A breast lift, clinically called a mastopexy, is a surgical treatment that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and gravity can cause the skin to lose elasticity and the breasts to lose their shape and firmness. During a lift, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to elevate the breast contour. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areolas if they have enlarged over time. Here’s information about breast lifts and what to expect from the procedure:
What To Expect Beforehand
To create an effective treatment plan, you need a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this meeting, the surgeon evaluates your medical history, health status, and aesthetic goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a breast lift. Proper preparation is key to your surgical plan. This is why your provider will examine and measure your breasts, take photographs for your medical record, and discuss your surgical options. You will likely need to undergo blood work or a mammogram to verify your breasts are healthy before proceeding.
In the weeks leading up to the breast lift, your surgeon will provide specific preoperative instructions you must adhere to. If you smoke, you will be advised to stop well in advance of surgery, as nicotine restricts blood flow and can impede healing. You will be instructed to avoid certain medications because they can increase the risk of bleeding, which may include:
- Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Herbal Supplements
You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the surgery, and you should have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours of your recovery.
What To Expect During
The surgical process involves several steps, from anesthesia administration to the precise restructuring of the breast tissue. A breast lift is typically performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or an office-based surgical facility. This surgery requires anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the surgery and your surgeon’s recommendation, you will receive either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes incisions along the predetermined guidelines. The underlying breast tissue is then lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The surgery usually takes between two and three hours to complete, though the exact duration depends on the specific surgeon. Plastic surgeons utilize various incision patterns based on breast size and the amount of excess skin. After reshaping the tissue and repositioning the nipple, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
What To Expect After
Recovery from a breast lift occurs in stages, and following post-operative care instructions is imperative for proper healing. Immediately after the procedure, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings, and you will wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling. Small tubes, called drains, are temporarily placed under the skin to remove excess blood and fluid from the surgical site. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal during the first few days, but these symptoms are manageable with prescribed pain medication. While many people can return to light activities within a few weeks, you must avoid heavy exercise or activities that strain your chest for at least four to six weeks.
Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation
Breast lifts are a way to reshape and raise breast tissue, offering a solution to stretched-out skin. If you are interested in this procedure, contact a plastic surgeon to learn more. A consultation allows you to receive personalized information and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and cosmetic goals. Contact a board-certified plastic surgeon today to schedule a breast lift consultation and discuss your options.
