If you’re thinking about getting a breast lift, your mind may be buzzing with a mix of curiosity, excitement, and uncertainty.
What if it completely changes how you feel about your body? How will it affect the way you dress? Will it hurt? And, perhaps the biggest question of them all, will it make you look fake?
These are all valid concerns that can turn this transformative procedure into a stressful ordeal. To help you gain clarity and put your mind at ease, we’ve put together this handy guide that will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to recovery and beyond.
What is a Breast Lift?
Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift is a surgical procedure that aims to raise and reshape sagging or uneven breasts, giving them a more youthful, uplifted, and perkier look.
A breast lift can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries, such as breast augmentation or reduction, to improve asymmetry and other imperfections.
Why Choose a Breast Lift?
Breasts naturally change shape as women age. Since they are supported by ligaments, not muscle, they gradually lose their elasticity. When a woman’s breasts start to droop due to motherhood, age, weight changes, gravity, or any other reason, her clothes fit differently, and her self-image may suffer. A breast lift can help restore her natural appearance and boost her confidence.
Imagine sliding into your all-time favorite strappy dress and experiencing it fit better than ever before. Or picture yourself rocking that swimsuit at the beach and rocking a body hotter than the sun. A breast lift at Clinique Dallas could help you feel more confident than ever about your breasts.
You might also want to consider a breast lift if:
- You have experienced significant weight fluctuations that may have altered the shape and volume of your breasts.
- Your breasts have lost firmness or appear deflated because of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Your nipples and the area surrounding them (areolas) are large or point downward.
- One of your breasts falls lower than the other.
It’s important to note that breast lift will not increase the size and contours of your breasts. For that, you may have to opt for other breast cosmetic surgeries.
When Is Breast Lift Medically Necessary?
- If there is significant breast asymmetry due to mastectomy, injury, or congenital defect.
- If you have disproportionately large breasts that may cause skin irritation, rashes, or infection under the breast fold.
- If you’re dealing with post-lactation ptosis or menopause.
- If significant breast sagging contributes to severe psychological distress, such as depression or anxiety.
How Does a Breast Lift Work?
Breast lift is a rather simple procedure that can be performed in less than 3 hours. But just like any other cosmetic surgery, you may have to undergo some pre-surgery preparation.
Preparing for the Procedure
The mastopexy procedure begins with an initial consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who will explain the procedure and conduct a comprehensive medical assessment.
This will include a thorough review of your medical history, any present ailments, whether you have a family history of breast cancer, previous surgeries, or whether you plan on getting pregnant anytime soon. This will help your surgeon determine whether you’re a good candidate for breast lift.
If so, they will perform an examination of your breasts using special tools to evaluate how much skin laxity they have. They may also order a few blood tests and a baseline mammogram.
Prior to your surgery, your doctor may advise you to avoid certain medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements that can potentially affect the results or risk of the surgery. As a preoperative measure, a protein and carbohydrate-rich diet is often recommended to speed up recovery. Moreover, if you are a habitual smoker, it is imperative to stop smoking four to six weeks before surgery.
Breast Lift Surgery: Step-by-Step Process
Below is an overview of what happens during the breast lift procedure:
- Anesthesia: The process initiates with the administration of either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, which means that you will be asleep during the entire surgery.
- Incision: Depending on the degree of lift needed and your breast shape, your surgeon will make an incision. There are three primary incision techniques – around the areola (periareolar), around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease (lollipop), or horizontally along the breast crease (an inverted T anchor).
- Lifting and Reshaping: After making an incision, your surgeon will lift and reshape the breast tissue to give it a more youthful look. The nipple and areola are often repositioned closer to the center of the breast for a more natural appearance.
- Excess Skin Removal: If the skin has lost its elasticity, excess skin will be removed to get a more compact, uplifted breast shape.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are then closed, usually with sutures and/or surgical tape.
- Recovery: Post-surgery, you will be provided with a special bra or elastic bandages to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
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What To Expect After a Breast Lift
After the procedure, your surgeon might place a small tube at the incision site to drain any excess blood or fluid.
You may experience some soreness and bruising, which will gradually subside after a couple of weeks. Some women experience a temporary loss or change in the sensation of their nipples or breasts, but this usually resolves over time.
In addition to being sore, your breasts will also be swollen from the procedure for several weeks, which means you’ll have some increased pain and sensitivity when they’re touched or moved. You can take the prescribed pain relievers and apply topical medication to manage this issue. However, if you see any sign of red streaks or unusual swelling, call your surgeon right away.
Since a breast lift is a sensitive procedure, you may have to sleep on your back for the first few nights after surgery. Your surgeon will also advise you to avoid strenuous physical activities, including bending, lifting, or sexual intercourse, for two to four weeks.
After a few weeks, you will have to return to your surgeon for a follow-up appointment. During this time, your surgeon will evaluate the progress of your wounds and make sure there are no issues with the healing process.
It’s important to mention that it takes time to see the full results of a breast lift, so you may not notice the big change until after the first few months when breast shape and position continue to settle.
Risks and Complications of Breast Lift
It’s natural to feel some anxiety when getting surgery. Fortunately, a breast lift is a safe and common procedure with a low complication risk. That said, potential complications include:
- Anesthesia reaction
- Infections and scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Bleeding leading to hematoma
- Altered nipple or breast sensation
- Unequal breast appearance
- Fat necrosis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Seroma because of poor fluid drainage
- Breastfeeding difficulties
If you want to minimize potential risks and achieve ideal aesthetic results, it’s critical you choose to schedule a breast lift with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board-certified surgeons have knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience, so you won’t have to deal with preoperative stress or postoperative concerns.
FAQs: Breast Lift Surgery
Is breast lift surgery painful?
The short answer is yes. Breast lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, you may experience soreness, swelling, and bruising around your incisions, which should disappear within a week or two. You can take over-the-counter pain medication if it becomes necessary during your recovery period.
How does a breast lift differ from breast augmentation?
A breast lift focuses on repositioning sagging breasts, while breast augmentation involves increasing breast size using implants or fat grafting.
How long does a breast lift last?
If you are in good health and have realistic expectations, a breast lift should last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, your results will depend on how well you take care of yourself after surgery. If you gain or lose weight, become pregnant, or stop exercising, your breasts may sag more quickly than usual.
Does a breast lift leave a scar?
Yes, it does. However, the scar line is typically well hidden and will fade over time. It’s also possible to have a scar revision if you are unsatisfied with its appearance.
Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast lift?
Yes, you can breastfeed after a breast lift, but the milk supply might not be the same as before. If you’re a lactating mother, please share your concerns with your doctor before scheduling this procedure.
Transform Your Figure with Clinique Dallas
Clinique Dallas is proud to have a team of the finest board-certified plastic surgeons and staff who follow the latest techniques and safety protocols to provide top-notch results.
Need laser resurfacing? We’ve got you. Want a tummy tuck? No problem! We even offer a complete Mommy Makeover procedure that can help you achieve the figure you’ve always wanted.
Ready for the next step? Drop by our clinic or give us a call at (972) 566-2010 to schedule your consultation today!
