Aging doesn’t just occur in the face. The breasts are often an area of concern for women as they start growing older. Normal aging can wreak havoc on the breasts, causing them to droop, sag, and lose firmness and lift. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also take a toll on the breasts, exacerbating the signs of aging, and can make the breasts lose volume and lift. This often results in women being unhappy with how their breasts look outside of a bra.
In these cases, a breast lift (also known as a mastopexy) can be the perfect solution. Some women may not be interested in gaining more volume, but simply desire rejuvenation and re-contouring of the bust. In other cases a woman may want to lift the breasts and increase volume, and in these cases a lift combined with breast augmentation – known as an augmentation-mastopexy – can be a great option.
Breast Lift Consultation
The first step in the process toward beautiful, youthful breasts is a consultation with one of our talented cosmetic surgeons. You’ll get the opportunity to discuss a variety of options for your breast enhancement, and our surgeons will ask you questions about how you feel about your breast appearance to get an idea of what procedure or procedures will be best for you. During your breast lift consultation, you’ll get the chance to ask any questions you may have, learn more about the lift surgery itself, and discuss any concerns you may have. Your breast lift consultation is your chance to solidify your breast enhancement goals and speak with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon about your specific needs.
Breast Lift Candidates
The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who have experienced sagging and/or volume loss that affects the overall aesthetics and lift of the breast. Patients should be in general good health, and have realistic expectations for the surgery. Breast lift can produce remarkable improvement in the appearance of the breasts, but there are limitations to what the surgery can accomplish. Women interested in breast surgery should be non-smokers, as smoking increases safety risks and has a negative impact on healing.
Breast Lift Procedure
Most breast lifts are performed with the patient under general anesthesia. The incisions used in breast lifts vary depending on the type of lift as well as the severity of laxity. At a minimum, a circular incision will be made in the skin surrounding the nipple.
Most patients will also need an incision that goes from the bottom of the areola (the colored area around the nipple) downward to the fold underneath the breast. In more severe cases, an incision may also be needed underneath the breasts as well. The surgeon will remove and tighten excess skin, contouring and lifting the breasts, without affecting any of the muscles of the chest. Once the desired placement and contour of the chest has been achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions.
Breast Lift Recovery
Breast lift recovery is short and involves only minimal discomfort. Because the procedure does not affect the muscles of the chest, pain is quite manageable, and patients should be able to go off pain medication a few days after surgery. Patients should expect to take about a week to 10 days off from work and can start resuming normal activities after this time. Strenuous activity will need to be postponed for longer than this, according to physician guidelines. Swelling will occur following any surgery, and this will persist for several months, though most swelling should disappear within the first few months and fully subside after 6 months or so. Once all the swelling has disappeared and the tissues are healed, patients will be able to enjoy the final results of breast lift surgery.
