Breast lift procedures are designed to reshape one or both breasts, resulting in a higher position on the chest and a nicer contour. The decision process that brings a woman to consider breast lift surgery is as individual as she is.
Breast lift procedures may be done to correct a variety of issues that women find troubling. Women of all ages seek breast lift surgery, for breasts that are small, large or somewhere in between.
This guide will provide a general overview of the breast lift process and what to expect.
Why Women Choose Breast Lift Surgery
Women undergoing a breast lift have described their desire for perkier breasts, youthful breasts or uplifted breasts. Women may use terms like droopy, saggy, deflated or loose to describe the breast tissue that prompts them to research breast lift surgery. In some cases, one or both nipples may point downward or may seem “too low” on the breast.
The evolution of your breast shape and position over time depends upon many things, such as skin elasticity, body shape, age, breast size, history of pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss and/or menopausal status. This is all combined with the effects of gravity and lifestyle factors like smoking.
If you’d like to change the shape of your breasts with a breast lift procedure, you’re part of a group of nearly 100,000 women who do so annually. Breast lifts are now outpacing breast augmentations, although the total number of augmentations done remains higher.
Breast lifts are one of the most common plastic surgeries chosen by women–and one of the most successful–with a high post-surgical satisfaction rate.
Breast Lift Surgery: Preparation and Research
Women who actively seek information about breast lift procedures and resolve to follow instructions for a healthy recovery generally experience the very best outcome from breast lift surgery.
It’s often helpful to meet with more than one surgeon in Bergen County for a consultation. Find a surgeon who takes the time to explain the breast lift procedure to you and answers all of your questions thoroughly.
Questions to ask your plastic surgeon:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?
- How many breast surgeries have you performed?
- Can you describe the surgical procedure that is indicated in my case?
- Where will my incisions be located?
- Are my goals achievable?
- Tip: Dedicated plastic surgeons want to ensure that you have the best outcome. Part of this is making sure you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery. Your surgeon will base this decision on a combination of factors including your overall health, age, your expectations and more. Talk to your surgeon about your future plans, such as losing significant weight or if you are planning to have children. Depending on your situation your surgeon may suggest that you wait to have a breast lift.
- Where will the surgery take place and is the surgical facility accredited?
- What type of anesthesia is recommended? Who will perform my anesthesia and what are his or her qualifications?
Questions to ask yourself:
- Has the surgeon taken time to explain the breast lift to my satisfaction?
- Tip: Choose a plastic surgeon who gives you his/her full attention and asks you questions about your goals for your breast lift.
- Do I feel rushed or oversold?
- Tip: Feeling comfortable and un-rushed is a signal that your surgeon is invested in your outcome, seeing you as a unique individual rather than just another “case.”
- Have the costs been explained to me?
- Tip: Remember, the total cost of your procedure should be freely disclosed. Some of the variables that impact price include: the surgeon and anesthesiologist fees (based on experience and credentials), pre- and post-surgery testing, the surgery center’s operating room charges, the type of anesthesia required and the complexity of the procedure. Don’t sacrifice peace of mind for a “bargain” price when it comes to your health.
- Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon?
- Tip: In the end, you must select a surgeon that you find to be trustworthy and who has earned your confidence.
Breast Lift Procedure Overview
Breast lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgery center. The patient is placed under general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia.
In breast lift procedures, incisions are made and excess skin is removed to firm the breast, which is brought to a new, higher position. The nipple is typically repositioned and the areola sometimes made smaller.
Breast lift surgery takes only a few hours and recovery is one of the most straightforward of aesthetic surgical procedures.
Your surgeon’s experience and skill enable him or her to balance a number of key considerations for a successful outcome. The best surgeons strive to:
- Create a pleasing overall breast shape that fits your frame and the goals discussed prior to surgery.
- Produce firmer and higher breasts with natural-looking symmetry and nipple position.
- Carefully plan the location of incisions and their length to minimize the appearance of scars. The complexity of procedure and amount of skin to be removed will affect incision length.
- Use advanced techniques to preserve nipple sensation and lactation capability.
- Reshape underlying breast tissue to prolong the longevity of the breast lift.
Breast Lift Recovery and Risks
Breast lift surgery is performed on the skin and no muscle is involved, making healing relatively quick. Scars are most visible for up to a year after your breast lift, after which they often fade into thin white lines.
Scars are permanent and remain visible up close when you are unclothed. Your surgeon will place the breast lift incisions so scars are hidden from view under clothing, even in a low-cut outfit.
All surgery carries some risk of complications or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Bleeding and infection are uncommon with a breast lift procedure but can increase scarring.
Surgical risk is decreased when you carefully follow your surgeon’s advice both prior to and after your breast lift surgery, during your recovery period.
You will get the best results if you stay in close contact with your surgeon. Call your surgeon with questions at any point in the process and don’t skip any follow-up visits.
The new position and shape of your breasts will be evident immediately after surgery, although the new look will change slightly over the next few weeks as the swelling goes down.
Is a Breast Lift Right for You?
The vast majority of breast lift patients report that their goals were met and experience a high level of satisfaction with the outcome. Women who research the procedure in advance and make an informed decision, typically report the highest satisfaction.
These women often describe feeling better about their appearance along with enjoying a boost in self-confidence after their breast lift procedure.
Of course, the only way to know for sure if a breast lift procedure is right for you is to consult an experienced plastic surgeon in Bergen County. At Cohen/Winters, we’re here to help. As we know not everyone will be a good candidate for the procedure, our consultation with you is free of charge. Our goal is to provide you with information and expert advice that will help you make the best decision.
