Breast Lift

Introduction

Breast lifts are performed with or without the addition of breast implants. Many women have sufficient breast tissue, but would just like their breasts to be a bit perkier. If you do not have enough breast tissue to perform a pleasing result from a breast lift, an implant can be added to give you extra volume.

On the other hand, not all women who desire larger breasts will need a breast lift. We will evaluate you carefully, to determine whether your breast measurements are proportional (ie, from the top of the breast to the nipple, and the nipple to the bottom of the breast). If your breasts are not in proportion, a breast lift may be recommended to achieve the most beautiful result.

Ideal Candidates

Breast lifts can be performed on adult women of any age. You should have generally healthy breasts prior to surgery; this procedure is not intended for cancer patients. If you are over 35, we require that you have a mammogram prior to your surgery, so that you will have an original mapping of your breasts as they appeared prior to the procedure. Any abnormalities identified during your mammogram should be addressed prior to your consultation.

We do not generally recommend breast lifts for women who plan to have more children in the future. This is because your breasts may be affected by pregnancy, canceling out the effects of the breast lift. However, this decision can be made after your initial consultation with your surgeon.

If you do plan to have more children and would like to breastfeed, please discuss this with your doctor prior to your surgery. Generally, women who have had a breast lift or breast augmentation usually have no problems with breastfeeding, but it's important to know that you could be affected.

How It's Done

Breast lifts are performed under general anesthesia or sedation, so you feel no discomfort. The surgeon will make an incision around the areola, and vertically between the areola and the fold if necessary. A vertical technique is our most common. The areola is moved to an ideal position in proportion to the rest of your body. Then, any excess skin is removed and the incisions are carefully closed so as to minimize scarring.

Breast augmentation can be done in conjunction with your breast lift. In our practice, breast augmentation is performed using either the submuscular or subglandular technique. These are the most common techniques in which the implant is placed under the muscle or breast tissue. The choice of implant position placement is a decision you and your physician will make at your consultation.

If an augmentation is needed, no extra incisions are required. Absorbable sutures are used, so there is no need for suture removal.

A drain to help clear the surgery site may be necessary, but any drains used are generally removed after 48 hours. You will spend about two to three hours in the operating room.

Recovery

You will be asked to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day until your surgery has healed, which may be up to a month. You will feel back to normal in about a week, and will be fully healed in four weeks with breast lift only, and eight weeks if implants were also used.

After your surgery, avoid raising your arms over your head, or any exercise that uses your chest muscles, for up to four weeks. Results are apparent immediately, but some settling will occur. Final results will be seen about three months after the procedure.

Breast implants do need to be maintained for best results. Every few years, you should schedule a consultation with your surgeon to ensure that the implant is still doing well.

Our patients report that breast reduction surgery has had a huge effect on their daily lives. They find that exercising and other day-to-day activities can now be enjoyed without back pain or worrying about having enough support.