Breast Lift Surgery

Pregnancy, age, and genetics can contribute to drooping breasts. A breast lift is performed to lift and reshape sagging breasts and reduce the size of the areola. Although breasts of any size can be lifted, results may vary. Heavier breasts are more prone to sagging and may not retain results as long as lighter breasts.

Breast lifts may be performed at the same time as breast reduction and/or breast augmentation if the patient desires a decrease/increase in breast volume. Breast augmentation surgery may even reduce the extent of incisions necessary to lift the breasts, as breast implants often create lift in the upper portion of the breast.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

An ideal candidate for breast lift surgery is for women of all ages however potential patients should be of a normal healthy weight and should have fully developed breasts.

Possible Breast Lift Risks and Complications

When performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, complications are very rare. Nonetheless, risks and complications should be taken into account when considering an elective procedure. Depending on the individual and his/her adherence to the surgeon’s instructions there may be risk of excessive bleeding, infection, and/or reaction to anesthesia.

The incisions made in the breast lift procedure are strategically placed so that scarring is as inconspicuous as possible. Poor healing and scarring are more common in smokers. Patients may experience increased, decreased or lost sensation in the nipples and breasts. This is normal and usually only lasts for a few months but may be permanent in some patients.

Breast Lift Consultation

During a breast lift consultation, your plastic surgeon will take into account your age, the size and shape of your breasts, the condition of skin and your overall health and well-being to assess whether you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery. You’ll need to inform your surgeon of any previous problems you’ve had such as lumps, nipple discharge, pain and any previous surgeries you may have had in the past as well as any family history of breast cancer, and medications you are taking at the time. Your surgeon will also discuss your expectations and answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding the procedure as well as the cost of breast lift surgery.

Preparing for your Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery should be performed on patients who are at a healthy weight. Furthermore, if you are a smoker, you are strongly encouraged to refrain from smoking for at least a week prior to your surgery date and continue to refrain from smoking until your incisions have healed (about two weeks after the procedure). This will promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection. At your preoperative visit, your surgeon will most likely provide a homeopathic remedy which is taken the day before surgery and a week to ten days after to help reduce the effects of bruising and swelling.

Breast Lift Procedure

The breast lift procedure takes between one and a half to three hours depending on the extent of the surgery. Once anesthetized, you will be cleaned and draped. The plastic surgeon will make an incision using one of three techniques:

•    Periareolar incision which is made around the nipple
•    Vertical “lollipop” incision which is made around the areola and then straight down to the breast crease,
•    Full mastopexy incision which is made along the natural breast crease and then up to the nipple.

Sutures close the incisions giving the breast their new contour. During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss which technique will be needed to give you the best possible result.

After the Surgery

During the breast lift recovery, your breasts will be wrapped in a bandage or surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day. Any discomfort experienced after the procedure is controlled with oral pain medications. Bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, although you’ll continue wearing the surgical bra until the swelling and bruising subsides (usually one to two weeks). In most cases, stitches will be removed within one to three weeks.

Although you may be up and about a day or two after your surgery, your breasts may still ache over the next few weeks. It’s recommended that you avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Many breast lift patients are able to return to work, school and other social activities within two weeks. Physical activity should be limited (i.e. stretching, bending, walking, and swimming) until your energy level returns (typically within two to four weeks). Although much of the swelling and bruising disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your new breast shape emerges.