Breast Lift Success: 49-Year-Old’s Houston Transformation
Breast Lift Success Story Series by Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD | Case Study #3304
This is part of our series featuring real patient transformations at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. Each case study provides an in-depth look at actual procedures, recovery experiences, and results from Houston patients who’ve undergone breast lift surgery with Dr. Sam M. Sukkar.
At 49, Sarah* stood in front of her mirror and barely recognized herself. Despite maintaining a healthy weight of 158 lbs through consistent exercise and careful eating, her B-cup breasts appeared deflated, a stark reminder of motherhood’s physical toll. Her abdomen protruded despite her best efforts at the gym.
But Sarah wasn’t alone in feeling this way. Three of her closest friends had already undergone mommy makeover surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sam M. Sukkar. Their transformations weren’t just visible, they radiated confidence Sarah desperately wanted to reclaim.
*The patient’s name was changed to protect their privacy. All medical details and photographic before and after results are from actual Patient Case #3304. Individual results may vary based on body type, surgical approach, and adherence to post-operative instructions.
Sarah’s* Journey: Why Friends’ Transformations Sparked Her Decision
What Led to Consultation
Sarah’s* concerns went deeper than aesthetics. After years of breastfeeding and natural aging, her breasts had lost volume and position, changes that affected how clothes fit and how she felt in her own skin. At 158 lbs and maintaining a disciplined fitness routine, she’d done everything within her control. Yet stubborn abdominal protrusion persisted despite core work, and her deflated breast tissue seemed immune to exercise.
The turning point came when her third friend shared post-surgical photos from Dr. Sukkar’s practice. The natural-looking results and enthusiastic referrals convinced Sarah that transformation was possible. She scheduled her consultation ready to discuss combining breast surgery with body contouring.
Pre-Surgery Concerns Sarah Addressed
Recovery downtime. As a working professional, Sarah worried about extended absence from her responsibilities. I assured her that my use of EXPAREL®, an innovative long-acting pain medication, would keep her comfortable for 72 hours post-operatively, significantly easing early recovery.
Scarring visibility. Sarah asked detailed questions about breast lift scars and abdominal incision placement. I explained my meticulous closure techniques and strategic incision placement to minimize visible scarring while maximizing aesthetic outcomes.
Natural-looking results. Having seen obviously augmented results elsewhere, Sarah emphasized wanting proportional, natural-appearing breasts. This aligned perfectly with my surgical philosophy, creating results that look like you, just enhanced.
Dr. Sukkar’s Customized Surgical Plan for Sarah
Combining Breast Enhancement with Body Contouring
Sarah’s* case required addressing both upper body deflation and lower abdominal concerns. After comprehensive evaluation, I designed a mommy makeover approach combining:
1. Breast Augmentation with Lift (Augmentation Mastopexy)
- 350cc moderate profile implants placed bilaterally
- Anchor-pattern lift technique to reposition nipples and remove excess skin
- Subglandular placement for natural upper pole fullness
2. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Full abdominal wall tightening with muscle repair
- Strategic skin excision targeting protruding lower abdomen
- Low horizontal incision placement for discreet scarring
The combination allowed Sarah to address multiple concerns during one surgical session, one recovery period rather than two separate procedures spaced months apart. This approach is particularly effective for patients like Sarah whose concerns span multiple body areas affected by motherhood and aging.
Strategic Reasoning Behind This Approach
Why 350cc implants specifically? Sarah’s* B-cup starting point and frame required careful volumetric calculation. Larger implants would have created top-heavy proportions; smaller implants wouldn’t have achieved the fullness Sarah desired. The 350cc volume placed her solidly in D-cup territory, proportional to her height and providing the projection she’d lost.
The lift component was non-negotiable. Without addressing skin laxity and nipple position, implants alone would have created a “ball-in-sock” appearance rather than the youthful, lifted breast contour Sarah sought. By combining augmentation with mastopexy, I restored both volume and position, two key components of aesthetically pleasing breast appearance.
For the abdominal component, full abdominoplasty was necessary rather than a mini procedure. Sarah’s* concerns extended above the belly button, requiring comprehensive muscle tightening and skin removal. The combined approach meant Sarah would undergo one anesthesia session, one recovery period, and achieve comprehensive transformation, far more efficient than staging procedures.
My 25+ years performing complex combination procedures informed every technical decision. From implant pocket dissection to muscle plication technique to skin closure, decades of experience ensured Sarah’s* safety and optimal aesthetic outcome.
Recovery Timeline: Sarah’s* Healing Experience
The First Two Weeks: Managing Post-Operative Discomfort
Days 1-3 presented the expected challenges. Sarah woke from surgery in our recovery suite, immediately noting the EXPAREL® medication’s effectiveness, she described sensation as “tight and swollen” rather than sharp pain. The long-acting anesthetic I’d administered during surgery provided 72 hours of comfort, allowing Sarah to focus on rest rather than pain management.
She followed critical early recovery protocols: sleeping elevated at 45 degrees, taking short walks every two hours while awake, and avoiding any upper body lifting. The compression garments I’d placed, surgical bra and abdominal binder, felt restrictive but provided necessary support.
Week 1-2 brought gradual improvement. By day five, Sarah discontinued prescription pain medication, transitioning to over-the-counter options. Swelling peaked around day four before slowly subsiding. She maintained restrictions: no driving while taking narcotics, no lifting objects over five pounds, no reaching overhead.
Critical Recovery Rules Sarah Followed:
- Incision care: Daily gentle cleansing with mild soap, patting dry, no submerging
- Activity restrictions: No upper body exercises, core work, or abdominal straining
- Garment compliance: 24/7 compression wear except during showering
- Sleep positioning: Elevated upper body, no stomach sleeping
I saw Sarah for her first post-operative visit at day seven. Incisions showed excellent healing, swelling remained within expected parameters, and she reported manageable discomfort. Most importantly, she already noticed the dramatic difference in breast position and abdominal contour, even beneath swelling and surgical garments.
Weeks 3-8: Returning to Normal Activities
By week three, Sarah felt markedly better. Swelling had decreased significantly, allowing her to appreciate her new silhouette more clearly. I cleared her for light walking and basic daily activities, though upper body and core exercises remained restricted. The compression garments transitioned from 24/7 wear to nighttime-only for the abdominal binder.
Weeks 5-8 marked the final healing phase. At six weeks post-op, I cleared Sarah for all normal activities including exercise. She gradually reintroduced core work and upper body training, careful not to overdo intensity initially. The breast implants had begun settling into their final position, the initially high placement descending to create natural breast slopes.
At her three-month follow-up appointment, Sarah presented with exceptional results. Her weight had decreased to 148 lbs, the 10-pound reduction coming from excised abdominal tissue and gradual return to full fitness routines. But the transformation extended far beyond the scale.
Three-Month Results: Sarah’s* Complete Transformation
Sarah’s* breast measurements told part of the story: B-cup to D-cup, 350cc moderate profile implants bilaterally, improved projection and position. Her abdominal profile had flattened dramatically, the protruding lower abdomen now smooth and toned despite unchanged fitness routines.
But transformation extended beyond measurements. Sarah reported renewed confidence in fitted clothing, swimwear comfort for the first time in years, and the elimination of self-consciousness that had shadowed her for so long. The referral pattern continued, Sarah became the fourth friend in her circle to achieve mommy makeover results, creating her own referral network.
What Made Sarah’s* Result Exceptional
Comprehensive single-stage approach. Rather than staging breast and body procedures separately, the combined surgery meant one recovery period, one anesthesia exposure, and simultaneous transformation of multiple concerns. This efficiency appeals to busy patients wanting maximum results with minimal life disruption.
Pain management innovation. EXPAREL® administration during surgery provided 72-hour comfort without excessive narcotic dependence. This allowed Sarah to focus on healing rather than pain control, contributing to her positive recovery experience and potentially faster return to normal activities.
Natural proportionality. The 350cc implant size achieved Sarah’s* fullness goals without creating obviously augmented appearance. Combined with the lift component, results appeared as though Sarah had simply “turned back the clock” rather than undergone obvious surgical enhancement.
Meticulous technique refinement. Every technical detail, from implant pocket precision to muscle plication suturing to skin closure, reflected decades of experience. My approach to breast lift with augmentation prioritizes natural appearance and long-term stability, contributing to Sarah’s* outstanding outcome.
Patient compliance excellence. Sarah followed every post-operative instruction precisely, garment wear, activity restrictions, incision care, follow-up attendance. This partnership between surgeon skill and patient commitment creates optimal conditions for excellent results.
Procedures like Sarah’s*, combining breast augmentation and lift with full tummy tuck, typically represent an investment of $15,000 to $22,000 in the Houston market, depending on specific techniques required. Given the comprehensive nature addressing multiple body areas in one surgery, many patients find this cost-effective compared to staging procedures separately, with financing options starting around $200-$300 monthly making transformation accessible.
Questions About Breast Lift with Augmentation
Can I achieve lift with just implants, or is the mastopexy component necessary?
In cases like Sarah’s* where significant deflation and nipple descent have occurred, implants alone cannot achieve optimal results. The breast lift (mastopexy) component removes excess skin and repositions the nipple-areola complex to appropriate height. Without this step, placing implants in deflated breast tissue creates unnatural contours rather than the youthful appearance patients desire. I evaluate each patient’s degree of ptosis (sagging) and skin quality to determine whether lift is necessary alongside augmentation.
How does combining breast and body procedures affect recovery compared to staging them separately?
The combined approach means one recovery period rather than two, which appeals to patients wanting comprehensive transformation without multiple surgical experiences. However, the initial recovery is more demanding, you’re healing from both upper and lower body procedures simultaneously. Strategic pain management with EXPAREL® and carefully structured activity restrictions make this manageable for appropriately selected candidates. Realistic mommy makeover recovery expectations involve 6-8 weeks before full activity clearance, but most patients return to desk work within 2-3 weeks.
Will the breast lift scars be visible with the types of clothing I typically wear?
The anchor-pattern technique I used in Sarah’s* case creates incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the inframammary fold. While these are more extensive than implant-only incisions, strategic placement and meticulous closure techniques minimize visibility. Scars mature over 12-18 months, fading to thin white lines. Most clothing, including moderate necklines and swimwear, conceals these incisions. I provide detailed scar management protocols including silicone sheeting and scar creams to optimize healing.
Ready to Write Your Own Breast Lift Success Story?
Sarah hesitated for years watching her body changes accumulate. She researched surgeons, consulted with friends who’d undergone procedures, and finally took the step that transformed not just her appearance but her confidence. Three months later, she joined the ranks of satisfied patients who’ve experienced the life-changing impact of comprehensive mommy makeover surgery.
Your concerns might differ from Sarah’s*. Perhaps you’re focused primarily on breast deflation without significant abdominal concerns, or maybe you’re wondering if breast lift without implants could achieve your goals. Some patients debate between breast lift versus implants alone, while others explore mini breast lift options for less extensive concerns.
But the common thread is this: You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own body. Motherhood is beautiful, but the physical changes don’t have to be permanent.
If post-pregnancy changes or natural aging are affecting your quality of life, transformation is possible.
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About the Author – Meet Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD
Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.
Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.
Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.
Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.
Cover Image Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.