BREAST UPLIFT SURGERY
The Breast uplift Procedure
Many factors can affect the shape and firmness of your breasts including loss of skin elasticity, gravity, weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Patients who are satisfied with the volume or size of their breasts may benefit from a breast uplift which will restore a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may desire an increase in breast size and fullness in addition to a lift, in these cases a breast implant in addition to a lift may be beneficial.
Your Breast uplift Surgical Experience
Our office staff will make your Breast uplift surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
Breast lift is performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of Breast uplift surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Good Candidates for Breast Lift
Breasts that are pendulous or sagging, but of satisfactory size
Breasts that lack substance or firmness
Nipples and areola's that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease
Some patients may have significant asymmetry (differences) between their breast sizes and shapes which may be addressed with a breast lift. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Some women may elect to have breast surgery prior to having children. Breast lift surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed; this point will be discussed at your consultation.
Incision Placement
A common method of lifting the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision is horizontal beneath the breast and follows the natural curve of the breast crease. We always tries to limit the length of surgical scars while not compromising the improvement in contour. Commonly, the breast lift will be performed without the horizontal scar. In some cases, especially when implants are placed in conjunction with a lift, the scar can be limited to that which surrounds the areola only.
The nipples and areola's remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breastfeed in most cases. The areola size is typically reduced.
The Consultation Process
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast shape and size. Plastic surgeon will discuss your options regarding different techniques, the placement of incisions, and whether or not breast implants should be considered. Our team will spend as much time as necessary to make you feel completely comfortable about your decision and answer all of your questions.
What to Expect After Surgery
The surgical bra will be removed at that time and further instructions will be given. You will be permitted to shower after this visit.
Some discolouration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.
Post-op Activity Restrictions
Our patients typically return to their normal daily activities the day after Breast uplift surgery. However, you will need to restrict any strenuous activity for a week and there will be no lifting anything over 5 kg for the first 2 weeks. Activities and exercise that involve the chest muscles, running, and jumping is restricted for 4-6 weeks. You may be instructed to wear a surgical bra for several weeks.
Expected Postoperative Course
There will be some associated swelling and bruising secondary to the Breast uplift surgery. The breasts will take some time to settle and relax into a more natural position. This process takes several weeks and it is important to understand that you will only be able to assess your results after this healing period. We will recommend appropriate scar treatments. We typically places all sutures internally which has several benefits for his patients. The scars are of the best quality possible and there is less discomfort as there is no need for painful suture removal. In addition, this allows patients to shower quickly after surgery, typically after the first postoperative visit.
Nipple sensation may be altered postoperatively and this may take weeks to months to return to normal. Rarely, there is a permanent change in sensitivity.
Risks after Breast uplift
The subject of risks and potential complications of Breast uplift surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr at the time of your consultation.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to IVS anesthesia. Following a breast lift, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. Minor adjustments often can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely.
Long Term Breast uplift Results
The goal of breast lift surgery is to make your breasts firmer and more uplifted including repositioning your nipple and areola into a more aesthetically pleasing location.
The incisions from your breast lift surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your breast lift are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a second breast lift procedure to restore their more youthful contour and appearance.