FAQs About Breast Lift Procedures

Posted on: 15 April 2018

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A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure designed to improve the symmetry and shape of the chest. The goal of a breast lift is to provide a more youthful look, but for many women, the key is to find more confidence.

If you are considering a breast lift, read the answers to these common questions to see how you can best choose your surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

The best candidates for the breast lift procedure are women who experience unevenness or sagging of the breasts. You may notice that with age you experience a decrease in volume or even stretching of the areolas. Women commonly notice these changes after pregnancy.

Implants are often the first consideration for women in this shape, but the truth is that implants do not necessarily achieve the same results as a breast lift. The right candidate for a lift will have breasts they are happy with regarding size, but they want to see them lifted.

How Do Doctors Perform a Breast Lift?

The breast lift begins with IV sedation or general anesthesia. From this point, the doctor will create an incision, remove any excess skin, and possibly shift the nipple up higher on the breast. For patients who have requested it, the doctor may also reduce the size of the areola.

Finally, the surgeon closes the incision in the best way to keep the skin tight. In planning this procedure, the doctor also makes every attempt to hide potential scarring, often underneath the breast.

What Are the Side Effects and Consequences of a Breast Lift?

One thing to consider is the fact that the benefits of a breast lift could diminish over time, especially for patients who become pregnant in the future. Additionally, the procedure could leave some scarring depending on the type of incision the doctor uses.

Some patients also experience an adverse reaction to anesthesia, and others may experience an infection during the healing process.

How Can Patients Prepare for a Breast Lift?

One thing every patient should do before surgery is to ask questions about the results, necessary lifestyle changes, and health risks. You should also stop smoking and talk to your doctor about your current medications. Doctors also typically recommend that patients limit their alcohol intake in preparation for the surgery.

Most importantly, you should choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with. Doctors all have different levels of education, training, and certification. Select a doctor after thorough research about what they have to offer. For more information on breast augmentation procedures, contact your local cosmetic surgery center.