About Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery, known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue to create a firmer look. This body contouring surgery is for women who have lost breast shape and volume and who are experiencing breast sag due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gravity. Advancements in breast lift surgery have made this procedure so successful that new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show an increase of 70% for the surgery since 2000. Dr. Edward Lee, our Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon, performs this procedure incorporating advanced methods depending on the degree of sag and the outcome you desire.
Ideal Candidates
Some women visit our center believing they want breast implants, but after a physical exam, learn that a breast lift would better suit them. This is because if you have a certain degree of breast sag, or if you have lost a significant amount of elasticity in the breast area, a lift is necessary to bring the breasts back to a healthy position. If your nipples and areolas point downward, if your breasts are elongated and drooping, a breast lift will help improve their appearance. Ideal candidates will be physically healthy and at a stable weight. In some cases, women opt to include breast implants for added volume, but in many cases, a lift is all it takes to add the fullness and shape that is ultimately desired.
Procedure Techniques
Breast lift surgery takes about 2-4 hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the size and sag of the breast and whether an implant is used. The technique used for mastopexy generally falls under 2 categories depending on the location of the incision. The anchor (inverted-T) incision and the vertical incision are the two most commonly used methods. Once the incision is made, excess breast tissue is removed and the remaining tissue is tightened and lifted so that the breasts appear healthy and normal. In some cases, the size of the nipple and areola is reduced to match the new, smaller breast. It is at this time where an implant may be placed it was agreed to prior to surgery. Depending on the case, an implant may be placed first and a small breast lift may be performed using a periareolar incision, or the lift can be completed and the augmentation scheduled for a later date.
What To Expect
The recovery for a breast lift surgery is more extensive than a breast augmentation. After surgery, you will be sent home with a support bra to help minimize swelling and a small tube may be used to help drain excess fluid or blood. The post-surgical swelling will diminish within a few days and it will take time for the incisions to heal and fade. We provide specific incision care instructions to assist with this healing process. The results following a breast lift appear over several months as the breasts take on their new shape and position. You will look and feel younger and your breasts take on a more youthful appearance. It’s important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, which consists of maintaining a good weight and avoiding smoking to sustain the surgical results.
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