Breast Lifts

Breast Lift Introduction

The breast lift raises and tightens the sagging breast. Candidates for breast lift surgery are those with loose skin or women who have lost volume and tone after children. Usually, the nipple and areola are elevated to a new position through a variety of incisions determined by the individual patient’s anatomy. Under some circumstances, breast lift patients may have implants and breast lifts performed simultaneously. Breast lift surgery scars are permanent, but over time fade to some extent.

As women age, the breasts may begin to sag or become ptotic. The breast lift procedure is often accelerated by pregnancy and nursing. Mastopexy, or breast lift, may be performed to enhance the shape of the breast and create a more youthful contour and appearance. Breast lift may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or under a general anesthetic. Multiple techniques may be used, depending on the nature and degree of ptosis. Breast implants are sometimes used in conjunction with mastopexy, or even as an alternative to mastopexy for correction of modest ptosis (also termed pseudoptosis). Most breast lift procedures involve placing an incision around the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple), and sometimes under the nipple and within the fold under the breast. Excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped to recreate a more youthful appearance. The breast lift surgery usually lasts for one or two hours, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Pain and discomfort following the breast lift surgery are typically controlled with oral pain medication, and are not severe. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days after surgery, and within one week most patients can return to work. The breast lift surgeon may recommend wearing a support bra for a few weeks after surgery. While most bruising resolves in a week or two, some swelling may persist for four to six weeks or longer, depending on the exact nature of the breast lift surgery and the patient.

Choices in Breast Recontruction Procedures

The type of breast reconstruction procedures available to you depends on your medical situation, breast shape and size, general health, lifestyle, and goals. You can have your breast reconstructed with a breast implant, a tissue flap (your own tissues), or a combination of the two. If you have breast reconstruction, with or without breast implants, you will probably undergo several reoperations to improve symmetry and appearance.

For example, after your breast has healed from the original implant surgery, you may want to build a new nipple and darken the areola (skin around the nipple). This procedure can usually be performed on an outpatient basis. Ask your doctor to explain the various ways this can be done, such as using a skin graft from the opposite breast or by tattooing the area. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each implant technique. If you decide to have reconstruction for one breast, your doctor may suggest surgery on the other breast to achieve a similar appearance.

The following issues should be considered for women with breast cancer: The physical and cosmetic results with breast implants may be affected by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other factor that significantly affects the healing process.
Skin necrosis may occur because blood circulation to the remaining tissue has been changed by a mastectomy. Radiation treatment may also increase skin necrosis.
It usually takes more than one operation to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome, especially if the reconstruction procedures include building a new nipple.
Breast reconstruction is an optional procedure and is not needed to treat the cancer.

Breast Reconstruction with Breast Implants

The following information applies to reconstruction following mastectomy. However, similar considerations apply to reconstruction for breast trauma or congenital defects. Your doctor will decide whether your health and medical condition makes you an appropriate candidate for breast reconstruction with breast implants. Women with larger breasts may require reconstruction with a combination of a tissue flap and an implant.

Your doctor may recommend a breast implant, reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction), or a mastopexy (breast lift), of your opposite, uninvolved breast to improve symmetry with your reconstructed breast. Reduction mammoplasty involves removal of breast tissue and skin. Mastopexy involves removing a strip of skin from under the breast or around the nipple and using it to lift and tighten the skin over the breast. If it is important to you not to alter the unaffected breast, you should discuss this with your doctor because it may affect the breast reconstruction procedures considered for your case. The breast reconstruction process may begin at the time of your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or weeks to years afterwards (delayed reconstruction).

Understading Breast Lift Limitations:
• Don't expect perfection.
• Have realistic expectations. A cosmetic surgery can reshape your body, but not your life.
• Know the breast lift risks.
• Don't do it on the cheap. Pay what it takes for safe breast lifts.
• Make sure your cosmetic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Do your homework. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Tips for Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon:

• Check into the experience of the surgeon you are considering. Does he or she specialize in the breast lift procedure?
• How many breast lift procedures of this kind has the doctor done?
• How many is the doctor currently performing per year?
• Botox injection before-and-after pictures can give you some indication of a surgeon's ability, although you must realize that they cannot be construed to guarantee the result you will achieve.
• Make sure you are comfortable with the personal support between you and your cosmetic surgeon. You should always feel that your concerns are being addressed.

If you or a loved one are thinking about having breast lifts, you need to speak with an experienced doctor or surgeon as soon as posisble. You probably have alot of questions, and chances are you may be nervous or afraid. Good breast lift surgeons in your area can help relieve this anxiety and stress. . An experienced cosmetic or plastic surgeon can evaluate your individual situation and give you their professional advice and opinion regarding breast lifts. The fact is, you won't know until you speak with a surgeon directly.

Types of Cosmetic Surgery:

Botox Injections | Breast Augmentation | Breast Lift | Brow Lift | Butt Lift | Cellulite Treatment | Collagen Injections | Chemical Peel | Chin Augmentation | Ear Surgery | Eyelid Lift | Face Lift | Forehead Lift | Hair Replacement | Laser Skin Resurfacing | Lasik Eye Surgery | Lip Augmentation | Liposuction | Nose Job | Varicose Veins | Thigh Lift | Tummy Tuck | Upper Arm Lift | Weight Loss Surgery