What is a Breast Lift?

What do pregnancy, weight loss, and gravity all have in common? They can all result in saggy, stretched breasts. A breast lift can dramatically transform drooping breasts into a perkier, firmer set.

WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?

A Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed to raise and reshape breasts by removing excess akin and tightening the tissue to support and reshape the new breast contour.

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEON, BREAST LIFT PROCEDURES HAVE INCREASED 70 PERCENT SINCE THE YEAR 2000, OUTPACING BREAST IMPLANTS 2-TO-1.

Breasts tend to sag as a result of pregnancy, breast feeding, significant weight loss, heredity, gravity and aging. A breast lift can can achieve an uplifted, more youthful breast contour by bringing the breasts higher on the chest.

The nipple and areola can also be repositioned or resized during the breast lift procedure to enhance the appearance of the breast.

Many patients opt to combine a breast lift procedure with a breast augmentation for fuller breasts or a breast reduction to achieve their desired result.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT?

The ideal candidate for a breast lift has sagging breasts or breasts that are flat or elongated. If the breasts have lost their volume or shape or if one is lower than the other, a breast lift might be worth looking into.  A breast lift will also correct areolas or nipples that point downward.

If you are planning on having more children or nursing, it is recommended that you wait before undergoing a breast lift.

BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE

Your breast size and shape, the degree of which they are sagging along with skin quality and elasticity, will determine which is the appropriate breast lift technique your surgeon will suggest.

The breast lift procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

THERE ARE THREE COMMON INCISION PATTERNS USED DURING THIS PROCEDURE:

  1. Around the areola
  2. Around the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease
  3. Around the areola, vertically down and then horizontally along the breast increase

BREAST LIFT INCISIONS

Before beginning any procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will recommend the incisions which best suit your body. Some incisions are concealed in the natural breast contours, while others can be visible on the breast surface. In most cases, they will fade and improve with time.

Once the incisions are made, the breasts are reshaped.  Underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, the nipple and areola are repositioned (enlarged aerolas are reduced if necessary) and any excess breast skin is removed to achieve the desired breast contour.

RECOVERY FROM A BREAST LIFT

Most patients will most likely experience bruising, soreness and swelling for a few days. After the procedure, your breasts will likely be wrapped in an elastic bandage or you will be instructed to wear a surgical bra for about a week. Stitches are removed after a week or two. Usually a support bra is then worn continuously for a about a month. Most patients are able to return to work within a week, but exercise and other strenuous activity should be curtailed or avoided for about a month. Your surgeon will provide you with individual instructions for your recovery.

RESULTS OF A BREAST LIFT

Results can be seen immediately after surgery and will continue to improve as swelling subsides and scars fade. Most breast lifts last for years, but as with any breast surgery, results are not permanent and gravity and aging can take their toll.

RISKS OF A BREAST LIFT

A breast lift is considered a safe procedure for ideal candidates, but there are certain risks associated with any type of surgical procedure.  This can including a reaction to anesthesia, bleeding and infection. Risks can be reduced when you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure and by following the surgeon’s instructions before the treatment and during your recovery.

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