Breast Lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to lift and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipples to a higher position on the breast.

Breast lift surgery can be performed with or without implants, depending on the individual's desired outcome and the degree of sagging and loss of volume in the breasts.

The choice between breast lift with or without implants depends on individual factors such as breast size, degree of sagging, and desired outcome. Your surgeon will evaluate your individual situation and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option with you to help you make an informed decision about the best approach for you.

Breast lift with implants, also known as augmentation-mastopexy, combines breast lift surgery with the placement of breast implants. This procedure is best suited for women who not only have sagging breasts but also desire an increase in breast size and fullness. Breast lift with implants can help improve breast shape, firmness, and position while also increasing breast volume and enhancing overall breast appearance.

Breast lift without implants, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin, tightening the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipples to a higher position on the breast. This procedure is best suited for women who have sagging breasts but do not desire a significant increase in breast size. Breast lift without implants can help improve breast shape, firmness, and position, resulting in a more youthful and lifted appearance.
 

Am I a good candidate for breast lift?

Determining if you are a good candidate for a breast lift depends on a variety of factors, including the degree of sagging or drooping of your breasts, your overall health, and your personal goals and expectations for the procedure. Some general considerations that may indicate that you are a good candidate for a breast lift include:

Sagging or drooping breasts: If your breasts have lost their shape and firmness due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or other factors, a breast lift may be able to restore a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Nipple position: If your nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease, a breast lift can reposition the nipples higher on the breast for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Realistic expectations: While a breast lift can improve the appearance of sagging breasts, it's important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Your surgeon can help you understand what can and cannot be achieved with a breast lift and help you determine if the procedure is right for you.

Good overall health: Breast lift surgery is a major surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia, so it's important to be in good overall health and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications.

Non-smoker: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, so it's important to quit smoking several weeks before and after the procedure.

If you're considering a breast lift, it's important to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual situation and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

What are the benefits and risks of breast lift?

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, offers several potential benefits, but like any surgery, it also carries some risks.

Benefits:

Improved breast shape and symmetry: Breast lift surgery can improve the shape, position, and symmetry of your breasts, giving you a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Increased self-confidence: Many women feel self-conscious or uncomfortable about sagging breasts, and a breast lift can help them feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies.

Better-fitting clothing: A breast lift can help you fit better in clothing and swimsuits, as well as improve your overall body proportions.

Risks:

Scarring: Breast lift surgery will leave some degree of scarring, although your surgeon will aim to minimize the appearance of scars as much as possible. Scars can vary in size and appearance depending on the extent of the surgery.

Loss of nipple sensation: Some women may experience a temporary or permanent loss of nipple sensation after breast lift surgery. In some cases, sensation may return over time.

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection following breast lift surgery. This risk can be minimized by following post-operative care instructions carefully and keeping the incision site clean and dry.

Anesthesia risks: Breast lift surgery requires general anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks. These risks can include nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and breathing problems.

Changes in breast sensation or breastfeeding ability: Breast lift surgery can impact breast sensation and breastfeeding ability. In some cases, breastfeeding may not be possible after the procedure.

It's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of breast lift surgery with your plastic surgeon before making a decision. Your surgeon will work with you to evaluate your individual situation and help you make an informed decision about the best approach for you.

How to get ready for breast lift surgery?

Preparing for breast lift surgery involves several important steps to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Here are some things you can do to get ready for breast lift surgery:

Schedule a consultation: The first step in preparing for breast lift surgery is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your individual situation, discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and recommend the best approach for you.

Quit smoking: If you smoke, it's important to quit at least several weeks before your surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, including infection, poor wound healing, and anesthesia-related complications.

Avoid certain medications: Certain medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, so it's important to avoid taking them for at least two weeks before your surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with a list of medications and supplements to avoid.

Arrange for someone to drive you home: Breast lift surgery requires general anesthesia, which can impair your ability to drive for several hours after the procedure. Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night after your surgery.

Prepare your recovery area: Before your surgery, make sure to prepare a comfortable and quiet recovery area at home. This may include setting up a recliner or bed with plenty of pillows, arranging for someone to help with household chores and errands, and stocking up on healthy foods and fluids.

Follow pre-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow before your surgery, such as when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure and what to wear on the day of the surgery. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

By following these steps and working closely with your plastic surgeon, you can help ensure a safe and successful breast lift surgery and a smooth recovery.

How to take care of yourself after breast lift surgery?

Taking care of yourself after breast lift surgery is crucial for a safe and successful recovery. Here are some important tips for post-operative care:

Follow your surgeon's instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow after your surgery, including how to care for your incisions, what medications to take, and what activities to avoid. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

Wear a supportive bra: After your surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you wear a supportive bra to help minimize swelling and support your breasts during the healing process. Make sure to follow your surgeon's instructions on what type of bra to wear and how long to wear it.

Avoid strenuous activity: It's important to avoid strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, bending, and stretching, for several weeks after your surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with specific guidelines on when you can resume normal activities.

Take it easy: After your surgery, it's important to rest and take it easy for several days. Make sure to get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and stay hydrated to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Keep the incision site clean and dry: Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incision site, including how to keep it clean and dry. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection.

Attend follow-up appointments: Make sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These appointments are important for monitoring your healing progress and addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

By following these tips and working closely with your plastic surgeon, you can help ensure a safe and successful recovery after breast lift surgery.

How is the healing process and scarring after breast lift surgery?

The healing process and scarring after breast lift surgery vary from patient to patient, but in general, here's what you can expect:

Healing Process:

In the first few days after surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Your surgeon will provide you with pain medication to help manage any pain or discomfort.

You may need to wear a supportive bra or compression garment for several weeks after your surgery to help minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.

It's important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after your surgery to allow your body to heal properly.

Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery, but this varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery.

Scarring:

Breast lift surgery typically involves incisions around the areola and/or along the lower breast crease, which will leave scars. However, your surgeon will make every effort to minimize scarring and make incisions in areas that are less visible.

The appearance of scars will vary depending on the individual and how well they heal. Scars may be red, raised, or thick at first, but they will fade over time.

Your surgeon may recommend scar treatments, such as silicone sheeting or topical creams, to help minimize the appearance of scars.

It's important to note that while breast lift surgery can improve the appearance of sagging breasts, it cannot prevent the natural effects of aging and gravity. The results of your surgery will be long-lasting, but factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can affect the shape and position of your breasts over time.

Overall, the healing process and scarring after breast lift surgery will vary depending on the individual, but by following your surgeon's instructions and taking care of yourself during the recovery period, you can help ensure a safe and successful outcome.