There are quite a few reasons why a woman may consider undergoing a breast lift procedure. The shape and general profile of the breasts can be negatively affected by events like pregnancy, breastfeeding, the aging process or massive weight loss.
Whatever the reason may be, if you are looking into a breast lift, you will need some solid information to get you started.
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What is a breast lift?
The breast lift is a type of surgery that is among the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today. It can dramatically improve a woman’s appearance when she has been dealing with sagging and hanging breasts. It does so through the removal of excess skin and an overhaul of the breast tissue.
The first step in undergoing a breast lift is taking part in a consultation with a plastic surgeon. They will first want to know your treatment goals so that they can help you determine what type of breast lift makes the most sense for you and your individual needs.
The breast lift procedure has a high rate of satisfaction among patients. It can help your breasts become more raised, perky and tighter. It can also help reshape breasts that are asymmetrical or poorly shaped, leading to improved contours and enhanced balance.
Breast Lift Benefits:
- Breasts become firmer, perkier and raised.
- Clothes fit better and more comfortably, thanks to an enhanced breast profile.
- Breast lift surgery enhances the symmetry, shape, and projection of the breasts.
Your Consultation
Meeting with your plastic surgeon gives you a chance to share any questions or concerns that you may have about any part of the entire process: from the surgery itself to your recovery at home.
Assuming that you are in good general health, you would likely make a good candidate for breast lift surgery. Those dealing with significant health concerns, like blood clotting, cardiac problems, diabetes, and respiratory problems, should inform their surgeon during their consultation.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
A breast lift procedure involves reshaping the areola and repositioning the nipple to a more elevated location, as well as excess skin excision and breast tissue contouring.
Vertical Breast Lift
Also known as a ‘lollipop’ breast lift, the vertical breast lift is most appropriate for women with large, saggy breasts. The surgeon would use both a vertical incision and one down the breast crease. Extra skin is removed through the vertical incision.
Vertical breast lift procedures help breasts appear more round, cone-shaped and youthful. They result in the repositioning of the nipple to a more upward position and help to correct any issues related to breastfeeding, as well as enhancing the breasts with a more voluminous and youthful appearance.
Periareolar Breast Lift
Popularly known as the ‘donut’ lift, this procedure involves the forming of one incision that is typically placed around the edge of the nipples. It involves a significant reduction of both skin and breast tissue around the nipples.
This type of breast lift is most commonly advised for those with breasts that sag only slightly and do not require much projection or lift. It is considered to be a type of minimally invasive surgery that focuses more on areola and nipple repositioning than skin removal.
Inverted-T Breast Lift
This is just a fancy name for a traditional breast lift, which will involve three incisions in most cases. The first is vertically placed from the bottom of the breast to the nipple. The second incision is placed around the edges of the nipples, while the third is placed on the breast fold.
Breast Lift Surgery: What To Expect
A breast lift procedure is an outpatient surgery that takes place under general anesthesia. It can be completed in as little as two hours, and you should be able to return home a few hours afterwards if you have someone drive you.
First Three Days
Expect to experience some degree of pain and discomfort, which most patients find to be mild to moderate. You will probably feel quite tired, and a bit nauseated, for a few days due to the aftereffects of the anesthesia.
Be sure that you have someone around your home to accompany you during this time.
Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of bed rest. Avoid sleeping on your breasts, and take all prescribed medications as directed.
First Two Weeks
The first two weeks are a critical time period in which you should avoid work or physical activity that could damage your breasts. Remain in bed as much as possible, and continue to avoid sleeping on your front for now.
Weeks Three to Six
Your breasts will still be somewhat swollen, but you should start feeling noticeably better. Your breasts are now assuming something close to their final shape.
Continue wearing your compression bra throughout Week Six. Although you are progressing rapidly by this stage, it will still take a bit more time for your final results to become apparent.
Breast Lift Cost
Breast lift surgery is one of those procedures that has wildly varying costs. The cost can range from $2,200 all the way to $13,800, depending upon factors like the technique used during your surgery, your individual plastic surgeon, combination procedures used, geographical area and more.
