Also referred to as a mastopexy, a breast lift is a procedure that reshapes, raises the level of breasts by tightening the surrounding tissues and removing excess skin, thereby supporting the new breast contour. The procedure also reduces the size of the areola. As a woman ages, the skin loses elasticity and changes shape, losing its firmness and youthful look. This process is also accentuated by pregnancy, weight gain, and breastfeeding. Breast lift procedures can provide a more youthful, rejuvenated breast profile, enhancing a woman’s confidence and quality of life. The procedure does not necessarily change the breast size; it only lifts it a little. Breast lifts are very popular and have outpaced breast implants by almost twice. Consult Dr. Jason Leedy to find out if a breast lift is the right procedure for you.
The Procedure
Breast lifts can be performed using a few different procedures, depending on the shape and size of your breast and how much lift you need. You may be forced to stop taking certain medications a few days before the procedure to ensure the process goes smoothly and the healing is enhanced. Examples of drugs that you may have to avoid include blood-thinning medication like aspirin. You’ll also need to stop smoking as smoking interferes with the body’s healing process, and can cause wound problems such as loss of your breast skin or nipple.
After marking you to determine the new lifted position, the surgeon will give you anesthesia to relieve pain and make you relaxed. He or she will make an incision around the areola, extending the incision from the bottom of the areola to the crease. The surgeon will then reshape the breast, lift it, and move the areolas to the new position. Extra skin will be removed to make the breast firmer in appearance and the incisions will be closed with stitches, surgical tape, or skin adhesives.
After marking you to determine the new lifted position, the surgeon will give you anesthesia to relieve pain and make you relaxed. He or she will make an incision around the areola, extending the incision from the bottom of the areola to the crease. The surgeon will then reshape the breast, lift it, and move the areolas to the new position. Extra skin will be removed to make the breast firmer in appearance and the incisions will be closed with stitches, surgical tape, or skin adhesives.
Recovery
After the surgery, your breasts might be sore and swollen for a few weeks. You can wrap ice in a towel and hold it over the breast to relieve swelling. The doctor will also give you medication to relieve pain as you heal. During this time, you will need to wear non-wire bras or surgical bras for a few weeks. You’ll also need to sleep on your back, lying on pillows to keep the chest raised. Avoid any strenuous exercises like lifting heavy objects. The breast may take a few months to achieve the desired shape.
Scars may appear on the breasts but they should fade over time. Nowadays, new breast lift techniques reduce scarring. Try to avoid big changes in your weight in order to maintain your new look. Keep in mind that after the procedure, you will not be able to breastfeed. Furthermore, check with your doctor before the procedure if you plan to get pregnant in the future.
Scars may appear on the breasts but they should fade over time. Nowadays, new breast lift techniques reduce scarring. Try to avoid big changes in your weight in order to maintain your new look. Keep in mind that after the procedure, you will not be able to breastfeed. Furthermore, check with your doctor before the procedure if you plan to get pregnant in the future.
Risks and Complications
Similar to any surgery, a breast lift can have risks and complications. They include infection, bleeding, fluid collecting in the breast, thick and painful scars, uneven breast shape, loss of nipple and areola, among others. The surgeon will discuss these risks before performing the surgery. Call the surgeon if your breasts feel warm to touch and appear red, if you’re running a fever, if fluids start seeping from the incision, or if you have trouble breathing and chest pains.
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