commonly seen with other lifting methods.
The SPAIR technique allows for precise control of nipple position and projection. The specialized suturing approach helps maintain long-term stability, reducing the risk of bottoming out or nipple malposition.
Due to its streamlined approach, the SPAIR technique typically requires less operating time than traditional breast lift methods. It reduces exposure to anesthesia and may speed up recovery.
The SPAIR technique can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction procedures. Its versatility allows our surgeon to modify the approach based on individual patient needs while maintaining the benefits of decreased scarring.
The SPAIR technique preserves the breasts’ contours to create a more natural shape. The final results typically appear less “operated on” than traditional breast lift methods, with a smoother transition between the chest wall and breast tissue.
What Makes Illuum Cosmetic Surgery Different From Others? Banner

What Makes Our Breast Lift Surgery Different From Others?

With a reputation for artistry and innovation, Illuum Cosmetic Surgery offers a perfect environment for those considering a short scar breast lift. Led by Dr. Gregory Lakin and Dr. Ellen Ozolins, our esteemed board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of experience, our team combines advanced techniques with a patient-centric philosophy. Each breast lift surgery performed at Illuum Cosmetic Surgery is carefully planned and executed to ensure excellent results.
Patients receive all procedures in a state-of-the-art facility that offers maximum comfort and safety. Our commitment to education, integrity, and personalized care ensures that each individual’s unique anatomy and goals are thoughtfully considered, leading to beautifully tailored results. It is easy to schedule a breast lift consultation on our website or by calling us directly!
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Katie Wells BSN, RN

Nurse Injector

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and worked as an operating room nurse at Michigan Medicine for 2 years before transitioning to aesthetics. She
received her certification as a Nurse Injector, and attended further training and certification through Allergan Medical Institute. She absolutely loves being a Nurse Injector and is very passionate about
combining medicine and the creativity and artistry of aesthetics in her practice. It is extremely important to her to remain educated and up to date with the newest and best treatments and injection techniques. Her goal as an Injector is that when you sit in her chair that you feel comfortable, fully educated on your procedure, and confident and happy in your results when we are done. She loves forming connections with her patients and feels truly honored to be a part of your journey to becoming your most confident self, inside and out! She is a great listener and looks forward to creating an individualized plan to meet each of her patient’s unique goals and desires. Some of her favorite treatments include lip filler, Botox, and midface/cheek filler (but there is so much more!). When she is not injecting, you can find her trying new recipes, spending time with family, working out, gardening, or taking a long walk with her dog.

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Heidi Winkler BSN, RN

Director of Nursing & Surgical Services Leadership

Heidi’s goal is to ensure every patient has a positive experience and is satisfied with the high quality of service provided by our clinical staff. Her passion as a caregiver is to impact each person’s life in a positive way.

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Tonya Gilbert BSN, RN

PACU Nurse

Tonya has been a registered nurse for 15 years. She earned her BSN at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

She started her career as a trauma RN in Detroit. She has been working as a recovery RN for the past 8 years. She loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Her passions include lounging with her fur babies, family, and friends, traveling, crunching, and recycling. 

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