Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure performed to lift and reshape breasts that sag. Various factors contribute to breast sagging; common reasons include aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, genetics, and gravity. Professional services for breast lift can offer exclusive perks, such as reshaped breasts for a more youthful look of the chest area and improved firmness of the breasts. Before opting for this procedure, understanding the surgical process will help patients gain a comprehensive idea of the expected results.

Breast lift surgery is performed by making various incisions to reshape and lift sagging breasts. Breast lift can be coupled with other surgical procedures to enhance the outcomes, like breast augmentation, reduction, and other non-surgical procedures. Before opting for mastopexy, individuals should have a realistic set of expectations. In reality, it may take several weeks to experience the final results. Additional future pregnancies, fluctuations in weight, and natural aging may influence the outcomes. Conversely, dissatisfied patients can go for an additional correction surgery. Breast lift pricing varies among individuals and is generally exclusive of anesthesia fees, medical examination expenses, post-surgery apparel, and medical test expenses. Psychologically strong individuals, who are self-conscious about having sagged, flatter-shaped breasts, can opt for this surgical procedure. It has great potential to improve body positivity and self-esteem.

Determining Suitability for a Breast Lift

So, how do you know if you’re a good candidate? Well, first, you need to be an adult who has fully developed breast tissue. We usually recommend waiting to have breast lift surgery until you are done having children, as pregnancy may stretch the skin of your breasts. Breast surgery of any kind isn’t just about the aesthetic. Your overall health is a significant factor when deciding if this procedure is right for you. If you are a current smoker or use any other kind of nicotine products, you are not a good candidate. Nicotine can impact the blood supply to your tissues, which can result in issues with your incisions healing. If you are actively trying to stop smoking, we are excited for you and are more than happy to help you along the way. For the best chance of success, you should have quit smoking for at least six months prior to surgery. We also want to make sure that you are back to a stable and healthy weight, as major weight loss or gain can significantly change the shape of your breasts, reversing some or all of your results.

If you are hoping to achieve a marked increase in breast size, a breast augmentation combined with breast lift surgery may be what you’re looking for. Although, when skillfully done, breast implants alone can provide up to a one-inch lift. It’s essential to schedule a consultation if you have a lot of questions about this surgery. After a thorough exam and a lengthy discussion about your individual body and your aesthetic goals, along with any health concerns, you will receive a recommendation as to what is right for you and why. Both of you will be able to come to a conclusion through precise communication. Generally, ideal patients are dissatisfied with sagging and drooping over the years. The rate of surgical intervention due to these issues is the biggest growing trend in the field of plastic surgery. Patient motivations include perturbation or self-consciousness associated with decreased body image.

Suitable candidates for this surgery include those with one or more of the following circumstances:

1. Breast drooping, shape flattening, nipple/areola positioned beneath the breast fold. A breast lift increases the amount of breast tissue volume and fullness in the upper portion of the chest, improves its contour, and creates a more youthful appearance.
2. Elastic breast skin. A suitable patient has enough skin elasticity to retract around the newly contoured breast. If your skin does not have enough elasticity, a breast lift with implants can be proposed to hold the skin tight and add volume.

Recovery Process Following a Breast Lift

Recovery begins immediately following your breast lift surgery. The short-term postoperative period is an important time where it is vital for you to heed the recommendations of your surgeon and their team. Attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon after your breast lift operation is key to your best rapid recovery and care. Follow the guidelines of activity restrictions, rest, and strengthening and stretching exercises required for your best results. Take the medications of antibiotics, pain management, and even muscle relaxants as prescribed by your surgeon as well. In the first few days, there is a lot of expected bruising, swelling, and some drainage from your incisions. The pain in the first postoperative days is meant to be managed with further information given to you from your surgeon regarding pain management.

Expect some moderate to severe discomfort in the first few days due to the swelling and stitches from your lift. Patients are also heavily restricted from any form of heavy lifting or exercises with the arms or chest in the first six weeks. Gentle functional movement is suggested with any arm or chest-related exercises at six weeks postoperative. Over time, the breasts will start to sit higher on the chest wall as the implants settle into place. Recurring mild tightness and swelling in the chest can be expected as you return to normal activities. The result of your breast lift will continue to improve over the coming month, slowly easing the lifting of the breast off the chest wall. Full recovery and return to normal full physical activity can be expected at around six weeks postoperative. Complications, although rare, may occur within the first six weeks. Any unusual complaints could be indicative of a complication. If any symptoms are unusual, patients are encouraged to contact us immediately. Usually, a garment is necessary to reduce movement and bulk during swelling, which can last up to six weeks.

Post-Operative Aftercare and Maintenance

Final breast shape is achieved between six weeks and six months post-op; maintaining this result is the goal of the aftercare instructions, and the following information makes an instructive best practice. Following a good plan for aftercare can help manage symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and foster a smooth recovery with good aesthetic results. Skin, breast, and nipple sensation can take time to return to normal; a complete recovery may take as long as 18 months. It will be important to continue to monitor your breasts and incision sites for any abnormalities or changes and follow up with your surgeon as scheduled.

Following a breast lift, the longevity of your surgery results can be influenced by various factors:

Lifestyle choices: maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, and protecting skin from damage are important; the sun can exacerbate scarring, for example.

Skin health: Following a good skin care regimen, according to your surgeon’s recommendations, can help your skin look and function its best, which can ultimately contribute to your resulting breast aesthetics.

Full aftercare and maintenance: This includes all the instructions detailed below and is a comprehensive plan for ensuring continued well-being and optimal results. It’s also a good plan for managing symptoms and reducing the likelihood of aftershocks from appearing during recovery.

Hydrated breast tissue, good lymph flow, and muscle relaxation: In addition to hydrating and keeping the bandages clean and supervised, continue to use anatomical-shaping and massaging techniques to help the pectoral muscle get used to the implants if they were placed during your surgery. Do not overdo it, especially in the first few weeks, to allow normal muscle movement and healing.

Your plastic surgeon and breast surgeon will monitor your progress in a series of follow-up consultations. Failure to attend can result in a diminished standard of care, as retention sutures will be anticipated to be removed at the end of this period if necessary, along with any pathology assessments. The ongoing preservation of the patient’s mental health will be managed in accordance with the aftercare pathway provided with the consent of the patient and with any input from the multi-disciplinary breast care team when necessary.