Breast Lift

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502706719059{padding-right: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”32436″ img_size=”full”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Breast Lift”]Also known as mastopexy and breast lift surgery A breast lift addresses sagging and uneven breasts, decreased breast volume and drooping nipples and stretched areolas (the darker area surrounding the nipples), recreating a youthful shape and lift to your breasts. If there is too little or too much breast volume, a breast augmentation or breast reduction might be recommended in addition to a lift. Every year, thousands of women undergo successful breast-lift surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502706724307{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”When to Consider a Breast Lift” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Pregnancy, nursing, gravity, weight gain or loss, normal aging, and heredity have taken a toll on the shape of your breasts, resulting in sagging
• If your surgeon thinks that breast implants alone are unlikely to achieve the contour you desire
• If the tissue surrounding the nipple or areola has become stretched

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502706779345{padding-right: 20px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Considerations”][vc_custom_heading text=”Pros” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• You will have improved breast shape, projection, and symmetry
• Your breasts will have a more youthful appearance.
• You will look better in and out of clothes and feel more self-confident.

[vc_custom_heading text=”Cons” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• The effects of a breast lift might slowly diminish over time because of gravity and aging.
• A breast lift leaves scars that will be hidden in a bra or swimsuit.
• Subsequent pregnancy may compromise your surgical results.

These are the three top pros and cons to weigh when considering a breast lift. If you wish to focus on what is unique to you, please consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon.[vc_custom_heading text=”Are you a good candidate for a breast lift?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]If you’ve become increasingly unhappy about the sagging of your breasts, you may wonder what surgery can do. Don’t be surprised if your surgeon suggests combining breast augmentation or breast reduction with your lift; adjunct procedures may be necessary to achieve your goals.

The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider a breast lift:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Breasts that are pendulous but adequate in size.
• Breasts that lack substance or firmness.
• Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease.
• Breasts that appear different from each other; one breast may appear firm and well positioned while the other does not.
• Breasts that are not equal in size.
• Breasts that are relatively small.
• Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long-lasting as a breast lift performed on smaller breasts; the weight of larger breasts works against surgical changes.
• You are finished with childbearing and breast-feeding. If you plan to have children, you may want to postpone cosmetic breast surgery. Pregnancy may stretch the breasts and reduce their volume, compromising surgery benefits.

If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.[vc_single_image image=”32030″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]A breast lift can help elevate loose, sagging breasts, while also improving shape, fullness and your confidence.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Detailed Procedural Info”][vc_custom_heading text=”How is a breast lift procedure performed?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation in an accredited hospital or surgeon’s office equipped with a surgical suite. Different techniques for removing breast skin and reshaping the breast determine the location of the incisions and resulting scars. Your surgeon will select a technique based on your breast size and shape, areola size and position, degree of breast sagging, skin quality and elasticity and how much extra skin you have.[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Your plastic surgeon will remove excess breast skin and shift the nipple and areola to a higher position.
• If your areola has become stretched, it can now be reduced in size.
• Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together, beneath the breast, to reshape the breast.
• Your surgeon will remove excess skin and close your incisions, tightening the skin, sewing the breast back together and placing sutures deep in the breast tissue to support the new breast position for a longer period of time.
• Scars are usually hidden under the breasts, although some light scarring may be seen on top of the breast.
• The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed.
• In some patients, it may be possible to avoid the horizontal incision beneath the breast as well as the vertical incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease. If you are a good candidate for a modified technique, your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you.

[vc_custom_heading text=”What are my options?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Here is a description of the different incision patterns and techniques that your plastic surgeon will choose from:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• The “anchor” incision, made around the perimeter of the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease, produces the most scarring. It is for women with a severe degree of sagging who will not be helped sufficiently by less invasive techniques. This incision, which is the oldest technique, is often used for a breast lift in conjunction with a breast reduction.
• The “lollipop” lift, also known as a “keyhole” incision, made around the perimeter of the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, is suitable for women with a moderate degree of sagging who will not be helped sufficiently by the periareolar technique and who do not want breast implants.
• The “donut” lift, also known as the “periareolar incision,” made around the perimeter of the areola only, is suitable for women with a mild-to-moderate degree of sagging. When used by a skilled surgeon in conjunction with the placement of implants, it can produce a satisfactory result for patients with more pronounced sagging.
• The “crescent” lift, which is less commonly used, is an incision that lies just along the upper half of the areola. A crescent-shaped piece of skin is removed above that line, and the surrounding skin is reattached to the areola. This type of lift is usually done in conjunction with breast augmentation in women with minor sagging. It cannot accomplish the same degree of lifting as the other incision techniques.
• The “scarless” lift. For a select few women concerned more about volume loss than actual sagging, there are procedures to lift the appearance of the breast that are touted as scarless.

[vc_single_image image=”32031″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]Incisions follow your breasts’ natural contour defining the area of excision and the new location for the nipple.These procedures can be combined with breast implants, Thermage, Smart Lipo and/or Quill Threads to lift the breasts with minimal scarring. However, they all require incisions of some sort, no matter how small or well-hidden. These procedures are suitable for patients with very little sagging; they will not accomplish the same amount of lifting as techniques that use larger incisions.[vc_custom_heading text=”What will my breast lift incisions and scars be like?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]These vary according to the type of incision your aesthetic surgeon suggests for you. Your surgeon can conceal some incision lines in natural breast contours, but others will be visible on the breast surface.

A common method of lifting the breasts involves three incisions:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Around the aureolas
• Extending downward from the areolas to the breast creases
• Horizontally along the breast creases

Although incision lines are permanent, in most cases they will fade and significantly improve over time. Aesthetic plastic surgeons make every effort to place scars in hidden areas and minimize them, with the goal of achieving the desired results with the shortest possible scar. Special tissue handling and suture techniques further minimize scars. To get a better notion of breast lift incisions, read “What are my options for breast lift?”[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Selecting a Surgeon”][vc_custom_heading text=”Select a surgeon you can trust” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]It’s important to choose your surgeon based on:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Education, training and certification
• Experience with breast lift surgery
• Your comfort level with him or her

Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are experienced and qualified to perform your aesthetic procedure. Learn how to select a surgeon.After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced in performing breast lift surgery, you will need to make an office appointment to set up your consultation. Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is a cost associated with the initial visit.[vc_custom_heading text=”Your initial consultation appointment” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss what you want to achieve. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a breast lift candidate and clarify what procedures may benefit you most. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation (see related procedures).Your plastic surgeon will examine, measure and photograph your breasts for your medical record. Your surgeon will consider:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• The current size and shape of your breasts.
• The breast size and shape that you desire.
• The quality and quantity of your breast tissue.
• The quality of your skin.
• The placement of your nipples and areolas.

If you feel your breasts are too large or too small, your aesthetic plastic surgeon may recommend breast augmentation or breast reduction.You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Previous surgeries, including breast biopsies.
• Past and Present medical conditions.
• Allergies and current medications.
• Medical treatments you have received.
• Family history of breast cancer.
• Current mammogram results.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. The surgeon may recommend that you stabilize your weight before undergoing surgery.If you think that you may want to become pregnant in the future, discuss this with your surgeon. Pregnancy can alter breast size in an unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of your breast lift.[vc_custom_heading text=”Your treatment plan” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Based on your goals, physical characteristics and the surgeon’s training and experience, your surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• An approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures.
• The outcomes that you can anticipate.
• Your financial investment for the procedure.
• Associated risks and complications.
• Options for anesthesia and surgery location.
• What you need to do to prepare for the surgery.
• What you can expect to experience after surgery.
• Show before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours and answer any questions.

[vc_custom_heading text=”Questions to ask your aesthetic plastic surgeon” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]For a general list of questions to ask your surgeon about his or her background, find out about plastic surgery safety and to plan your procedure visit, the Planning Toolkit.We developed these questions to help you:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Make the most informed and intelligent decisions about your procedure.
• Confirm that you have the right surgeon for your procedure.
• Make your initial consultation as rewarding as possible.
• Understand your options, potential outcomes and risks.

It is important for you to take an active role in your surgery, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?
• Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
• Will my scars be visible? Where will my scars be located?
• What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
• What will be the costs associated with my surgery?
• What will you expect of me to get the best results?
• What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• What are my options if the outcome of my surgery does not meet the goals we agreed on?

[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Preparing for Your Procedure”][vc_custom_heading text=”How do I prepare for a breast lift procedure?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.If he or she recommends weight benchmarks or lifestyle changes, do your best to achieve them to ensure the best results and minimize the chance of complications.In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
• Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
• Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
• Keep alcohol consumption at less than two to three drinks per week.
• Before surgery, stock your refrigerator with high-protein, low-sodium foods, including premade meals, fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of caffeine-free beverages and water. Avoid food and drink containing salt during your recovery.
• As you heal, your arms will have a limited range of motion, so store all the supplies you’ll need during recovery where they’re easily accessible (counter level, not in overhead or very low cabinets).
• Stockpile movies or prerecorded programs, and novels and magazines. If possible, have a speakerphone by your bed and a remote control for the TV.
• Establish a no-fail support system for the full recovery period indicated by your surgeon. This is most critical to your recovery. If you have children less than five years of age, you must have someone to take care of them for a week. You must not lift, drive or do laundry and cleaning for the first two weeks.
• Rest and sleep on your back continuously in an inclined position (25-to 45-degree angle) for the initial postoperative days or while significant swelling remains. You can achieve elevation with wedge pillows with an incline design or by sleeping in a recliner chair.
• Avoid hot showers, hot tubs and saunas for two to three weeks.
• Decide what you will wear for the first few days; pick items that open in front. Wear slip-on shoes so you don’t have to bend.

Breast lifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.[vc_custom_heading text=”What can I expect on the day of my procedure?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Your breast lift surgery may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of how long your surgery will last based on the details of your surgical plan.[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
• General anesthesia is commonly used during your breast lift procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
• For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
• Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
• Once the operation has begun, the surgeon may decide to combine various techniques or change a technique to ensure the best result. It is important that you feel comfortable and trust your doctor to make these decisions.
• Following the surgery a bulky gauze dressing (bandage) will be wrapped around your breasts and chest or you might wear a surgical bra. Drainage tubes may be attached to your breasts.
• You will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored.
• Before leaving for home, you (or someone looking after you) should feel capable of emptying and resetting the drains.

You will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and your plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Aftercare and Recovery”]Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care, including information about:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Drains, if they have been placed
• Normal symptoms you will experience
• Potential signs of complications

See options for short-term recovery locations in Aftercare and Recovery (Planning Toolkit).Immediately after your breast lift
Generally, you can expect to be bandaged, wearing compression garments and you may have some surgical drains.When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some pain. If the pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician. You will also have some redness and swelling after the surgery.
Contact your surgeon to find out if your pain, redness, and swelling are normal or are signs of a problem.Other common recovery side effects include bruising, numbness, or changes in nipple sensitivity, itching around incision sites and increased firmness or fullness in the breast tissue. These side effects should subside over the next few weeks, with some residual effects lasting up to three months following the surgery.Recovery time frame after breast lift surgery
It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. This will include information about wearing compression garments, care of your drains, taking an antibiotic if prescribed and the level and type of activity that is safe. Your surgeon will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.The first week[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time.
• After several days, you should be able to move about more comfortably.
• Avoid straining, bending and lifting since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding.
• You will probably be instructed to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
• Any surgical drains will be removed within a few days of surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed.
• For two to five days, your chest region may feel stiff and sore.

Two weeks to six weeks[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• After breast lift surgery it is often possible to return to work within a week or so, depending on your job.
• You should avoid excessive physical activity for at least the first two weeks following surgery. After that, be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month.
• Avoid sexual activity for a minimum of one or two weeks, but your plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer. After that, take care to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next couple of weeks.
• You may be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminish.
• Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately three weeks, beginning about one week after surgery.
• You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This is usually temporary; however, it may take weeks, months or even more than a year before sensation returns to normal.
• Your breasts may require some time to assume a more natural shape.
• Incisions will initially be red or pink. They will remain this way for many months following surgery.
• In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks.
• You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but such feelings are normal. If you have severe pain, report it to your doctor.

[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”How Long Will the Results Last?”]If a breast lift is performed properly, your breasts should not return to their preoperative droop for decades, assuming you don’t have significant weight fluctuations or go through pregnancy. Some settling may occur, but the new nipple position should remain intact. Ask your surgeon about the technique that will be used. Typically, aesthetic surgeons do not rely on a simple skin lift; they sculpt the entire breast tissue, creating a longer-lasting lift.[vc_single_image image=”32035″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]

A

[vc_single_image image=”32036″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]

B

A. A breast lift elevates and reshapes loose, sagging breast.

B. After surgery, your breasts will be positioned higher and feel firmer.Maintain a relationship with your aesthetic plastic surgeonFor safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon’s office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Associated Costs”]The cost of a breast lift varies from doctor to doctor and from one geographic area to another.See the national average for physician fees per procedure.These numbers only reflect the physician/surgeon fees last year and do not include fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, surgical garments or other miscellaneous costs related to breast reduction.Because a breast lift is elective surgery, insurance does not cover these costs. Many surgeons offer patient financing plans to make the procedure more affordable.Choose your surgeon based on quality, training and experience—not cost.See why ASAPS members are widely recognized for upholding the highest standards in the area of aesthetic plastic surgery by viewing their basic credentials, training and certifications.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Limitations and Risks”]Fortunately, significant complications from breast lift are infrequent. Your specific risks for breast lift will be discussed during your consultation.All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
• Infection and bleeding
• Changes in sensation
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your breast lift.