Breast Lift: Everything You Should Know

Texas summers are typically very warm, which means many people wear light clothing. For those who feel self-conscious about their bodies, this can make day-to-day life uncomfortable. Breast lifts have proven to be a very popular procedure that has helped boost the self-confidence of many women who feel like their breasts are in their way of looking their best.

A breast lift is not just a cosmetic intervention; it is often chosen by women who want to restore their look after major life and image-altering events in their life like pregnancy or drastic weight loss.

Understanding The Basics of a Breast Lift

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, repositions the breasts higher on the chest to restore a more youthful and perky appearance. Part of what happens in the procedure is having the surgeon carefully work to balance out your two breasts so that they become more alike and align them to the look you intend to go for. 

This procedure can also involve removing excess skin that has lost elasticity due to weight gain or loss and reshaping the breast tissue to create a more rounded appearance or, if desired, to achieve a more youthful contour. It also tightens up all supporting tissues, such as those around the breasts and areolae, to ensure this new contour lasts.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation and Reduction

Breast lifts address repositioning and reshaping, for the most part. Augmentation, on the other hand, focuses on adding volume by means of inserting implants, while reduction involves the removal of tissue to reduce volume. 

Most individuals opt for a lift when they’re satisfied with the volume of their breasts but want to address sagging. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to pair the various operations. For example, quite a number pair a lift with augmentation to achieve lift and additional fullness. 

Others pair it with a reduction if they want a smaller volume while still removing the sagging. “Accompanying a breast lift with a breast reduction is common for individuals with larger breasts that are more likely to sag. It is really a question of personal preferences and personal body needs,” says Texas plastic surgeon Matthew H. Steele.

Preparation Prior to Undergoing a Breast Lift Operation

Before a breast lift or mastopexy, you will have a sit-down with your plastic surgeon for a consultation. This stage involves talking over what you would like to see aesthetically, looking over your medical background—previous surgeries or medical conditions—a check of your over-the-counter and prescription medication usage, and your family medical history of breast cancer. 

Then, your breasts will be evaluated by your surgeon—who will take measurements and photographs—and discuss what you can reasonably expect. You will then undergo preparation for the procedure if you have been determined to be a good candidate, including getting a mammogram, quitting smoking if needed, and avoiding some medications and vitamins like aspirin or NSAIDs based on their effect on healing.

The Process

Breast lifts can be performed at a surgery center or hospital and can take anywhere from one to two hours. Your skin is pre-marked to be cut, maybe in circles around your nipple and downward if you have a great deal of sagging. 

The surgeon moves tissue and fat to give you your best elevation while they shift your areolas up and then remove excess skin.

Next, the breasts are sealed with stitches while you are under anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort. Finally, there will be dressing and, in some cases, a special bra to facilitate speedy healing.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Recovery will take several weeks, with full recovery after six months. Some scarring will occur, although good plastic surgeons do their cuts in a place where it will not be seen.

We recommend that you see a board-certified surgeon—they have been trained to produce maximum outcomes and deal with complications effectively, greatly enhancing your prospects of a successful procedure.

To find the most suitable provider, look at their qualifications, patient testimonials, and before-and-after photos to determine if they can achieve your objectives and standards.