Over time, a woman’s breasts may change causing them to lose their shape, size, and feel. Factors such as age, fluctuations in weight, gravity, and life changes such as pregnancy can affect a woman’s breasts. If you’ve noticed dropping, sagging, or are unhappy with the shape of your breast; a breast lift may be right for you.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is performed to reshape the breasts to a firmer, perkier, and more proportional position. This procedure is an excellent way to achieve a more youthful and uplifted contour in a woman’s figure. By removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue, your surgeon can lift, tighten, and reshape your breasts.
A breast lift will not significantly change the size or volume of your breast, if you wish to make your breast appear fuller, consider a breast augmentation or combining a breast lift with an augmentation.
Is A Breast Lift Right for You?
A breast lift can be beneficial for women who experience:
- Fluctuation in breast size causing the breasts to droop
- Asymmetrical nipples or breasts
- Low-lying nipples
- Enlarged areolas
Types of Breast Lifts
There are a variety of breast lift techniques that your surgeon may use to help you achieve your desired effect. The type used will depend on your breast size, the extent of drooping, and your personal goals for treatment. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss all possible treatment options with you to achieve the best results with minimal visible scarring. The technique used will determine the location of the incision.
Inverted T Lift or “Anchor Lift”
Inverted T lifts are recommended for patients who have severe breast sagging. During the procedure, the incision is made around the perimeter of the areolas, vertically toward the breast crease, and then a horizontal incision is placed along the breast crease. This type of lift can be ideal if you also wish to have a breast reduction combined with your breast lift. An anchor lift does some with some visible scarring that should significantly fade with proper care.
Periareolar Lift or “Donut Lift”
This type of incision is ideal for women with mild sagging. During the procedure, the incision will be made along the edge of the areola. This type of lift can also be effective if the patient wishes to reduce the size of their areola. The resulting scar traces will be along the edge of the areola.
Vertical Lift or “Lollipop Lift”
A vertical breast lift is commonly used to address more moderate to severe sagging. During the surgery, an incision will be made around the perimeter of the areola and vertically towards the breast crease, creating a “lollipop” shape. This type of lift allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and reshape the entire breast with ease.
How Is A Breast Lift Procedure Performed?
A breast lift is often performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The length of the procedure generally takes between 1 to 3 hours depending on your condition and goals of treatment.
Once the incisions are made, the excess skin is removed, and breast tissue is reshaped to a more lifted and youthful position. The nipple and areola are also repositioned if necessary. The remaining skin is tightened and secured with sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives. The incisions are often concealed along your breast’s natural contours.
As with any surgery, there are some associated risks when undergoing a breast lift. These risks may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, difficulty breastfeeding, or irregularities in the shape and size of the breast.
Recovery
Following your procedure, dressings such as gauze and a surgical bra will be given to help support your breast as you heal. A thin tube may be temporarily placed under your skin to allow excess fluid or blood to drain properly. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for your wounds, how to apply your dressings, and any other important recovery information.
Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common after a breast lift. Over-the-counter pain medication can help you to find relief during the first few days of recovery.
Avoid straining, bending, or lifting. You may need to enlist the help of a friend or loved one to help you around the house for the first day of recovery. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least two weeks after your procedure. We recommend patients limit their activities and exercise for 3-4 weeks following the procedure. Your doctor will inform you when it is safe to resume normal activities.
You should try to sleep on your back during the first few weeks of your recovery. If you sleep on your side, invest in pillows to help keep you from turning over onto your chest.
Stitches are typically removed after one to two weeks.
Results
Results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible but may be hidden behind initial swelling. As your body heals, the results of your breast lift will become more apparent as your breasts settle into their new shape and position. Incision lines are permanent but should fade significantly with proper care.
The results of your procedure are long-lasting. However, your breasts may change due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and gravity. By maintaining a healthy weight and keeping an active and healthy lifestyle, you will be able to retain your results for many years to come.
Can Pregnancy Affect My Breast Lift?
A breast lift is not for everyone. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant in the future, your pregnancy could affect the results of your breast lift.
During pregnancy, your breast size may temporarily increase, after pregnancy and during breastfeeding your breast and nipples may continue to change in shape and size. For this reason, we often recommend women wait until they are finished having children. By waiting, long-lasting results can be achieved.
A breast lift can restore your breasts to a more youthful position and instill a new sense of confidence in your appearance. For more information on breast lifts or to schedule a consultation, contact Skin Deep today.
