Several factors contribute to the change in breasts such as pregnancy, nursing, age, weight loss, heredity, and gravity.
Breast lift surgery, or a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to lift and reshape the breasts. If you are bothered by the appearance of your breasts, you may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery.
A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support a new breast contour. The cost for breast lift surgery usually ranges from $6,000 to $9,000.
Breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. During a breast lift, an incision is made around the areola (the colored skin around the nipple) and is extended downward and along the natural curve of the breast. The incision resembles the shape of an anchor.
During the procedure, excess skin is removed, the areola is placed in a higher position, and the skin around the areola is brought down to reshape the breast and provide a more youthful appearance. A breast lift can also correct an areola that has become enlarged over time.
Breast augmentation, or enlargement, is often performed with a breast lift procedure to help restore volume or cleavage.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Generally, a breast lift does not affect breast function. However, women who are planning future pregnancies should discuss this with their plastic surgeon as it may interfere with breastfeeding.
The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who:
- Are at a stable weight and have been so for a period of time
- Do not smoke
- Are discouraged by breasts that sag or have lost shape and volume
Young women whose breasts are asymmetrical or have deflated from weight loss are also good candidates for breast lift surgery.
What Can I Expect After a Breast Lift Surgery?
Dressings and bandages will be applied to the breasts and incisions following a breast lift procedure. Patients are also instructed to wear an elastic support bra to ensure the breasts are properly supported during recovery.
Patients may be instructed to apply or consume medications, depending upon the person and procedure. We recommend the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
As a part of your pre- and post-operative treatment regimen, we also recommend a collagen bust treatment that will rehydrate and firm the skin while calming swollen tissue and aiding in the post-operative recovery process. Several soothing body treatments are available to curb swelling and discomfort.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Breast Lift Surgery
Since a breast lift is an invasive procedure, it poses the risk of an adverse reaction to general anesthesia, like any surgery. Potential risks specific to a breast lift include breast asymmetry, infections, scarring, breast shape irregularities, bleeding, and breast or nipple sensation changes.
Immediately after surgery, scars may appear lumpy and red but will become thin and white within eighteen months to two years after the operation. Additionally, patients may notice a decrease in breast size due to tightened breast tissue, resulting in rounder, firmer breasts.
For women who have children after a breast lift, the surgery could result in difficulty breastfeeding due to disruption of the mammary ducts. In addition, a severe but rare complication of a breast lift is the total or partial loss of areolae or the nipples if blood flow is compromised. Our licensed providers at The Centre, P.C., LLC in Mishawaka can address any of these concerns during an initial breast lift consultation.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Breast Tissue for a Breast Lift?
Women with smaller chest sizes that still suffer from breast sagging may worry about having enough tissue for the surgery. If this is a problem, it is challenging to achieve fullness at the top of the breast. A solution is combining a breast lift with a breast augmentation using implants.
The breast implants fill in the upper breast area and help shape the breast into a more flawless look. Further, a substantial number of women with smaller chest sizes are looking to increase their breast size along with a lift. Many women choose to combine the operations to achieve the best possible and longest lasting enhancements.
Reasons to Consider a Breast Lift
A breast lift can address several other cosmetic concerns a woman may have about her chest besides sagging. For example, the procedure could correct stretched and disproportionate areolas, as well as reposition downward-facing nipples. When the breasts are unsupported due to sagging, the nipples may fall below the breast crease. A breast lift resolves this issue by creating a higher breast placement.
Most women seek out the procedure to restore breast shape and volume while reducing excessive breast sagging. One vital factor to consider is the natural size of a patient’s breasts, which can influence their results and breast lift longevity. Smaller breast sizes typically have longer-lasting effects than larger chest sizes, which are more likely to begin sagging again.
Steps You Can Take Before Surgery for a Better Outcome and Recovery
If you are a suitable candidate for a breast lift procedure, there are steps you can take before an operation for an optimal outcome. It is advisable to schedule a mammogram before a breast lift to assist with future appointments after breast changes. In addition, smokers should quit entirely for at least six to eight weeks before the operation.
In general, being at a healthy weight helps to speed up a patient’s recovery time and reduces the chance of developing any complications or side effects. Furthermore, avoiding certain medications and arranging for help during recovery are proactive steps for happy, healthy recovery.
Contact Our Mishawaka Surgeons to Discuss Your Breast Lift
To learn more about whether a breast lift is a good option for you, call or email us to schedule your consultation today! The Centre, P.C. offers unparalleled care to patients throughout the Michiana region, Indiana, and the surrounding states. If you are considering a breast lift in Mishawaka, let us walk you through every step of the process toward a happier, more self-confident you.
