When Life's Changes Impact Your Shape

As women move through various life stages, their breasts often undergo changes that affect shape and firmness. Aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fluctuations in weight can all play a role in this transformation. Over time, skin elasticity naturally diminishes, and the effects of gravity can lead to sagging that no amount of exercise can reverse. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, offers a solution to rejuvenate the breasts and restore a more youthful contour.

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What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and repositions breast tissue and the nipple-areola complex to create a firmer, more elevated breast contour. Unlike breast augmentation, a lift doesn't add volume; it repositions and reshapes the breast you already have. For patients who've also lost some volume, a lift can be combined with implants or fat transfer to address both concerns simultaneously.

The Benefits of a Breast Lift

  • Restores a Youthful Contour: A lift elevates sagging breast tissue, creating a firmer, more lifted silhouette.
  • Repositions the Nipple-Areola Complex: Lift surgery can correct nipples that point downward due to sagging, restoring a more forward-facing position.
  • Removes Excess Skin: Loose, stretched skin is removed during the procedure, tightening the overall breast envelope.
  • Can Be Combined With Augmentation: For patients experiencing both sagging and volume loss, a lift can be paired with implants for comprehensive rejuvenation.
  • Long-Lasting Results: While aging continues, the results of a breast lift can last for many years, especially with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
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Is a Breast Lift Right for Me?

A breast lift may be the right option if you're experiencing sagging or a loss of firmness that affects your confidence in your figure. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have breasts that sag or have lost their youthful shape
  • Notice that your nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease
  • Have realistic expectations about your results
  • Are finished having children, or don’t plan to breastfeed in the future

During your consultation for a breast lift at our Tysons Corner office, Dr. Chang will evaluate your breast tissue and skin elasticity to determine whether a lift alone, or in combination with augmentation, is right for you.

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The Breast Lift Process What to Expect

1. Private Consultation

Your provider will evaluate your breast shape, skin elasticity, and goals to determine the best surgical approach.

2. Personalized Surgical Plan

Your provider will determine the appropriate lift technique and incision pattern based on the degree of sagging present.

3. Procedure Day

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours to complete.

4. Initial Healing Phase

You'll be placed in a supportive garment following surgery, with detailed instructions to support your recovery.

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Meet the Providers Behind Your Care

The expertise of our board-certified surgical team guides every procedure at Congressional Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Christopher Chang has been named a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine and Newsweek. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He trained at Harvard, NYU, Yale, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Hillary Jenny is a board-eligible plastic surgeon with training from MIT, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. She also completed a prestigious aesthetic surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills, specializing in rhinoplasty, facelift, and breast and body procedures.

Your Breast Lift Results and Recovery

Most patients experience swelling and mild discomfort in the days following surgery, which improves significantly within the first couple of weeks. Many patients return to light activities within one to two weeks, with more strenuous activity resuming around four to six weeks. Final results become more apparent as swelling fully resolves over the following months, revealing a firmer, more youthful breast contour.

Testimonials What Our Patients Say

5 out of 5 stars

I'm already loving my results

"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the p...

"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the procedures (lift + implants) would entail. He was extremely responsive and truly understood the look that I was trying to achieve—full, natural for my frame, and with minimal scarring. I'm only two days out from surgery, and I'm already loving my results. I am so glad that I chose Dr. Chang to restore my chest to its pre-baby appearance. I actually think they are going to be better than they ever were before I had kids!"

Emily L.
5 out of 5 stars

A huge thank you to Dr. Chang and Kelly!!!

"I had a consultation with two other surgeons before I met Dr. Chang. I always wanted a breast augmentation done, but didn't want to rush, so I took my time finding the best doc...

"I had a consultation with two other surgeons before I met Dr. Chang. I always wanted a breast augmentation done, but didn't want to rush, so I took my time finding the best doctor in this area. Some doctors will put in whatever cc’s you ask for just to please you, and that's exactly what my second doctor wanted to do. I am very petite, and the size I thought I wanted would have been too extreme for my figure. Dr. Chang and his nurse, Kelly, not only made me feel extremely comfortable, but they also listened to what I wanted and explained every single step. Dr. Chang has his 24-hour recovery program, which definitely helped me tremendously. I got my surgery on Thursday and was back to my normal routine by Saturday. If you do what he says, you will see the results. I thought my boobs were going to be up extremely high the first week, but mine looked perfect, and now that they have dropped a bit, no one can tell I got a boob job... I mean, my boobs definitely went from 32A to 32DD, but because I healed so quickly and my boobs were not up to my chin, they just looked like my real boobs. It still looks so natural, and I love it! I knew Dr. Chang was my doctor after my first consultation, and I booked my surgery after a week. I am extremely happy with the results and thankful for Dr. Chang and his crew! His nurse, Kelly, was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process, calling to check on me after my surgery and answering all of my questions! A huge thank you to Dr. Chang and Kelly!!!"

Jennifer L.
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff.

"Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff. After breastfeeding my second baby eighteen years ago, my confidence hit an all-time low because my breasts sagged badly. I no longer felt sexy ...

"Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff. After breastfeeding my second baby eighteen years ago, my confidence hit an all-time low because my breasts sagged badly. I no longer felt sexy and became very self-conscious about my appearance and would only wear conservative, non sexy clothing. I wasn't able to express myself through fashion as gravity often stepped in, causing wardrobe malfunctions as my breasts would often find themselves out of the bra. After years of contemplating breast augmentation and removing the bags under my eyes, I finally got the courage to do something about it, and that's when my friend referred me to Dr. Christopher Chang. As this was a big decision for me, I was very anxious, but Dr. Chang made me feel at ease with the decision I was about to make. In doing so, he carried out a detailed assessment and enquired about my reasoning for wanting the surgery (making clear his ethical stance). At the end of my consultation, I felt I was making an informed decision and that Dr. Chang was the person I would trust to carry out the procedure. He educated me on the pros and cons and on any possible risks involved. The office offered excellent pre- and post-surgery care and guidance. On the day of my surgery, I was greeted by a very pleasant Dr. Chang, who went over the final details of my procedure, which was reassuring. Following my procedure, Dr. Chang kept in frequent contact to check on my progress/recovery and, if I had a question, returned my calls immediately. This made my recovery after the procedure manageable. åWhen I first saw my 'identical twins', I almost dropped; the babies looked so beautiful and perfect. My confidence hit the roof; I felt like 21 again"

Maura B.
5 out of 5 stars

You have definitely boosted my confidence!

"I want to give Dr. Chang and his staff a shout-out for the amazing work they have done for me. I was first referred to Dr. Chang by a good friend of mine, as he was highly reco...

"I want to give Dr. Chang and his staff a shout-out for the amazing work they have done for me. I was first referred to Dr. Chang by a good friend of mine, as he was highly recommended. I had been considering having a breast augmentation for several years, so when I heard they were hosting a meet-and-greet with the doctors at their Fairfax office, I knew I had to attend. After meeting with Dr. Chang and the staff, I knew I was ready to set up an official consultation! At the consultation, both Dr. Chang and his nurse were a wealth of knowledge. They both made me feel extremely comfortable, and I felt confident in their hands. When I decided to proceed, I came in for my pre-op appointment, where I then tried on different implant sizes to determine what would be the best fit for my body. We decided that 275 ccs would be perfect for me since I am petite. The day of surgery, I was a little nervous but also very excited. Everyone at the hospital was very attentive and had remarkable bedside manners. When I came out of surgery, I had no pain and no discomfort. I felt slight pressure, which was to be expected, but overall, I was surprisingly very comfortable. After surgery, I began my “24-hour recovery”. A few hours after being home and resting, Dr. Chang called to check up on me, which I thought, “wow, what a thoughtful doctor!” The very next day, I went out to lunch with my friend and walked around the mosaic without any discomfort. I never once had to take any pain medicine, as I didn’t feel it was needed. The healing process took no time at all, and I was back to work within a few days. I am so in love with my results, and my confidence has skyrocketed! My new breasts look and feel so natural, and they are exactly what I was hoping for! I am very pleased with my experience from start to finish and am absolutely thrilled. Thank you so much, Dr. Chang. You have definitely boosted my confidence!"

Kathrine G.
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing!

"Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing! Three years ago, I considered getting a breast augmentation; however, 1 week before surgery, I canceled because I was entirely too nervous....

"Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing! Three years ago, I considered getting a breast augmentation; however, 1 week before surgery, I canceled because I was entirely too nervous. Here I am now, approximately 1 month post op, and couldn't be happier. When I went in for my consultation with Dr. Chang, I felt extremely comfortable. He was very realistic, precise, and generally concerned/wanted the best for me. He and his staff are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also friendly and easy to talk to. On the day of my surgery, both Dr. Chang and his nurse called me to check how I was doing. I was offered the opportunity to be on the 24-hour recovery program, and I don't regret a single painful minute of it. I highly recommend Dr. Chang and his staff. The people are wonderful, and the office is well maintained."

Avril G.
5 out of 5 stars

The office staff is friendly, caring, and efficient.

"Four weeks ago, I had abdominoplasty and breast augmentation procedures with Dr. Chang. I am over the moon with the amazing natural and subtle results of his artistry. He is a ...

"Four weeks ago, I had abdominoplasty and breast augmentation procedures with Dr. Chang. I am over the moon with the amazing natural and subtle results of his artistry. He is a gifted surgeon. He made the entire process from pre-op to recovery a very positive experience. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Chang. I unequivocally would recommend him for any cosmetic procedures you may be considering. He has a wonderful bedside manner, very engaging and informative, always. He makes you feel you are his only patient, never rushed or hurried. His upbeat and positive outlook is so refreshing. It’s truly a pleasure to be his patient. Nurse Kelly is such an asset to the team. She thoroughly prepares you for each step of the surgical process. Her expertise is very helpful and appreciated. The office staff is friendly, caring, and efficient. I wholeheartedly endorse the practice of Dr. Dufresne and Dr. Chang!!"

June P.
5 out of 5 stars

I cannot wait to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Chang.

"I had a consultation with Dr. Chang on Friday, March 11, 2016, for a breast augmentation. Dr. Chang was very attentive and heard out all of my questions and concerns. He asked ...

"I had a consultation with Dr. Chang on Friday, March 11, 2016, for a breast augmentation. Dr. Chang was very attentive and heard out all of my questions and concerns. He asked what I wanted my breasts to look like post-surgery, which made me very comfortable. After analyzing my measurements, we discussed the size of implants to be used. Dr. Chang explained the no-touch technique he uses, which reduces some of the risks associated with the surgery. He also said I would be a candidate for the 24 hr recovery process, which is very appealing to me, given my busy schedule. I am confident that Dr. Chang will help me achieve the look that I've been dreaming of for years. This is my fourth consultation, and I've finally found the doctor I trust to perform this surgery. All of my worries have been put to rest, and I cannot wait to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Chang."

Maurey F.
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable!

"I am very happy with my breast implant. Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable! He looks out for what is best for his client. Office staff is very helpful with follow-ups....

"I am very happy with my breast implant. Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable! He looks out for what is best for his client. Office staff is very helpful with follow-ups. Yes, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Chang. I can’t thank you enough for what he has done for me."

V T.
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Dr. Chang!

"I've been looking into getting a breast augmentation for years now. Like all others, I really made sure to do my research. Once I found Dr. Chang and met with him for my first ...

"I've been looking into getting a breast augmentation for years now. Like all others, I really made sure to do my research. Once I found Dr. Chang and met with him for my first consultation, I knew immediately he was the surgeon I wanted to do my procedure with! He was very easy to talk to and straight to the point with things. If you had any questions, he/his staff were happy to answer them. His staff was extremely professional, and I felt comfortable around them. Dr. Chang wants the best for you, especially if you are looking for a "natural look." He recommended what he thought would look best on me, and we compromised with his recommendations and my expectations. I was really nervous a day or two before the surgery, thinking maybe it wouldn't turn out to be what I wanted to look like. But I think everyone goes through this. The day of the procedure was calming - everyone was a pleasure to speak to, and after waking up from the surgery, I felt a little delusional (from the anesthesia, of course) but shortly after felt okay! Maybe it's because I have a higher pain tolerance, or Dr. Chang is THAT good (or both!), but I didn't need many drugs besides some ibuprofen for slight pain. I'm about one week post-op and am super happy with the results so far. Any unsure thoughts I had previously have been proved wrong, and I am ecstatic about that! I would 100000% recommend Dr. Chang—you are in great hands with him. I can't wait to see what my breasts look like when they fully heal and settle. Definitely one of the best decisions I've made for myself :) Thank you, Dr. Chang!"

Ashley P.
5 out of 5 stars

I would not hesitate to go to Dr. Chang.

"I had breast implant and lift revision surgery with Dr. Chang. The entire experience was so positive. The office staff couldn't have been more helpful each time I called for ap...

"I had breast implant and lift revision surgery with Dr. Chang. The entire experience was so positive. The office staff couldn't have been more helpful each time I called for appointments and/or questions. Dr. Chang made me comfortable right from the start. His nurse, Kelly, was very informative and comforting, and helped me with a few of my decisions. Dr. Chang took the time to understand my concerns and to understand completely what my expectations were. I had things about my first surgery that I was not pleased with, and he made a point to make sure these issues were corrected. In the end, I am 100% satisfied with my results. I couldn't be happier. I am glad for the relationship I have formed with this practice. If I ever have a need for their services in the future, I would not hesitate to go to Dr. Chang."

Leigh D.
5 out of 5 stars

I will absolutely recommend people to you :)

"Dr. Chang, I really just want to thank you so much. Everything looks great from what I can see, and you and your staff were excellent. I do apologize for being so grumpy about ...

"Dr. Chang, I really just want to thank you so much. Everything looks great from what I can see, and you and your staff were excellent. I do apologize for being so grumpy about the IV afterward, but the pain mess finally kicked in, and I’m feeling much better now. :) Please tell all the nurses they were so helpful, and I really appreciate them. Being so patient with me! You are excellent, and I am so happy I chose to do this with you. Again, I really appreciate all your attention to detail and care. I will absolutely recommend people to you :)"

Female (21, breast augmentation)
5 out of 5 stars

You’re the best!

I hope you’re doing ok... I love my new breasts, Dr.... You’re the best....

Female (36, breast augmentation)
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Why Choose Congressional Plastic Surgery in Tysons Corner?

  • Expert Breast Lift Surgeon You Can Trust: Dr. Christopher Chang brings extensive experience in breast lift surgery, delivering natural-looking, beautifully contoured results.
  • Personalized Surgical Planning: Our Tysons Corner team evaluates your specific anatomy to recommend the lift technique best suited to your degree of sagging and goals.
  • Convenient Tysons Corner Location: Our Vienna, VA, office offers easy access for patients throughout Northern Virginia seeking expert breast lift surgery.
  • A Trusted, Established Practice: Backed by Dr. Chang's double board certification and years of clinical experience, our team brings the same precision to breast lift surgery as we do to every procedure we offer.

Breast Lift Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?

A breast lift repositions and reshapes existing breast tissue to address sagging, while breast augmentation adds volume using implants or fat transfer. Many patients combine the two when they want to address both sagging and volume loss.

Will a breast lift leave visible scarring?

Scarring depends on the specific technique used and the degree of correction needed. Incisions are placed strategically and scars generally fade and become less noticeable over time.

How long do the results of a breast lift last?

Breast lift results can last for many years, although the natural aging process, pregnancy, and significant weight changes can affect your breasts and long-term results.

Can I combine a breast lift with implants?

Yes. Many patients combine a breast lift with breast augmentation to address both sagging and volume loss during a single procedure.

Will a breast lift affect my ability to breastfeed in the future?

A breast lift can potentially affect your ability to breastfeed, depending on the surgical technique used. If future breastfeeding is important to you, discuss your plans with your surgeon during your consultation.

How do I know if I need a lift, an augmentation, or both?

This depends on whether your primary concern is sagging, volume loss, or a combination of the two. During your consultation, your provider can evaluate your anatomy and goals to help determine the most appropriate approach.

Ready to Start?

Schedule a consultation at our Vienna, VA or Chevy Chase, MD office. We'll take it from there.

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