Breast Lift
Age, weight changes, giving birth, hormone shifts, and a variety of other situations may lead to a need for breast lift surgery. This cosmetic surgery option helps many women gain a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence and leaves them feeling more like themselves. If you’ve been considering a breast lift, your first step should be to research, so you know exactly what to expect from this procedure and its results. Reading the basic details on this page is a great start. If you feel that a breast lift is the right procedure for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule a consultation visit. During your consultation, one of our skilled plastic surgeons will discuss your goals, desired results, and potential treatment options.
What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
The clinical term for a breast lift is mastopexy. This plastic surgery treatment lifts and tightens the breasts. The procedure involves removing excess skin. Then, breast tissues are tightened and reshaped. In addition to giving the breasts a firmer, more lifted appearance, a breast lift can also be recommended to reduce the size of enlarged areolas. Breast sagging and skin laxity around the breasts can occur over time for numerous reasons from genetic predisposition and pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding to weight loss and the simple effects of gravity. If your breasts don’t sit as high as they used to, a breast lift can help you restore that more youthful appearance. However, a breast lift will not change the size or shape of your breasts dramatically. If you’re looking to increase the size of your breasts, an augmentation procedure will be recommended, which may be performed in conjunction with a breast lift. If you would like to reduce the size of your breasts, a reduction may be recommended in conjunction with the breast lift surgery.
Benefits of Breast Lift
Some of the reasons why women choose to move forward with breast lift surgery include:
- Rejuvenation – Most younger women’s breasts sit naturally higher. Over years of gravity, movement, childbirth, fluctuations in weight, hormonal shifts, and other changes, the breasts will begin to sag. A breast lift provides a rejuvenating effect.
- Improved Self-Confidence – Sagging breasts can make people feel self-conscious or unattractive in and out of clothes. A breast lift can restore a greater sense of confidence.
- Allow Clothing to Fit Better – when breasts are lifted, clothes will hang and fit better against the body.
Recovery After Breast Lift
Following your breast lift surgery, the plastic surgeon applies bandages, compression garments, and other dressing as needed to protect and support the body as it heals. A bandage or support garment should be worn at all times throughout healing to minimize swelling and reduce movement that can increase discomfort. Your surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions, including oral and topical medications to relieve pain and prevent infection. Additionally, they will set a date for you to return for a follow-up visit to gauge your progress.
Risks Associated with Breast Lift Surgery
Like most other surgical procedures, there is a risk of adverse response to anesthesia (both general and localized). Most anesthesia responses are mild and can be addressed during the procedure. However, some people do have more serious complications, which is why it’s important to make your surgeon aware of any past negative experiences you’ve had with anesthesia. Infection is another risk often associated with surgery. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully will decrease the risk of infection. Finally, scarring is a common risk factor associated with surgery. While the cosmetic surgeon will do their utmost to conceal incisions within the natural lines of the body, some scarring may occur. If scar tissue is irregular, painful, or otherwise unwanted, there are additional treatments that may be pursued to improve the appearance.
In addition to these very common risks associated with surgical procedures, there are also some potential risks specific to breast lifts, including:
- Bleeding and hematoma (severe bruising where blood pools beneath the skin)
- Asymmetry and other irregularities that may necessitate a revision surgery
- Loss or change in sensitivity or sensation either permanent or temporary
- Blood clots and cardio-pulmonary concerns
- Accumulation of fluid beneath the skin (seroma)
FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU
PHYSICIANS THAT OFFER BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE
Chris Surek, DO
Daniel Bortnick, MD
