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Breasts change over time, whether it be from aging, pregnancy, nursing, or weight loss. For women whose breasts are no longer as firm or shapely as they’d like, a breast lift procedure reshapes the breasts to help restore perk, comfort, and confidence.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgery that removes excess tissue and tightens the skin for a higher, more appealing result. In addition to improving the contour of the breasts, a lift can also reduce the size of enlarged areolas. This procedure can be done alone, or it may be combined with other procedures like a tummy tuck, breast enlargement, or breast reduction.
A good candidate for a breast lift is someone with achievable goals who is healthy enough to safely undergo the procedure. If things like pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging have caused sagging breasts, a breast lift could be right for you.
To find out what kinds of results you might personally be able to achieve, schedule a consultation with Dr. Do. You’ll be able to explain your concerns and desired outcome, and Dr. Do can show you what kinds of results you can reasonably expect. He will also be able to suggest appropriate methods and surgical techniques to achieve them.
There are a few ways a breast lift can be done, and the method used will depend on the patient’s unique needs and goals.
The most common type is a full breast lift, which is popular with patients in middle age. Depending on the plan, there may be up to three incisions: one vertical incision in the lower half of the breast, one circular incision around the areola, and a third horizontal incision in the breast crease underneath. The surgeon then removes excess skin, moves the breast and nipple into their new position, and sutures the incisions closed.
Another surgical procedure is the “doughnut” mastopexy, which is more appropriate for patients with smaller breasts and minimal sagging. A single circular incision is made around the areola, and a strip of doughnut-shaped breast skin is removed. The incisions are then carefully closed, lifting and tightening the tissue.
If the breasts have lost significant volume, a lift can be combined with breast implants. Doing both procedures at once results in larger breasts, better lift results, and less overall time spent in recovery.
Breast lift surgery typically takes about 2-3 hours. Additional time may be required if the breast lift is combined with any other procedures, or if any unexpected issues arise. Depending on your treatment plan, you may be able to go home the same day or you may be required to stay overnight at the hospital.
If you have any underlying medical concerns, you may need to be examined by other doctors and cleared for surgery before you can move forward. Once you’re cleared, you’ll receive all the necessary information and documents, including preparation instructions.
Make sure you arrange for any transportation or help you may need after your surgery. You may also want to move some things to lower places in your home, minimizing any lifting or reaching that may be difficult while you are healing.
As the day approaches, make sure you follow the surgeon’s directions. If you don’t follow them carefully, you could risk having your surgery date postponed.
Whether you’re at home or in the hospital, you will be on bed rest for the first 24-48 hours. You’ll also be fitted with a bra-like compression garment to prevent fluid buildup. You’ll need to wear this garment for 3-4 weeks after surgery, but most of the initial bruising and swelling should resolve within 2-3 weeks.
During the healing period, it’s important to follow doctors’ instructions, take good care of the incision areas, and generally treat your breast area with caution. Scar creams and other such treatments can be applied during this time to help encourage good healing for a nice result.
You will also need to avoid any gym exercise or intensive upper body activity for the first 4 weeks. In follow-up appointments, your surgeon will assess your progress and let you know when it is safe to return to various activities.
If there are no complications, the average recovery period lasts roughly 4-6 weeks.
Any plastic surgery has some degree of risk, which is why a surgeon will start by considering your health and determining whether you’re a good candidate. Before you make any decisions, you’ll be given detailed information about any risks related to surgical methods, etc.
Complications from breast lift procedures are uncommon, but may include issues like infection, hematoma (blood pooling), or tissue damage. It’s important to watch for potential red flags (like itching, redness, or weeping) and contact your surgeon immediately if they occur. In rare cases, such as if nipple or areola tissue is lost, revision surgery may be needed. A skilled surgeon like Dr. Do will minimize these risks with good technique and care.
Yes, with some caveats. So long as the nipple and areola remain intact and attached to an appropriate amount of breast tissue, a breast lift should not interfere with your ability to breastfeed. However, depending on various factors, your breasts may function a bit differently than they did before surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Do, let him know if you have any concerns about breastfeeding after the procedure.
The vast majority of breast lifts are considered cosmetic plastic surgery that is not medically necessary and is therefore not covered by insurance. However, a breast lift may be at least partially covered if it is part of a medically necessary mastectomy or reconstructive surgery. Check your policy and/or speak to your insurer for information about your specific coverage.
If you need help paying for a breast lift, the Aesthetic Surgery Institute offers a variety of promotional deals and discounts, as well as financing resources. Whatever your needs are, we can help you find the funding.
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