Is It Time For Breast Lift Surgery?7 min read
Dr. Phillip Chang
Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lifts have risen in popularity since 2000, becoming twice as popular as breast augmentation. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is an outpatient procedure that involves repositioning the nipple and removing excess skin. Although it does not change breast size, the procedure results in a more youthful, uplifted breast contour and reduces the negative effects of time.
If you’re familiar with the problem of breasts that reside closer to your belly button and farther from your chin, read on for details on this procedure, results, and whether it might be right for you.
What Does a Breast Lift Procedure Involve?
Mastopexy is a highly personalized procedure. Prior to surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your medical history, current health status, goals for the procedure, and any questions or concerns you may have. The surgeon will examine your breasts, outline your options, recommend treatment, and discuss probable outcomes and results.
As far as cosmetic procedures go, breast lifts are often short and sweet; the surgery will take place in a hospital or outpatient setting. While you get your beauty rest under anesthesia or IV sedation, the surgeon will perform one of three common incision patterns to lift the nipple and reshape the breast tissue. Any excess skin will be removed, and the nipple and areola will be repositioned to a natural, youthful height. The surgeon will close the incision in the best way for your body – don’t worry, the lines fade with time!
After the procedure, your newly perky breasts will be bandaged, a compression bra may be fitted, and you will be sent home with care instructions and pain medicine. You will follow up with your surgeon within a few days, but the results will be immediate!
Is a Breast Lift Right For Me?
That depends. One way to tell if your breasts might benefit from a lift is to perform the pencil test: simply put a pencil under your breast, and if it stays put, well, join the club. You might be a good candidate! Common complaints from women who pursue mastopexy are breasts that are flatter or elongated, nipples and areolas that point downward or are enlarged, misshapen or uneven breasts, and loose skin.
Mastopexy can be performed on any fully developed breasts. You can get a breast lift before or after pregnancy, and you will still be able to breastfeed once you have had the procedure.
Other factors to consider are your current health and any risk factors that might make you more likely to have complications from the surgery. These include bleeding or anesthesia risks and breast irregularities, but the entire assessment of risk factors will be laid out by your surgeon prior to surgery.
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when deciding on this surgery is to assess whether it feels like the right move for you and for your body. If having perkier, more youthful breasts will make you feel like the confident, capable, beautiful woman that you are, then there’s your answer.
A BREAST LIFT is often combined with a breast augmentation (implants). This is popular with women who have lost fullness as well as sagging.
Other Breast Lift Questions Answered
What Does a Breast Lift Cost?
Let’s talk cost. Mastopexy is often not covered by insurance since it is a cosmetic procedure, but lots of surgeons offer payment plans. According to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for a breast lift is just under $5,000, not including anesthesia or other clinic-specific expenses. Your surgeon will be able to help you understand all associated costs before the procedure takes place.
Are Breast Lifts Safe?
Are complications likely? Not very. The three main complications from breast lift procedures are bleeding, infection, and scarring – your surgeon will prepare you to manage these problems, should they arise, but complications from these surgeries are relatively rare. It’s important that you follow all care instructions and follow up with your surgeon as recommended!
How Long Do Breast Lifts Last?
Will it last forever? Maybe! But, if not, “touch-up” procedures are available. A healthy lifestyle and weight maintenance will help your results last as long as possible.
Are perkier breasts for you?
For those wondering whether a breast lift might be the best cosmetic solution for you, we invite you to simply come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to explore whether you would make a good candidate. To find out more whether Aesthetica can help you, contact us online or at 703-729-5553 to arrange an appointment. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.
Let Us Help You!
Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we offer.
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