When a women is considering breast surgery, breast implants may be the first option that comes to mind. Depending on what results you would like to see, a breast lift (or mastopexy) may be combined with an augmentation to achieve the desired projection and youthful fullness.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift can help women who think their areolas look too large or stretched out, or women who feel their breasts look saggy, drooping, or asymmetrical. These changes can happen because of genetics or due to normal aging, but pregnancy or breastfeeding can also change the shape and the size of breasts.
In a breast lift procedure, excess skin is removed, the nipples are repositioned, and skin is tightened. In some cases, when there has been significant loss of breast tissue or you desire a larger overall breast size, a breast augmentation can be performed in conjunction with the breast lift.
Who is a breast lift right for?
A breast lift can be performed at any age, however it is recommended that women wait until breast development has stopped, a stable weight is achieved, and no future pregnancies are planned. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts.
What can you expect after a breast lift?
You can expect moderate discomfort of the breasts, which should gradually improve within the first week. Swelling usually subsides after three weeks. Your post-surgical bra will be put on you prior to leaving the surgical centre. You must wear the post-surgical bra day and night for 3 weeks. The breast lift procedure will leave some scarring along the incision sites. While scars are permanent, they’ll soften and become thin and white within one to two years. The scarring will generally follow along the natural lines of the breast and can usually be hidden by bras and bathing suits. The extent of the scars will depend largely on your body’s ability to heal, and Dr. Dawes will provide you with all the necessary information to maximize your healing and minimize visible scarring. It may take months for you to see the final results, as the swelling goes down and your breasts settle into their new shape.
How long will the results of a breast lift last?
The results from a breast lift should be long lasting. Once corrected, the breasts should remain relatively stable, assuming weight does not fluctuate greatly. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help you retain your results. Over time skin inelasticity due to aging and gravity may make another procedure necessary to retain the desired results.
Women considering a breast lift should be in good health and at a healthy weight. It is also important to have realistic expectations about such a procedure. During a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey C. Dawes, you can discuss what results you would like to see from a breast lift, and he can advise if another procedure may be better for you. Call today (403) 571-3141 to learn more or book a consultation.
