PROCEDURES
BREST LIFT
The benefits of a breast lift
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance. Mastopexy can reduce the extra skin and give the breasts their former firmer shape and feel. In some cases, breast implants are inserted in conjunction with a breast lift, which affords patients the ability to increase breast size in addition to obtaining a shapelier, firmer look.
Who is the best candidate for a Breast Lift?
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are healthy women at least 18 years of age who are bothered by sagging breasts. Other candidates include women who have fluctuated in breast size or have developed sagging breasts due to breast-feeding.
What are the risks of having a Breast Lift?
Any surgical procedure comes with inherent risk, such as the effects of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, swelling and discomfort. These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided. Thousands of women undergo breast lift surgery successfully every year and are very satisfied with the outcome. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you thoroughly during your consultation.
How long is the recovery period?
- You will go home with light dressings over your sutured incision lines.
- Your bandages will be removed in a few days at a post-operative visit, at which point a soft support bra will be worn for approximately 21 days.
- Your sutures are usually completely removed within 7-10 days.
- Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
- Light activities may begin in 7-10 days.
- Scars are permanent, but will fade considerably over time.
- Results generally last 10 to 15 years.
How do I choose the right surgeon for me?
Finding a qualified, board certified surgeon for your breast lift is extremely important and highly recommended to ensure the overall safety and satisfaction of your surgery. Every surgical procedure carries risks and uncertainties; however, an experienced, board certified surgeon may be better prepared to deal with complications.
How is a Breast Lift performed?
A breast lift is usually done on an outpatient basis under sedation through general anesthesia. The design of the incision can vary, but usually includes an incision around the nipple-areolar complex and in the crease under the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a more pleasing contour. A breast lift involves moving the nipple and breast tissue to a higher level on your chest so that the nipple will lie at the level of the breast fold. The skin below the nipple is then tightened and contoured to your new shape. A breast lift can be done with or without a breast implant for breast enlargement. That decision will be based on your personal goals and the amount of available breast tissue.
Is a Breast Lift right for me?
You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if you have sagging breasts due to past pregnancies, genetics, weight loss or aging. The decision to have a breast lift is an important one that requires researching the facts and identifying your personal body goals. Your doctor can help you visualize your breast lift results, but only you can decide if the procedure is right for you.