What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure designed to lift drooping or sagging breasts to a more youthful and higher place on your chest. If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be just the thing to make your breasts a bit “perkier.” Depending upon the amount of breast tissue present, you may wish to have breast implants inserted during your breast lift procedure to give you more fullness or cleavage. Conversely, some women who initially desire breast implants find that a lift will also be necessary to get the best resulting size and shape.
Causes of Breast Sagging
- Aging
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Weight loss
- Vigorous exercise without proper support
Frequently asked Questions about Breast Lifts
If you’re a healthy adult woman with realistic goals for your breast appearance, you’re probably a good candidate. If you plan to have children, I recommend that you delay your breast lift procedure until you’ve completed your family, because your breasts will be affected by pregnancy, and the benefits of your breast lift may be undone by childbearing and nursing.
As a rule, the majority of women who have had either a breast lift or breast implants have no problems breastfeeding, but if you do plan to breastfeed at any time following either a breast implant procedure or a breast lift (with or without breast implants), be sure to discuss this with me at your breast lift consultation.
At Southwest Michigan Plastic Surgery, my staff and I are 100% committed to your awareness of all your options, so you can make an informed decision regarding your breast lift—or any other—procedure.
There are two kinds of breast lift scars. One is called the anchor, because it looks like one. This scar encircles the areola and extends from the bottom of the areola to beneath the breast, where it ends in the inframammary fold, which is the crease where the breast meets the chest wall. The other type of modified or limited lift is called a LeJour, Short Scar or Vertical lift. In these procedures, the resulting scars are smaller and there is no scar underneath the breast in the inframammary fold. We’ll discuss all the potential options for your breast lift when I see you in consultation at one of our Southwest Michigan plastic surgery offices.
Living life takes its toll on your breasts just like it does on the rest of your body. Childbearing, breastfeeding, genetics and aging can cause the breasts to sag and stretch out. This results in loss of the natural and youthful shape of your breast. Although a breast implant will sometimes improve sagging breasts, it’s not a dramatic lift like that achieved with a breast lift procedure. Conversely, if you have lost a great deal of breast volume, having a breast augmentation with your breast lift can give you both results: lifted and fuller, shapelier breasts. Click here for more information about the breast augmentation procedure.
Be assured that, when you come to my southwestern Michigan plastic surgery office for your consultation, I’ll take measurements to confirm for both of us whether a breast lift is the right procedure for you.
All of my cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in one of two local accredited ambulatory surgical facilities near my Southwest Michigan plastic surgery office. I always work with board certified anesthesiologists. Many of the operating room staff at these centers have been working closely with me for the past 15 years. These same-day surgery centers offer you the safety of a hospital operating room without the exposure to hospital-based bacteria, plus the benefit of a friendly, caring, and personalized experience.
After pre-operative markings are made on your breasts, you’ll be taken to the operating suite where general anesthesia will be given. My patients are always completely “out” for their plastic surgery procedures. Following the markings I’ve placed before surgery, I’ll make the incisions, reshape and lift the breast tissue, and relocate the nipple to a higher position. Then I’ll remove the excess skin and carefully close the incisions to place the breasts higher on the chest wall. I compare the breasts carefully to be sure they match as closely as possible. We’ll place a special compressive bra for you to wear for several weeks after your breast lift, after which you’ll be taken to the recovery area. After a couple hours in recovery, you’ll be released to go home in the company of a friend or relative (you can’t drive yourself home because you had general anesthesia).
Recovery From a Breast Lift
Most of my Southwest Michigan breast lift patients experience soreness in the breasts for 1-2 weeks while the skin and tissues adjust to the new position. Some bruising is usually present. Ice packs help the discomfort, although I will give you a prescription for pain medication at your final pre-op appointment in case you find that you need it. Most breast lift patients return to work within a few days. You will see me in my office within 5-7 days after your procedure. During the first 6-8 weeks after your breast lift, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and any heavy lifting. That includes children, grocery bags and the like!
A breast lift can dramatically change the way you see your body, and will create a more attractive silhouette in and out of your clothing. My breast lift patients tell me that they feel trimmer and more self-confidant after their procedures. Here at Southwestern Michigan Plastic Surgery, my staff and I are committed to complete patient satisfaction through our professional and caring approach to each individual patient.
