Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift procedure will raise and firm a woman's breast. This is accomplished by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to support and reshape a new breast contour. Most women claim their breast lift procedure made their breasts appear 10 years younger.

A breast lift procedure can be very rewarding for women who have drooping or otherwise sagging breasts. Any woman who has experienced pregnancy and breast feeding can attest the effect rapid weight loss has on her breasts. Youthful breasts are full and sit relatively high on a woman's chest. Rapid weight loss (and aging) often causes ptosis - loss of volume and stretching of the breast's skin.

The most common concern for women considering a breast lift is how long the results will actually last.

Results should last many years as long you don't experience extreme weight loss or pregnancy, in which case your breasts will probably droop and sag once again. Aging and gravity will also work against your breast lift, and in time the combination of both will begin to affect your breasts.

Gravity and aging can't be avoided.

Cost will vary between surgeons. The primary factors that will affect the cost of your procedure are:

• The skill and experience of your particular surgeon. You should choose a surgeon that specializes in breast lifts, has extensive experience, and can show you a large database of 'before and after' photographs.
• Will the procedure be performed at a hospital or within the surgeon's office? In the interest of your health and safety, it's always best to have your surgery performed at a an actual hospital.
• There are several other items that will add to the cost of your surgery, including an anethesiologist, surgical garments, any prescriptions, and pre/post operative care.
• Any complications that may arise during your procedure may increase the overall cost of your surgery.

The internet is a great place to start for finding information about the procedure. You should learn about preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery, and the long term risks (if any). Basically, do as much research as possible.

When you are ready to take that next step, you will need to schedule an initial consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, you will be able to freely ask any question you might have regarding the procedure itself, potential risks, potential benefits, and the recovery process.

Review as much information online that you can. Eventually you will need to see a plastic surgeon in his or her office so you can ask the more pertinent questions, such as whether or not a breast lift procedure can actually benefit you.