Q - What is a breast lift?
The breast lift, technically known as mastopexy, is a procedure which raises and reshapes a woman’s breasts in order to restore a more youthful appearance. The breast lift can improve sagging and a loss of shape and firmness which may result from age, pregnancy, nursing and decreased skin elasticity. The size of the areolas can also be reduced during surgery if necessary. The breast lift may be performed on its own or it may be combined with breast implants for increased breast size and firmness.
Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a breast lift?
Women who are realistic in their expectations, emotionally stable, and looking to improve sagging and a loss of breast shape and firmness may be good candidates for a breast lift. Women who have decreased breast volume after pregnancy may be good candidates for a breast lift combined with implants. Patients planning future pregnancy may be advised to postpone the surgery until afterward. While breasts of any size can be lifted, the longest lasting results tend to be achieved in women with smaller breasts.
Q - What happens during a consultation for a breast lift?
During a consultation for a breast lift, your medical history will be evaluated and the details of the procedure discussed. You will be able to look at before and after photographs of our previous breast lift patients. Preoperative instructions will be given to you once you decide to move forward with the breast lift surgery.
Q - Where is breast lift procedure performed?
The breast lift is surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery center.
Q - What form of anesthesia is the breast lift performed with?
General anesthesia is typically used for the breast lift surgery.
Q - How is the breast lift procedure performed?
One of the more common breast lift approaches involves an anchor-shaped incision which is made along the natural contour of the breast around the areola, vertically downward, and then horizontally along the lower breast crease. Excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola are raised to a higher position. In order to reshape the breast, the skin is brought down and tighter around the areola and the incisions are closed. Some modified techniques may allow for reduced scarring.
Q - How long is the surgery for the breast lift?
The breast lift may take between 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours to finish.
Q - Can I drive myself home after my breast lift surgery?
Patients will need to have someone drive them home after their breast lift surgery.
Q - Will I need to have someone stay with me after my breast lift surgery?
It’s often a good idea to have someone stay with you for the first night after your breast lift surgery.
Q - Where are the incisions made for the breast lift?
One of the more common approaches to the breast lift involves an incision which is shaped similar to an anchor. The incision circles the areola, extends in a vertical line downward, and then runs horizontally along the lower breast crease. There are some modified techniques which can result in less extensive scarring.
Q - Will the breast lift leave scars?
The breast lift does leave some noticeable, permanent scarring. However, the scars can typically be concealed by a bra or bathing suit. Furthermore, though the scars will appear red and lumpy for several months after surgery, they will fade in time.
Q - Will I experience much pain after my breast lift surgery?
Patients may experience some mild discomfort for the first few days after the breast lift surgery, though this can be alleviated with prescription pain medication.
Q - What can I expect of the recovery after a breast lift?
Gauze and an elastic bandage or surgical bra will be applied to the breasts after surgery. Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced with a soft support bra that must be worn at all times during the recovery stage. The breasts will appear bruised and swollen at first, and some mild discomfort can be expected during the first few days.
Q - When can I return to work after undergoing a breast lift?
Patients should plan on being out of work for at least one week after the breast lift surgery.
Q - When can I exercise after undergoing a breast lift?
Patients will need to avoid lifting anything over the head for three to four weeks and strenuous sports for one month.
Q - When are the stitches removed after the breast lift procedure?
The stitches are removed after one to two weeks.
Q - What are the risks of the breast lift?
As with any surgery, there are potential complications associated with the breast lift. Though rare, patients may experience an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection may occur and cause the scars to widen. Wide scars and poor healing is generally more common among smokers. The breast lift can also result in unevenly positioned nipples or a permanent loss of feeling in the nipples or breasts. The ability to breast feed is not affected by the breast lift as the milk ducts are left intact. Following your surgeon’s advice before and after surgery is the best way to minimize your risks.
Q - Is the breast lift covered by insurance?
The breast lift is sometimes covered by insurance and we will help you check with your insurance carrier.
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