What Is an Awake Breast Lift?

Posted September 12, 2025 in Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery is a very popular option, particularly among women who have breast ptosis due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. However, not as many people are aware of the option to have an awake breast lift with local anesthesia. This blog explores the benefits of awake breast lift surgery and why it may be an ideal option for certain patients.

4 Min Read:

Table of Contents

• Choosing Breast Lift Surgery
• In-Office or Awake Breast Lift
• Why Do Women Choose to Get an Awake Breast Lift Surgery?
• Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery Without Anesthesia
• Schedule Your Awake Breast Lift Consultation in Pasadena, CA

Choosing Breast Lift Surgery

Many women want their breasts to be firm, full, and perky forever. Unfortunately, nobody is immune to the forces of gravity and the natural aging process that occurs over time. Different life stages, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight loss, can also cause the breasts to undergo appearance changes. Over time, many women notice that their breasts sag, their nipples point downwards, and their breasts have an overall deflated and droopy appearance.

Once the breast skin has lost elasticity, no amount of moisturizer or supportive bras will restore the breasts to their original shape and position. However, breast lift surgery can be an amazing option for women who are struggling with breast ptosis.

Breast lift surgery removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions downward-facing nipples to combat sagging breasts and restore a youthful aesthetic. Many women choose this procedure because of the stunning results it provides and for the boost of confidence they feel once their breasts are rejuvenated.

In-Office or Awake Breast Lift

Many plastic surgery procedures are performed under general anesthesia to allow for optimal patient comfort throughout the process. However, sometimes anesthesia is not the best option for all patients.

Breast lift surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, allowing patients to choose the option most suitable for them. A breast lift performed under local anesthesia is known as an awake breast lift, since the patient is not put to sleep under the medication and remains conscious throughout the procedure.

Dr. Thomas Taylor is a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing awake breast lift surgery. He performs this procedure in-office, allowing for reduced surgical facility costs in addition to reduced anesthesia costs.

Awake breast lift surgery uses the same technique options as regular breast lift surgery, with the key difference being the use of local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. Women who are experiencing breast ptosis and want to be conscious during surgery may be good candidates for this procedure.

The preparation process leading up to an awake breast lift is very similar to a regular breast lift. Patients will be instructed to stop smoking, refrain from using anti-inflammatory medications, and stop drinking alcohol. However, fasting is not a requirement, so you can eat and drink like you usually would on the day of your appointment.

Why Do Women Choose to Get an Awake Breast Lift Surgery?

Many people aren’t aware that awake breast lift surgery is an option, and once learning of this option, some people don’t understand the appeal. Every patient is different and has unique needs, which is why local anesthesia may be a great option for some women and not so much for others.

Some women choose to get an awake breast lift because they’ve had adverse reactions to general anesthesia in the past. Others may have certain health conditions that pose a higher risk for general anesthesia complications. Some patients want to avoid the negative impact of general anesthesia on recovery. Other patients may find local anesthesia appealing if they want to stay conscious and feel more in control during the procedure.

Whatever the reason, awake breast lift surgery can be a great option for qualifying patients. The best way to determine if local anesthesia during a breast lift is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Be sure to choose a surgeon who is not only familiar with awake breast lift surgery but who also has extensive experience performing the procedure.

Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery Without Anesthesia

If you’re considering awake breast lift surgery, you may want to factor in the following benefits:

• Staying conscious during surgery and feeling more in control
• Avoiding the effects of general anesthesia on recovery
• Reduced costs for the surgical facility and anesthesia fees
• Increased safety for patients with certain health conditions

Schedule Your Awake Breast Lift Consultation in Pasadena, CA

Curious about awake breast lift surgery? Our team at Taylor Plastic Surgery Center is prepared to guide you through your options and provide detailed procedure information. We believe that having patients be informed on all their options is one of the best ways to ensure that each patient feels comfortable and confident in their decision.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Taylor in Pasadena, CA, call (626) 577-7730 or complete our online contact form today.