Breast Lift

Do you wish you're breasts were just as perky as they were when you were younger? Before you had kids? Before you lost all of that weight? Well then you may want to consider a breast lift.

By performing this procedure, your plastic surgeon can lift your breasts and eliminate excess sagging skin. Drooping breasts can be caused by a number of factors including:

• weight loss
• pregnancy
• genetics
• time and gravity

Through this procedure patients can significantly improve the aesthetic of the breast and in turn help them to feel more confident in a swimsuit and in clothing.

A breast lift is commonly performed along side a breast augmentation or as part of a mommy makeover. If your breasts sag because they are too large, you can opt for a breast reduction. Your plastic surgeon will recommend which procedure or procedures are right for you and your body type at your complimentary consultation.

Breast Lift Procedures

A Breast Lift Can:

• Achieve a more aesthetically pleasing position of the breast on the chest wall
• Improve the placement of the areolas on the breast
• Remove excess skin
• Make the breasts appear fuller (in some cases)
• Alter the size of your areola

There are several types of techniques that plastic surgeons use when performing a breast lift.

Concentric Lift - "The Donut Lift"

This technique is best suited for patients with small breasts or for those who require a small lift. After general anesthesia has been administered, an incision is made around the areola. Excess skin is removed around the outside of the incision and the areola and nipple are lifted into place. The incision is then closed and sutured. Bandages will be used to keep the breasts in place and to reduce swelling.

Vertical Lift - "The Lollipop Lift"

For patients requiring a more significant lift, plastic surgeons use the vertical lift technique. An incision is made around the areola and continues vertically down to the fold of the breast. Excess skin and tissue is removed, the areola and nipple are lifted and positioned. The area is then sutured and bandaged, in the same fashion as the concentric lift.

Wise Lift- "Anchor Lift"

The wise lift utilizes the same principals as the concentric lift and the vertical lift and is performed on patients with the highest degree of sagging and excess skin. A circular incision is made around the areola, vertically down and along the fold of the breast. The length of the incision along the fold of the breast depends on the amount of skin and tissue that needs to be removed. Like the other techniques, the breast is lifted into place and is sutured and bandaged.

During your procedure, your plastic surgeon can also alter the size of your areola so that you can achieve the complete look you desire. The details of this part of the procedure can be discussed with your plastic surgeon prior to your procedure.

Bandages are to be worn for several days after surgery, after which time you will need to wear a support bra. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your specific instructions with you both before and after your breast lift. It is important to follow his or her instructions closely to achieve optimal results.

Recovery After A Breast Lift

How much pain will I feel?

Breasts will be sore for about a week after surgery and will be tender for up to a few weeks following your procedure. Patients typically are able to walk around after a day or two of resting and are able to return to work after about a week of recovery. Regular activities can be resumed after 3-4 weeks, but it is important to easy back into exercising and heavy lifting.

What are the side effects of breast lift surgery?

Slight bleeding, bruising and swelling are common after your procedure. Bruising and swelling will subside after a few days and should completely disappear after several weeks.

What will my scars look like?

The size and shape of your scar will depend on the type of breast lift procedure your plastic surgeon performs. For smaller breasts and/or breasts needing the least amount of lifting, you will have a round scar around the outside of your areola, which many refer as a 'donut' scar. A vertical lift will leave a scar around the areola and straight down to the fold- known as a 'lollipop' scar. The most extensive type of lift, a wise lift, will leave a scar around the areola, straight down to the fold and along the fold of the breast- known as an 'anchor' lift.

Your plastic surgeon will do his or her best to hide the scars along the natural lines or folds in the skin. After time the scar will turn into a faint white line. The use of scar cream such as Kelocote or ScarGuard is useful for optimal healing. These products can be purchased through your plastic surgeon's office.

Will this change the size of my areola?

The size of your areola will not change; however, it may appear larger as the skin is stretched out. Your plastic surgeon will be able to help you with realistic expectations. Ask to see before and after pictures of breast similar to yours so you will know what to expect.

Will my breast looks smaller or larger than before?

Breasts may appear up to a full cup size smaller after a breast lift because the excess skin and drooping prior to your procedure many make the breast appear larger in size. Once your procedure is complete, you will no longer experience this problem, possibly decreasing the size of the breast or creating the illusion that they are smaller. The change in the appearance of your breast size will depend on the amount of excess skin and the degree of breast ptosis (sagging). Your plastic surgeon will discuss realistic expectations with you at your consultation. For larger or fuller breasts, you may want to consider a breast augmentation.

Breast Lift Risks

As with any type of surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of potential risks. Although uncommon, it is important to be informed about possible complications and to discuss them with your plastic surgeon prior to your procedure. Complications can be significantly decreased by selected a qualified plastic surgeon and closely following his or her pre and post operative instructions, most notably not smoking before or after your procedure. Risk associated with the breast lift procedure include excessive bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, loss of sensation and asymmetry.

Commonly Asked Questions About Breast Lifts

Is a breast lift covered by insurance?

Breast lift procedures are very rarely covered by insurance, unless it is for reconstructive purposes due to an accident or deformity. However, many insurance providers cover breast reduction surgeries if the breast size of a patient is causing medical issues, such as back problems.

Can I get breast implants and have the same effect?

If your breasts are in the beginning stages of breast ptosis (sagging) and you are looking to increase fullness, breast implants may be a good choice for you. However, this is not a permanent solution. Depending on your body type and current situation (whether you plan to have children in the future or not), your doctor may recommend a breast augmentation, a breast lift or to wait until the timing is more appropriate.

Will this fix the appearance of the breast in armpit?

It is not uncommon for women to think that their breasts have spread out into their armpits. A lift can bring the breasts up and shape them into a more pleasing position; however, excess fat in the armpit cannot be improved through this procedure. If you experience this condition, speak to your plastic surgeon about it at your consultation. If it is just excess fat, your plastic surgeon can use liposuction during your procedure to remove the unwanted fat. In some cases, women develop excess breast glands. This can not be liposuctioned. If this is the case, you can discuss removing the excess glands with your doctor.

Is a breast lift permanent?

Yes and No. A breast lift is an irreversible procedure and will permanently change the placement of the breasts; however, it is important to understand that a breast lift will not keep your breasts from sagging in the future. The degree of future sagging depends on the elasticity of your skin, the size of your breasts and your genetics. Maintaining your weight is one way to help prevent additional sagging.