Breast Lift
Also called mastopexy, a breast lift raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and the breast lift will reduce that as well.
Are you a good candidate for a breast lift?
You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:
- Lush breasts
- Breasts that lack material or tension.
- Nipples and areolas that point down, especially if they are placed under the breast crease.
- Chests that appear different from one another; One breast may appear firm and well placed and the other not.
- Breasts that are not equal in size.
- The breasts are relatively small.
- Large and heavy breasts can be lifted, but the results may not be as long-lasting as a breast lift performed on smaller breasts; Greater weight in the breasts works against surgical changes.
- I have finished childbearing and breastfeeding. If you are planning to have children, you may want to postpone plastic breast surgery. Pregnancy may extend to the breast and reduce its size, reducing the benefits of surgery.
- If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, then you are probably a good candidate for this procedure
How do I prepare for breast lift surgery?
After researching the basics of a breast lift, many patients want to know what to expect before surgery. You may be asked to:
- Get a laboratory analysis or medical evaluation
- Take some medications or adjust your current medications
- Get a basic mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in the breast tissue
- Stop smoking before undergoing breast lift surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because they can increase bleeding
What are the steps of a breast lift?
A breast lift procedure can be accomplished with a variety of incision styles and techniques. The right technique for you will be selected based on:
- Breast size and shape
- The size and location of your aura
- The degree of sagging of the breast
- The quality of the skin and its elasticity as well as the amount of additional skin
Anesthesia
Options include local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Notch
There are three common slit styles:
- Around the aura
- Transforms the areola and vertically from the areola to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease
Reshape your breasts
After the doctor opens the cracks:
The basic breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
- The nipple and areola are placed at a more youthful natural height.
- If necessary, the extensive areola is reduced by removing the surrounding skin.
- The excess breast skin is removed to compensate for the loss of elasticity.
Closing the cracks
After your breasts are reshaped and the excess skin removed, the remaining skin is tightened with the incisions closed. Some incision lines caused by the breast lift are hidden in the natural breast contour. However, others are visible on the surface of the breast. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases they will fade and improve dramatically over time.
Many women want the smallest scar possible however, your plastic surgeon will recommend incisions that will fit the surgery.
Listen to your surgeon and do not reduce your results by claiming an incision that will not be suitable for you. Sutures are placed deep in the breast tissue to create and support the breasts. Adhesive stitches or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.
See the results
The results of the breast lift surgery are immediately visible, for safety, as well as a more beautiful and healthy result, it is important to return to your plastic surgeon for follow-up evaluation at specific times and whenever you notice any changes. Feel free to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.
What should I expect during the breast lift recovery period?
While healing from a breast lift, dressings will be applied to the incisions.After the procedure is complete, you will need to wear an elastic bandage or a support bra to reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions which may include:
- How to care for your breasts after surgery
- Application or taking medications by mouth to aid healing and reduce the likelihood of infection
- Specific concerns to look for in the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with a plastic surgeon.
What results should I expect after breast lift surgery?
The results of a breast lift surgery are immediately visible, over time, the postoperative swelling will resolve and the incision lines will disappear, the satisfaction with the new image should continue to grow as you recover from the surgery.
The final results of a breast lift will appear over the next few months as the shape and position of the breast remains firm. Sterilization lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time, your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity.
You’ll be able to keep your new look longer if you:
- Maintain your weight
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- When following your doctor’s instructions is essential to the success of the surgery, it is important that the surgical incisions do not experience excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or movement during the healing time. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself.
- Breast lift and pregnancy surgery
- You should never have breast surgery after pregnancy is complete. Changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy can reduce or reverse the improvement provided by a breast lift. Likewise, significant weight loss after breast surgery can negatively affect the appearance of the breast.
The cost of a breast lift
The cost of the operation varies according to its nature and the period of time during which the operation will be conducted.
The cost of the operation cannot be determined before examining the case with the doctor