Breast lifts are used to raise sagging breasts and improve appearance. Over the years, breast tissue can lose elasticity, due to the effects of gravity, aging, pregnancy or childbirth. A breast lift, formally called mastopexy, lifts and firms breasts, improving the profile of the bust line. The surgery can be performed any time after adolescent breast development has stopped and is usually not covered by health insurance plans.
Candidates
Women whose breasts have become pendulous, long or flattened are good candidates for breast lift surgery. The procedure can also be helpful if the nipples are pointing downward or the areolas, the darker circles of skin surrounding the nipples, have enlarged over the years. Surgery is recommended for women who maintain a stable weight. Because weight gain or loss affects breast size, women who are planning to lose a significant amount of weight may choose to delay the procedure until weight loss actually occurs. A breast lift can also restore symmetry to the breasts if one breast hangs lower than the other.
Surgical Consultation
Your plastic surgeon will perform a thorough examination to determine the extent of sagging and other problems affecting your breasts. Measurements and photographs of your breasts will be taken and your medical history will be reviewed. Your doctor will discuss your expectations concerning the outcome of the surgery.
Surgery
Lifting of the breast tissue is accomplished by making a horizontal incision under the breast, another incision around the areola and a third incision that extends vertically from the crease beneath the breast to the bottom edge of the areola. Depending on the extent of your problem, your surgeon may be able to eliminate the horizontal or vertical incisions, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Larger lifts require more incisions. During the procedure, your doctor removes extra skin on the breast due to sagging and positions the areola and nipple higher on the breast.
Recovery
The breasts will be bruised and swollen after surgery and you will need to wear a tight athletic or surgical bra for extra support for several days. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may have drains in place for two or three days following surgery. You may experience pain at the incision sites, which can be relieved with prescription pain relievers prescribed by your doctor. Stitches will be removed within a week or two following surgery. You can expect to take at least one week off from your job, depending on the demands of your job, and can return to your normal activity in approximately one month. Sex should be avoided for two weeks, as pressure or pulling on your breast tissue can cause swelling or pain.
Warning
Breast lift surgery will not increase breast size. If you wish to increase your breast size, you can have breast implants placed during the breast lift procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, becoming pregnant after having a breast lift can cause breast tissue to stretch. A second procedure may be needed to restore breast appearance after pregnancy or weight gain or loss.
Member Comments