Have you ever looked at your boobs and thought, “What happened to my breasts?”
The answer is likely that they’ve sagged. And if you’re wondering what you can do about it, we have good news: breast lift surgery is an option!
Breast lift surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world —and for good reason. It’s a cosmetic procedure that can help women restore their youthful shape and appearance—but there are some things you should know before getting this done.
What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure that reshapes and lifts the breasts. The procedure can either be performed alone or in conjunction with breast implants.
During the procedure, your surgeon will:
- Enhance your overall symmetry
- Remove excess skin and tissue
- Correct any sagging or drooping skin so that it is smooth and aligned with the rest of your body
- Reposition the nipple to a higher position on the breast
- Reduce the size of the areola
- Lift and reshape your breasts
Why Do People Get Breast Lift Surgery?
People get breast lift surgery for a variety of reasons, but the main one is that they’re unhappy with how their breasts look.
Breasts can change over time due to:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuations
- Aging
- Gravity
- Heredity
Here are some reasons why you may need a breast lift surgery:
- To improve their self-confidence
- To look better in clothes and swimsuits
- To feel more comfortable in their bodies
- To make their breasts appear more youthful or perky
What Are the Steps of a Breast Lift Procedure?
Here’s what you need to know about the steps of a breast lift procedure:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Breast lift surgery requires general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep throughout the entire procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about anesthesia, talk with your doctor about what options are available for you.
Step 2 – The Incision
There are several different ways to make an incision, depending on the size and shape of your breasts:
- Periareolar incision: An incision is made around the edge of the areola. This type of lift is typically performed for smaller or less-noticeable saggy breasts.
- Lollipop incision: The incision involves cuts made around the areola that extend vertically down the lower pole of the breast. This type of lift is typically performed for women who have slightly sagging breasts.
- Anchor/inverted-T: An anchor or inverted T-shaped cut follows the lollipop incision but also includes a horizontal incision made across the inframammary fold. This type of lift is usually performed for women who have larger or more noticeable sagging breasts.
Step 3 – Reshaping Your Breasts
After your doctor makes the incisions, he or she will reshape your breasts to give them a more youthful appearance. This involves removing excess skin from your breasts. The remaining tissue is then lifted and repositioned so it sits higher on the chest.
Step 4 – Closing the Incisions
Finally, most doctors use sutures or surgical staples to close incisions made during surgery before bandaging them up for healing purposes.
What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?
There are many reasons to consider a breast lift. They include:
- A more youthful, perky shape to your breasts
- An improved appearance of the upper part of your body
- Increased self-confidence and improved self-image
- Improved posture
- Improved comfort in bras and bathing suits
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Before My Breast Lift Surgery?
It is important to schedule your consultation with a surgeon who specializes in this procedure. Make sure that you schedule at least two weeks before your surgery so you can prepare physically and mentally for the operation.
What Happens During Recovery?
You will need someone to drive you home after surgery because painkillers will make it difficult for you to drive safely. You should avoid strenuous activity for six weeks after surgery—this includes heavy lifting and exercise—and avoid wearing bras that are too tight for that period as well
What Are the Reasons for a Breast Lift?
The most common reasons for a breast lift are pregnancy, weight loss, and aging. However, other factors may contribute to sagging breasts such as genetics, breastfeeding, excessive exercise, or weight gain.
What Are the Risks of Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery is a safe, effective procedure. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure.
The most common risks include:
- Scarring and infection
- Numbness or other changes in sensation on the front of the chest
- Bleeding and blood clots in the breast area
- Damage to surrounding structures such as nerves or blood vessels
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Can I Still Breastfeed After the Surgery?
In some cases. This depends on whether or not the milk ducts are damaged by the breast lift incisions. In some cases, incisions around the areola can damage the ducts, making breastfeeding challenging; however, some women have no issue with this following their procedure. If you are choosing breast lift surgery before pregnancy, let your plastic surgeon know of your concerns.