A breast lift is a cosmetic surgery providing you with more uplifted and youthful breasts. The surgery rejuvenates the profile of your breasts and helps restore any drooping or sagging. The process begins when you have a consultation with our plastic surgeon. Your breast shape will be evaluated and the surgeon will ask you what you hope to accomplish. The most common procedures include raising the position of your nipples, providing a better contour by supporting, tightening, reshaping and lifting the surrounding tissue and the removal of excess skin. These types of enhancements work extremely well for elevating the breasts into a position that appears much more youthful. As time passes, your breasts will change. You may lose firmness and a youthful shape for numerous reasons including:
- Fluctuations in weight
- Breastfeeding
- Gravity
- Pregnancy (even without breastfeeding)
- Aging
- Heredity
Every woman has breasts in a different size or shape. The type of procedure takes the specifics of your breasts into consideration. The best options result from a combination of your goals, your anatomy and the best area for incision placement. This includes everything from increasing the volume of your breasts to lifting your areola to a higher position or decreasing the size. The surgeon develops a plan to help ensure you will achieve your goals. In some cases the breast lift may be used in conjunction with another procedure to provide the proportional shape you desire.
The decision to have this procedure is personal. You have your own reasons for your interest in this surgery. Prior to proceeding, ask the surgeon any questions you have. It is important to understand the surgery and what is possible. The best candidates for this procedure are:
- In good physical health
- Are bothered by sagging breasts or breasts that have lost volume and shape
- Have nipples drooping beneath the crease of the breast unless supported
- Maintain their weight
- Have one breast that is lower than the other
- Have enlarged areolas and stretched skin
- Have areolas and nipples pointing in a downward direction
- Do not smoke
- Have breasts with an elongated or flatter shape
The procedure was created to change the elevation, contour and size of the breasts. Your breasts can be shaped, lifted or decreased in size to offset the natural impact of both gravity and the aging process. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing and more youthful appearance. It is important for you to have a realistic and clear picture in your mind as to how you want your breasts to appear. You also need to be honest and explain exactly what you want to the surgeon. In many instances, women have achieved a higher level of self-confidence after surgery. If you are planning to have children and breastfeed, this surgery will not have any impact on your ability to breastfeed. You will schedule a consultation with the surgeon. Your first consultation will include:
- A discussion regarding your overall health
- Your goals for the procedure
- Talking about any conditions that may cause the surgery to be postponed
- The specifics of your surgery will be explained
- An examination will be performed
- You will be informed as to whether a hospital stay is necessary
- You may be told to have a mammogram prior to your surgery
- Any factors potentially impacting your procedure will be discussed
- The type of anesthesia will be discussed
It is extremely important any individual who smokes stops for two to three weeks before and after the procedure. The healing mechanisms of the body can be negatively impacted by smoking. In most cases, the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Sometimes a short stay in the hospital is necessary.
You will receive general anesthesia during your procedure. This means you will be asleep the entire time. There are a variety of different techniques used for this procedure. The most common is when an incision shaped like an anchor is made by the surgeon in three parts. The first one goes around the areola, the second from the areola to the crease under the breast and the third follows the crease.
During the procedure, the unwanted skin is removed and the areola and nipple are placed in a higher position. This reshapes the breast by bringing the skin back into the original position. The bandages used after the procedure are generally made of gauze or elastic. In some instances a surgical bra may be used instead. The drainage tubes are bandages will be removed within approximately one week. You will need to wear a bra with a softer support for a few weeks and the stitches come out in a week or two.
You can return to work within a week or two unless your work involves physical activity. In this case, the surgeon will give you a time frame. During this period of time, your activities and exercise will need to be limited. Sex should also be avoided for approximately one week. If you experience a decrease in sensation in your nipples and breasts, this should return within a few weeks. There are some important considerations for you to remember. First, a breast lift is an excellent offset to the impact of both gravity and age. You must understand the surgery will not stop the aging process as time continues to pass.
You will need time for your body to heal. This is especially true during the first few weeks after your surgery. The final results of your breast lift will not be completely apparent for several months. This is when you need to remember your reasons for having this procedure and be patient. Once you see the results, the chances are excellent you will decide they were well worth the wait.
The Complete Procedure for Breast Lift Surgery
This procedure is actually a combination of different techniques and incision patterns. The correct technique for your specific needs is based on:
- The shape and size of your breasts
- The amount of breast sagging
- The elasticity and quality of your skin
- The position and size of your areolas
- The amount of excess skin
During your procedure, you will be provided with medications to ensure you are sleeping and comfortable throughout your entire procedure. The surgeon will choose the right medication for your individual needs such as general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. There are several different incision patterns commonly used for this surgery. An incision will most likely be made around your areola. This incision is vertical from your areola to the crease beneath your breast. Another common incision begins at the crease under your breast and proceeds horizontally. Once the surgeon has finished with the incisions, the next step is dependent on the purpose of your surgery such as reshaping your breasts, increasing the size, improving firmness or contour or repositioning your nipples.
Any loss of elasticity can be compensated for by removing the excess skin from your breasts. As the surgeon closes your incisions, the skin is effectively tightened. The scars from the incisions are usually hidden by the contours of your breasts. Some of the scars can be seen on the surface of the breast. Although these scars are permanent, they should significantly improve and fade as time passes. The majority of women are interested in the smallest possible scar. This being said, you must trust your plastic surgeon to choose the incision correct for your specific anatomy. It is important to take the surgeon’s advice. If you demand a different type of incision, you may be making a choice not appropriate for your body type. This will not result in the best possible option.
To provide the proper support for the new shape of your breasts, the sutures are placed deeply into the tissue of your breasts in layers. Your skin may be closed using surgical tape, skin adhesives, or sutures. Although a few months are necessary before you see your optimal results, the difference is noticeable immediately after your surgery.
The Breast Lift Techniques
There are a variety of techniques and incision patterns used for breast lift surgery. Each one is chosen according to the results desired by the individual and their specific attributes. Some of these patterns and techniques are still fairly new while others were established a long time ago. Still others such as the scarless lifts remain relatively unknown. Prior to having this procedure, you should do your research on the available options and the specifics of the procedure. It is also a good idea to look at the before and after pictures presented by the surgeon. This will help ensure you like the style of the surgeon and you will be happy with your results. The technique recommended by the surgeon must also be seriously considered as the best possible option.
It is important to understand an incision is required for every technique. Although these incisions are well hidden and very small, they are not technically scarless. These techniques are only appropriate when the woman does not have much sagging to the breasts. The techniques using the larger incisions will create a better lift. We will work with you to determine which technique is right for you. We will also provide you with aftercare instructions so you can make sure you are receiving optimal results from your breast lift.
If you are interested in a breast lift, the best thing to do is to speak with one of the professionals at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery. We are conveniently located in West Palm Beach and Wellington, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!