Overview of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift is a surgery in which the surgeons change the shape of the breasts by removing the breast tissue. This procedure is also known as mastopexy. The main objective of the surgical procedure is to boost the self-image and self-confidence of the person undergoing the procedure. It helps to restore firmer, perkier breasts.

Need For Breast Surgery

The primary reason to undergo breast lift is to reset the changes of breasts as women get older. Breasts change over time due to the following reasons-

• Pregnancy- During pregnancy, as breasts get fuller and heavier, the ligaments supporting the breasts stretch. This leads to sagging of the breasts and droopiness of the nipples.
• Fluctuations in weight- Due to sudden changes in weight, the breasts can lose their elasticity and cause the breast skin to stretch. Therefore, it can lead to droopiness of the breasts.
• Gravity- Due to the gravitational force, the breasts tend to bend downwards. Therefore, breasts that are large and heavy tend to droop and become saggy. Women with large breasts may consider a breast lift for the same.

Questions To Ask Before Breast Surgery

You should get the answers of the following questions prior to the breast lift-

• Do you have all the necessary certification from the board?
• Do you possess the necessary training required to perform breast lift surgery?
• Have you completed all the years of training required to perform the surgery?
• Are hospital privileges added within the quoted amount? To which hospitals are you partnered with?
• Am I an eligible candidate for breast lift surgery?
• Is the surgery performed at a nationally- or state- accreditated surgical center or hospital?
• Which is the suitable surgical technique recommended for me?
• How long does it take to fully recover after breast lift surgery?
• What are the possible risks and complications that can occur after the procedure?
• Does the surgical procedure affect breastfeeding adversely?
• Does the results of the breast lift change after pregnancy or breastfeeding?
• Can the results of the breast lift surgery be reversed?
• Can you show me the before and after photos of some other patients to whom you have given a breast lift?

Ideal Candidate for Breast Surgery

The ideal candidates for a breast lift include the following-

• An individual who neither smokes nor drinks
• An individual who maintains a stable weight and is physically healthy
• An individual who has elongated, pendulous or flatter breasts
• An individual whose nipples below the breast crease when left unsupported
• An individual who is bothered frequently that they have saggy breasts or have breasts that are misshapen and don’t have volume
• An individual who has stretched skin and enlarged areolas
• An individual whose one breasts is lower than the other
• An individual whose nipples and areolas are bent downwards

Preparation of Breast Surgery

Prior to the procedure, you need to prepare for the surgery. Take the following preparatory steps to ensure the results are as close to your expectations.

• Complete the mammogram as prescribed by the surgeon prior to the surgery. This helps the surgeons make proper diagnoses and recommend the appropriate treatment.
• As smoking decreases blood circulation in the skin, quit smoking before a week of the surgery.
• Ask someone to drive you home after the surgery as driving is a big non-no post-procedure. Arrange for someone to assist you in daily activities such as lifting heavy objects, etc.
• Try to make some positive dietary changes and indulge in exercising to ensure that you maintain a healthy weight.
• Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications for a couple of weeks. This restriction may continue even after one week of the procedure.
• Quit taking any blood-thinning medications too to reduce the risk of any heavy bleeding.

Risks of Breast Surgery

It is important to know the possible risks and complications that can occur after the breast lift. This helps to make an appropriate decision of whether undergoing the surgery is worth it or not. Surgeons ask patients to sign a consent form prior to the procedure that they are undergoing the procedure willingly.

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Formation of hematoma
• Permanent or temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Irregular breast contour and shape
• Infection near the wound site
• Delay in healing of incisions
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Accumulation of fluid
• Dying of fatty tissue deep in the skin
• Total loss of nipple or areola
• Possibility of another surgery

Recovery After Breast Surgery

Surgeons ask patients to follow the below-mentioned post-operative instructions-

• Wear a support bra or an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and supporting the breasts.
• Sleep on the back for an initial couple of weeks after the surgery to avoid any pressure.
• Take proper pain medications that help in reducing pain and swelling.
• Avoid any exercising other than walking for the first 2-6 weeks of the procedure.
• Properly bandage the incision with gauze to reduce any excess bleeding or fluid discharge.
• Do not strain, bend and lift any heavyweights.
• Restrict any sexual acitivity for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
• Avoid going to the sun to protect the incisions from sun exposure.