What You Should Know Before Getting a Breast Lift

Why consider a breast lift?

Breast lift surgery can help to elevate sagging breasts, improve their projection, and place the nipples in a more pleasing position. The sum total of these changes is that they create a more youthful physique, boosting your self-image and confidence. Perky breasts make wardrobe shopping easier and allow you to wear all your favorite bikinis, dresses, and tops. Whether your breasts are drooping due to pregnancy, aging, or genetics, a breast lift can help revitalize the appearance of your chest.

What is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation can help achieve a larger cup size, boosting breast volume and maximizing your breast contours. A breast lift, on the other hand, addresses mainly breast ptosis. Because women who have been pregnant in the past typically struggle with both volume loss and breast sagging, plastic surgeons often combine mastopexy and implant surgery to deliver comprehensive transformation in the chest.

Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?

You may be a good candidate for mastopexy if your breasts don’t look right even when using a pushup bra; if your nipples are facing downwards; or if your nipples sit below the inframammary folds (breast creases). If the look of your breasts is causing you self-consciousness, breast lift surgery may be able to restore satisfaction with your appearance.

The best way to find out for sure if a breast lift can help to cosmetically contour your figure is to schedule a private consultation with your plastic surgeon. Your surgery can be customized, but there is no substitute for meeting with a medical authority in person. Clients considering a breast lift will need to be non-smokers of sound mind and body who are not currently experiencing any health problems.

What are some other facts I should be aware of before my surgery?

• You will need to abstain from exercise for several weeks after treatment – While you will be able to get up and walk right away after surgery, you will need to avoid working out, running, biking and other strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks. Heavy lifting (including picking up children) is not advisable if you want your chest to heal properly.
• You will need to avoid sex for 2 weeks – Breast lift surgery can help you to look and feel your best, but it comes with some drawbacks. You will need to refrain from intercourse for a few weeks as your body recovers.
• You will have to sleep on your back – After breast surgery, you will need to lie flat on your back at night with your head slightly elevated. Sleeping on your side or your stomach can compromise your breast lift results by putting too much pressure on the chest.
• You will need to wear a compression garment after surgery – A compression garment helps to minimize your swelling and keep your new breast shape from shifting. You may also need a postoperative bra that delivers adequate support as your breasts heal. This bra will be temporary because after the swelling dies down, your breasts will return to their usual size (unless you’ve undergone breast augmentation).
• You will have scars – All surgeries leave scars and mastopexy is no exception. However, your plastic surgeon will make sure your incisions are placed in areas where they are the least conspicuous. The scars will appear red and bumpy at first, but they will soon fade over time and can be further minimized through the use of medical-grade skin care products.

What is the takeaway?

If you are interested in a breast lift, the next step is to undergo a detailed consultation. During this initial session, you can ask questions and gather information about the benefits, risks, recovery requirements, and final results of this strategic body contouring procedure. Understanding what you can expect before, during and after your breast lift can help you to feel more confident and empowered. A breast lift can be transformative, revitalizing your cleavage, restoring your self-esteem and broadening your wardrobe options. Call Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery today to explore your options.