before your breast lift surgery
During your consultation, it is important that you fully understand the breast lift procedure and get all of your questions answered. Be prepared to discuss with your breast lift surgeon your expectations and desired outcome of the breast lift. The doctor should explain the details of the breast lift procedure and give you his or her opinion as to what would be best in terms of size and shape. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. We suggest you bring a pen and paper to the consultation to write down the answers to all of your questions.

During the consultation, the doctor will measure your breasts, take photographs, and show you before-and-after pictures of some of his or her past patients. Additionally, your doctor should discuss any risks that may be relevant to the procedure he or she may recommend. Make sure to bring details of your medical history including prescription and non-prescription drugs you may be taking, family history, and any other medical conditions that you may have. Your surgeon may require you to get a mammogram prior to the surgery depending upon your age, family history, and condition of your breasts.

Prior to the breast lift surgery, your physician should provide a list of guidelines for preparation for your surgery. The bottom line is that you should have as much information as needed to make an informed decision about your breast lift surgery. Make sure that you understand the costs, benefits, risks and alternatives to your breast lift procedure before you schedule your breast lift surgery.

your breast lift surgery
The surgery itself can take anywhere from an hour and a half to five hours to complete. The breast lift procedure can be performed in a surgeon’s accredited office facility, a surgery center or a hospital outpatient facility.

Breast lift techniques may vary based on the amount of sagging in the breast, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. The surgeon will relocate the nipple and areola to a higher position, reposition the breast tissue to a higher level, remove any remaining excess skin from the breast and reshape all remaining skin. Closing of the remaining skin will help to reshape and lift the breast to the higher position.

Another variation, called the concentric or doughnut mastopexy is often used for women who have smaller, less droopy breasts. Under this method, a circular incision is made around the areola and a donut shaped area of skin is removed. This type of procedure usually leaves less scarring but can not be used with more extensive sagging because the incision is not large enough to remove the necessary tissue to “lift” the breast.

Often, if a patient desires, breast augmentation accompanies the surgery to bring more shape back to the breasts. If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.

after your breast lift surgery
After the breast lift procedure has been completed, in most cases, you will be able to go home a couple of hours after the surgery and spend the night in the comfort of your own home. Under circumstances where a large amount of tissue has been removed, it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital. Your surgeon should discuss this with you prior to the surgery.

Your surgeon will also give you detailed instructions on care and timing to resume normal activities. In general, the healing process after breast lift surgery is a gradual process which depends on your individual progression after the surgery. If you have any discomfort or unusual sensations, feel free to call your doctor.

The breasts will typically be placed in a gauze dressing or placed in a surgical bra after surgery. Swelling and discoloration will occur around your incisions and subside gradually. You may also experience decreased sensation, which is usually temporary, in your nipples or breast skin. For the first few days, you may need to limit your physical activity to prevent stitches from opening and the scars from stretching.

As with any surgery, a breast lift does carry some uncertainty but is normally safe as long as it is performed by a Board-Certified plastic surgeon. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Make sure to discuss this with your physician. Remember, you can help to reduce any post-op complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions.

The information presented on this site is intended to be used for informational use only, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you are planning on having a procedure performed or if there is anything you don't understand about your procedure, please consult one of our physicians.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons click here or call (800) 505-3627.