Breast Lift

If you are satisfied with the size of your breasts but wish to restore a more youthful contour, you may be a candidate for breast lift. If you have lost a considerable amount of volume in your breasts you may also want to consider having breast implants inserted at the time of breast lift surgery.

While a breast lift can be performed at any age it is recommended that the procedure be undertaken only when breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding can have a significant effect on the size and shape of your breasts. Though some women decide to have their breasts lifted before having children, you should discuss any plans to breast-feed with your surgeon.

In assessing you as a candidate for breast lift surgery your surgeon will carefully check the
size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipple areolar complex. If you are overweight, your surgeon may suggest that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

There are variations to the incisions used for breast lift. The traditional method of lifting
the breast uses 3 incisions: one around the areola, the second vertically from the bottom
edge of the areola to the crease under the breast and the third along the natural curve of the breast crease.

After breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher
position. Skin that was located above the nipple pre-surgery is pulled down and together to give a new shape to the breast. Liposuction may also be employed to contour under the arm.

Because the nipples and areolas remain attached to the breast tissue, sensation in this area is normally preserved. While breast-feeding may still be possible, this cannot be guaranteed.

If your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will need to have made the decision to sacrifice sensation and the possibility of breast-feeding in order to achieve your desired breast size.

There are seldom complications from this surgery. However, some of the possible complications include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia.

The breasts may not be symmetrical or nipple height may vary after surgery. Loss ofsensation in the nipples or breasts may be permanent thought this is rare.
Several days after surgery you will be able to move about comfortably. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Incisions will be red at first and will stay this way for many months following surgery.

After breast lift surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks. Often, normal activities can be resumed after several weeks. You may, however, continue to experience some mild discomfort during the first 8 weeks.