Breast Lift
What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, elevates and reshapes the breasts and nipples by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show breast lifts have increased 70% since 2000, outpacing breast augmentations 2-to-1.
What Does a Breast Lift Achieve?
A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift can reduce this as well.
What Doesn’t a Breast Lift Achieve?
Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you would like your breasts to look fuller, consider a combined breast lift and breast augmentation surgery. If you would like smaller breasts, consider combining your breast lift with a breast reduction.
How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost in Rocky Mount, NC?
The cost of a breast lift varies greatly depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether any other breast enhancement procedures are included, and your surgeon’s level of expertise. The best way to determine your pricing is to visit us for a personal, private consultation with Dr. Park.
Dr. Park’s Approach:
“I believe that the most effective techniques reshape the breast in addition to removing skin and re-positioning the nipple to a higher position. I favor vertical techniques which create scars around the nipple and vertically down from the nipple to the fold under the breast. It is sometimes necessary to remove additional skin at the bottom of the breast which will result in a horizontal scar under the breast.
The transformation from a sagging, drooping breast to a higher, tighter, more youthful appearing breast is dramatic. Although the scars are significant, they are usually considered an acceptable trade-off for such improvement in shape.”
Who Is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
A typical breast lift candidate is a woman whose breasts have changed over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuations
- Aging
- Gravity
- Heredity
Breast Lift Incision Options
Most breast lift procedures are performed using one of three incision types:
Anchor Incision: This incision runs around the areola, vertically down the breast to the breast crease, then horizontally along the breast crease. It is one of the most extensive incision options and is best for breasts with significant sagging.
Lollipop Incision: Suitable to address moderate sagging, the lollipop incision encircles the areola and then runs vertically down to the breast crease.
Donut Incision: Used in a periareolar lift, this incision traces around the outer edge of the areola. Surgeons sometimes use this incision when combining a breast lift with an augmentation. Appropriate for moderate sagging, this incision is also a good option for those who want to decrease the size of their areolas.
What Is Breast Lift Recovery Like?
Many women can return to work after 1 or 2 weeks and resume their normal exercise routines after 4 to 6 weeks. Although your recovery time may vary depending on how complex your procedure is, general recovery milestones include:
- Swelling and bruising: Peaking 3 to 5 days after surgery, swelling and bruising gradually diminish over the next few weeks.
- Pain: You will likely feel mild to moderate pain that peaks within 3 to 5 days. Prescription pain medication helps manage the soreness and discomfort.
- Incisions: Keep your incisions dry as much as possible. You may shower a day or two after surgery, but be sure to gently pat your incisions dry afterward. Do not allow your breasts to soak in water such as a bath or swimming pool until the incisions are fully healed.
- Surgical bra: You’ll wear a special compression bra around the clock to minimize swelling and support your breasts.
- Exercise: Walking around the house is encouraged to promote blood circulation. However, strenuous exercise and upper body exercises will need to wait for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Breast appearance: Your breasts may appear uneven and swollen at first, but they will gradually take their final shape over the next 6 to 8 weeks.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns during recovery.
Breast Lift FAQ
Are there any good nonsurgical breast lift options or is surgery best to address sagging?
There really is no nonsurgical substitute for lifting the breasts the way breast lift surgery does. While some nonsurgical treatments might offer slight skin tightening benefits, the tightening is usually not enough to lift sagging breasts.
Will I have visible scars after surgery?
You will have a breast lift scar, but in most cases, it will fade and flatten over time until it is just a thin, faint line. Most women find that elevated, more youthfully positioned breasts are worth a subtle scar.
How long will the results of my breast lift last?
You should be able to enjoy your perkier, reshaped breasts for about 10 to 15 years, although each individual’s experience is slightly different.
How do I decide if I need a breast lift with or without implants?
If you are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts and their droopy position, you may get your desired results by adding breast implants to your breast lift. On the other hand, if you like the size of your breasts and simply want to restore their once-perky position, a breast lift without implants may be for you. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the procedure that meets your goals.
How painful is breast lift surgery?
While you can expect some pain and swelling after breast lift surgery, it is often described by patients as moderate pain. It is usually well managed with pain medication.
To schedule an appointment at Park Plastic Surgery, please call us at (252) 888-2691. If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please complete and submit our contact form.
