The size of your breasts is not something that you can have much control over. While diet and exercise can somewhat change their shape, you may need a little bit of assistance in order to get your breasts looking exactly how you desire.
Breast lifts, or mastopexies, are common plastic surgery procedures that can do just that. A mastopexy raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This results in a more youthful, firm breast contour.
The popularity of breast lifts have grown 70% since 2000, so there’s no shame in deciding that it’s time to make your body it’s best body. If you’re thinking about getting a breast lift, let’s take a look at some of the process as well as some of the lifelong benefits you’ll be able to enjoy.
How Do Breast Lifts Work?
Over time, your breasts may lose their youthful shape and contour, resulting in “sagginess,” or low-hanging breasts. This can result from many things, like age or fluctuations in weight, as well pregnancy or breastfeeding.
As the name implies, breast lifts work to “lift” the breast and make them appear more firm. What they can’t do is drastically change the size or round the upper parts of the breast. For these, you may want to consider a breast augmentation surgery, which is a little bit different.
The Consultation
Before any plastic surgery procedure, you’ll need to meet with a doctor ahead of time to ensure that the procedure runs smoothly. At this time, it’s good to come prepared with answers to a few common questions. You’ll likely be asked to discuss things like:
Your goals for getting a breast lift.
Current medications, medical conditions, or drug allergies.
Previous surgeries you’ve had.
Family history of breast cancer.
Results of past mammograms or biopsies.
Being honest and transparent at this stage is important, and your doctor is never there to judge! The purpose is to make sure you are entirely safe and comfortable throughout the entire experience.
After you answer some questions, the doctor may examine your breasts and take detailed measurements of your nipples, areolas, and breasts. Pictures will also be taken for the doctor’s reference (but also so you can see your amazing before and after photos).
This is also the time to ask any and all questions. The number one goal of a consultation is to make you feel less nervous and more excited about your upcoming procedure. Feeling scared is normal, but your doctor is there to help.
The Procedure
Each individual’s breasts are unique, which also means that exact techniques are unique. Your doctor will determine an appropriate method based on the size and shape of your breasts, degree of sagging, position of your areolas, and skin elasticity.
But in general, the procedure will go something like this:
1. Anesthesia
In order to make you comfortable for the duration of the surgery, you’ll be given some form of anesthesia. Typically, your choices are IV sedation, which makes you numb and sleepy, or general anesthesia, which will make you unconscious through controlled means. You and your doctor will work together to decide which is right for you.
2. The Incision
For breast lifts, there are three common incision patterns that your doctor might deploy.
“Benelli” or “Donut” Lift: This is a circular incision made around the areola. It’s most common in breasts with mild to moderate sagging.
Vertical Pattern or “Lollipop” Incision: A complete circular incision is made around the areola, and then one more is made straight down to the breast crease. This is the most common type of incision for individuals with a moderate degree of sagging.
Wide Pattern or “Anchor” Incision: This includes the same incisions as the vertical lift, but an additional horizontal incision is made at the crease of the breast. This is meant for individuals with more pronounced breast sagging.
3. Reshaping and Closing Incisions
After the incisions are made, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped. This improves breast firmness and contour. Additionally, the nipples are repositioned to a more natural height that is in line with your new breast contour.
Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity, and your areolas are reduced to a smaller size by removing excess skin at the perimeter, if need be.
Finally, the doctor will suture up any incisions. Some incisions lines can be concealed by the areola or under the breast crease, but incision lines are permanent. With that said, they will fade and increase in appearance over time.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
There’s a reason that breast lifts are so popular, and it’s that people feel and look amazing when they can see their results! If you’re looking to get a breast lift, here are some of the benefits that you’ll be able to enjoy.
Improved Self-Confidence
Sagging breasts aren’t always something that you have control over, but they can still make your self-image feel less than perfect. Breast lifts can rejuvenate your chest and make you look younger and healthier.
This results in increased confidence and a more positive outlook on your life in general. It can make you feel more comfortable in your own skin, which can lead you to a healthier and happier life.
Long-Lasting Results
One of the best things about a breast lift is that your new breasts will maintain their contour for a long time post-op. While your breasts can change naturally over time, your mastopexy will restore your youthful appearance for years to come.
You can retain your new look for longer by maintaining your weight and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
Relief from Back Pain
While many people seek breast lifts for cosmetic reasons, many people also experience back pain due to low-hanging or heavy breasts. A breast lift can help alleviate some of this added weight and improve your posture.
Not to mention, low-hanging breasts can rub against the skin on your chest and cause chafing, especially during exercise. Lifting the breasts can make you feel more comfortable during high intensity workouts or runs.
More Clothing Options
Sagging breasts can limit your wardrobe options. However, restoring the youthful firmness to your breasts can finally let you whip out the bikini that you’ve been waiting to put on for so long.
Additionally, it can enhance your comfort while wearing bras or other types of form-fitting clothing items.
Is a Breast Lift Right for You?
After hearing the benefits of a breast lift, we don’t blame you for wanting to get one right away! You might be a great candidate for a breast lift if you:
Have positive and realistic expectations.
You are physically healthy and are at a stable weight.
You are uncomfortable with the shape of your breasts.
Your nipples fall below the breast crease.
Your nipples point downward.
You don’t smoke.
One breast is lower than the other.
You have a positive outlook in general.
If you match this criteria, we’d love to see you in our sunny office at PH-1 Miami. Fill out an inquiry form here and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Breast Lift FAQs
If you still have a few hesitations or concerns, let’s try to address some of them.
How Long is the Recovery?
Depending on the size of the incisions, breast lift recovery normally takes about one to two weeks. During that time, you’ll need to limit your activity and continually maintain dressings and bandages to ensure that the wounds heal properly. Your doctor will give you specific instructions after the procedure.
Can I Still Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?
Most breast lift patients are able to breastfeed after the procedure without any issues. While you may need to hold off on breastfeeding during the healing process, individuals who can breastfeed before the procedure generally still can after.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
From start to finish, a breast lift procedure doesn’t normally take more than three to four hours. You’ll also be able to go home the same day of the procedure, unless any complications arise.
In Conclusion
Breast lifts are great ways to enhance the youthful firmness of your breasts and help decrease sagging. They are a popular procedure that has long-lasting effects.
Breast lifts come with many benefits, including an enhanced self-confidence and self-image, the ability to have wider access to clothing items, and even relief from physical ailments like back pain or skin chafing.
If you have realistic goals and are bothered by the sagginess of your breasts, a mastopexy might be just what you need. At PH-1 Miami, we are always excited to add more clients to our beautiful practice. If you’re ready to lift your breasts, and your confidence, contact us today!
Sources:
Mastopexy – Breast Lift | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Breast Lift Surgery Guide | The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Breastfeeding after Breast or Nipple Surgery | Cleveland Clinic
