Aging, pregnancy, significant weight loss, or genetics can all cause the breasts to sag. This condition can be corrected with a Breast Lift (Mastopexy), which reshapes the breasts, removes excess skin as necessary, and raises the nipples and areolas for a perkier, rounder look. The size of the areolas can be reduced as well, if desired.
This surgery does not change the size of your breasts. If you have uncomfortably large breasts, a breast reduction can be done, which will also include a breast lift. If you would like your breasts to be larger, you may have a combination breast lift and breast augmentation, which lifts the breasts and includes the insertion of implants.
At The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery, our surgeons have years of experience performing successful breast lifts. We customize every procedure based on your body and how you wish to look. Our goal is to help you achieve a pleasing shape and youthful placement of your breasts.
During your consultation, we will discuss your concerns about your appearance and your goals for your breast lift, as well as your medical history, medications you take, and previous procedures you have had. We will also answer all of your questions, explain what to expect from surgery, and tell you how to prepare for your surgery.
The Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift usually takes about 2-1/2 hours. It can sometimes be combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, as long as the total time of your surgery does not exceed 7-8 hours.
The incisions are usually around the areolas, under the crease of the breasts, and in a vertical line from the areolas to the crease. In some cases, the incision under the crease is not necessary. There will be scars, but they become less noticeable in time.
Preparing for Your Breast Lift
Please avoid taking Advil, Aleve, aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, and Naprosyn for two weeks prior to your surgery. High dose vitamins and herbal medications should also be avoided. Most other medications that you take regularly can be taken before your procedure. It is especially important to take blood pressure medication so that your blood pressure remains normal during surgery.
Your breast lift will be performed at the outpatient surgery center. Be sure to have someone available to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours, as you will be drowsy from the anesthesia.
Recovering from a Breast Lift
You will be fitted with a surgical bra after your surgery, which you must wear for a few weeks. Some bruising, swelling, soreness, tightness, and itching are normal after a breast lift. You can take medication, if necessary, to ease discomfort. These symptoms will gradually subside during the first few weeks.
Most patients take about 2 weeks off from work to recover after a breast lift. Please avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4 weeks, however. Full results from your surgery can take up to 6 months to be visible.
Breast Lift FAQs
How painful is breast lift recovery?
We provide each of our breast lift patients with all the necessary tools and knowledge to minimize discomfort during recovery. You’ll be prescribed pain medication to help with any pain in the initial healing process. All our patients say the recovery process is well worth the results they love.
Any surgical procedure will cause some level of discomfort, but we’ll do all we can to ensure your safety and rapid recovery. Following surgery, you’ll see significant improvements each day, and by day three, most patients can walk around the house and do most light daily activities.
Will I need to take time off of work after my breast lift?
Our patients tend to schedule about one week off from work to allow for recovery. In many cases, patients find they can return to work even sooner if their job isn’t physically demanding.
By combining procedures, we can eliminate two separate recovery periods, so be sure to talk to your doctor about the possibility of bundling procedures for holistic results.
Will my breasts sag after a breast lift?
Your breast lift will create a beautiful, youthful contour to the breasts that compliments your anatomy and shows off your figure. That said, breast lifts cannot stop the aging process. Over time, it’s normal to experience changes in skin elasticity.
A breast lift will help slow this process considerably and provide a natural-looking perkiness as you age. This procedure offers substantial cosmetic improvements in comparison to those without the benefits of a surgical lift.
Your breast lift will also experience a slight change as it heals and settles into its natural position. This is entirely normal and to be expected. If you have any questions or concerns about the recovery process or breast lift aftercare, be sure to contact our team for assistance.
Where will the incisions be made during my breast lift in Baltimore, MD?
Every procedure at the Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery is wholly unique, and incision placements can widely vary from patient to patient. Depending on how much skin your surgeon plans to remove, we’ll provide you the best incision placement options for the results you want.
More ambitious breast lifts may require incisions that go fully around the circumference of the areola, down vertically, and in some cases horizontally beneath the breast fold. We’ll work with you to find a pattern that is as minimal as possible while ideally suiting your needs.
Do I need to complete any medical tests before breast lift surgery?
We recommend any patients due for a mammogram to complete this before surgery. As with all cosmetic surgery, we’ll complete routine lab work as well.
Can I change the size of my breasts during breast lift surgery?
Absolutely, your surgeon’s goal is to create a new breast contour, shape, and size that perfectly complements your body. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the possibility of combining your breast lift with a breast augmentation or reduction. We also offer breast lifts for large breasts.
Are there any risks or possible complications of breast lift surgery?
As with all surgeries, there is a risk of scarring, bleeding, or possible infection. Our team of board-certified surgeons does everything in our power to make sure every patient receives the highest possible levels of care and safety.
In rare cases, there may be slight differences in the shape or size of the breasts. A very small minority of patients may experience a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola region. Some patients may also experience mild reactions to medications or anesthetics.
Knowing all the risks is an essential part of making an informed decision about pursuing a breast lift. It’s also important to remember breast lifts do reverse the clock, but they cannot stop the aging process. The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery has a proven track record and has provided many patients with results they’ve loved for life.
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Call us to schedule your consultation with one of our surgeons, and find out how a breast lift at The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery can correct sagging breasts.
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