Breast Lift
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The Best Candidate for Breast Lifting:
Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.
You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
- breasts that lack substance or firmness
- nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease
Sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits. In certain cases, the breasts may have developed differently so that one breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their shape. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long-lasting as when the procedure is done on smaller breasts.
Preparing Your Surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and washing your face. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery.
Procedure:
The incisions for a breast lift vary according to three different techniques; the “inverted T,” is one incision around the nipple, one in the fold below the breast and a third vertical incision joining them. The second is the “vertical” technique with two incisions, one around the nipple and a vertical one. The third is called “periareolar” and uses only an incision around the nipple. The choice of the appropriate technique varies according the type of breast and the desired shape. More incisions usually mean a better shape can be achieved and this should be discussed during the consultation.
Operating Time: 1 to 2 hours
Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general anesthesia as required for each case.
In/Outpatient: Usually scheduled as an outpatient procedure but can include an overnight stay depending on
the patient
Recovery Time: Back to work: in 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous activities can usually be resumed after 1 month,
and the fading of scars can take from several months to a year.
Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin, bad scaring.
Understanding Risks: Fortunately, significant complications from breast lifts are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast lift surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
Duration of the Results
Pregnancy and breast-feeding may affect and change the size and shape of the breast. Some women will undergo breast lift surgery before having children, having decided that they will enjoy their adult lives with the new breasts and address any changes later. Gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes will cause the breast to change shape. Breast lift surgery will not interfere with the ability to breast-feed if the milk ducts are left intact.
