Are you a mother who dreams of having her youthful, lifted breasts back? Have you recently lost a lot of weight, only to be left with drooping, sagging breasts? Or maybe you are just seeing the effects of aging taking a toll on your bust. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to be unhappy with falling breasts anymore. Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, can help you to achieve a more lifted, youthful breast position. Read on to find out more about this breast rejuvenation procedure performed at Coastal Plastic Surgery Institute.
How Does Breast Lift Surgery Work?
The breast lift procedure* is used to correct breast ptosis, or sagging. The surgery involves removing extra breast skin and tissue and tightening the remaining breast skin while repositioning the nipple to a higher, natural-looking point on the breast mound.
*Prior to having breast lift surgery, talk to Dr. McAllister about the medications and vitamins you are taking. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued prior to any elective surgery. Also, if you are a smoker, it is recommended that you stop smoking well in advance of the surgery, as smoking can affect your body’s ability to heal.
Would You Benefit from Breast Lift Surgery?
Wondering if a breast lift is right for you? Here are some common problems that breast lift can address:
- Breast sagging caused by aging, genetics, pregnancy or weight loss
- Breasts that have lost volume, giving them a “scooped out” look
- Nipples that fall below the breast fold, underneath the breast
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Pendulous breasts
- Elongated or stretched out areolas
Which Breast Lift Incision is Right for You?
Depending on the amount of breast sagging present, Dr. McAllister will suggest using one of the following three incisions during surgery:
- The “donut-shaped” incision. For women who wish to reduce the size of their areola while lifting their breasts, this incision is ideal. This incision is made around the outer edge of the areola (the darkly colored skin around the nipple).
- The “lollipop” incision. For women with a mild amount of breast sag, this incision be the best option. The lollipop is actually a combination of two incisions — one made around the areola’s edge and one down the front of the breast, to the breast fold.
- The “anchor” incision. For women with moderate to significant breast sag, the anchor incision is likely the best option. This method uses a lollipop incision pattern with an additional incision that runs horizontally across the breast fold.
What Procedures Can Be Combined with Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery can be combined with breast augmentation surgery (for women who want to both lift and add volume to their breasts) and breast reduction surgery (for women who want their breasts both smaller and lifted). If you are unsure if breast lift surgery alone would give you the results you desire, or if a combination procedure is your best bet, talk to Dr. McAllister in a private consultation and ask for his recommendation. Breast augmentation in Panama City Beach is very popular, and the surgeons at our office perform the procedure regularly.
What Should You Expect from Breast Lift Recovery?
After surgery, Dr. McAllister will place you in compression bandages or a soft surgical bra to provide support and protection to the breasts as they heal. As you will not be able to drive, someone will need to drive you home and, preferably, stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, as you will need some assistance. You will likely experience some discomfort, which can be managed with the prescription pain medication provided, as well as some swelling and bruising on your chest area. To help alleviate the swelling, sleep with your upper body elevated for the first week after surgery. Avoid lifting anything over 10lbs for the first few days after surgery. It is also important to refrain from smoking for the duration of your recovery, as it will adversely affect your body’s ability to heal itself. Most of Dr. McAllister’s breast lift patients are able to return to work seven to 10 days after their surgery.
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?
If you would like to learn more about the breast lift procedure, or would like to schedule your private consultation with Dr. McAllister, contact Coastal Plastic Surgery Institute by calling (850) 233-7674.