Breast lift surgery can restore a more youthful breast position and shape, but many patients have questions about recovery, scarring, implants, future pregnancies, and combining procedures. Below, our plastic surgeons answer some of the most common questions we hear from breast lift patients.
Preparing for Surgery & Recovery
How much time passes between the initial consultation and surgery?
Once you have had your consultation with one of our surgeons, it is typically 2 to 4 weeks before surgery. However, this can vary significantly.
Will smoking affect my recovery?
Yes, smoking adversely affects wound healing. The small vessels that supply blood to the tissues shrink up and prevent the necessary nutrients for healing from getting to the wound. The incidence of having a wound complication, such as an open wound or skin death, is much higher in smokers. Furthermore, the rate of wound infection is also significantly increased in smokers for the same reason of limited blood flow. Because of this, a patient must stop smoking for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of these complications.
Combining a Breast Lift With Other Procedures
Can you perform a tummy tuck and breast lift at the same time?
Yes, many people have tummy tucks and breast lift procedures at the same time. This is commonly referred to as a mommy makeover. For appropriately screened candidates, combining these procedures means only one recovery and less overall cost.
Can breast implant removal be combined with a breast lift?
Breast implant removal or implant replacement can often be performed at the same time as a breast lift (mastopexy). Combining procedures allows your surgeon to address both breast position and implant-related concerns during a single surgery. Recovery is often easier than the initial augmentation, although every patient’s experience is different.
Breast Lift After Weight Loss
I have lost a massive amount of weight and would like to know what my surgical options are to remove the excess skin.
Congratulations on your weight loss. There are several well-established procedures designed to remove excess skin. A lower body lift, combined with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), will lift the buttocks and outer thighs while tightening the abdomen. An inner thigh lift will tighten the upper, inner thighs, while an arm lift can reduce the skin laxity on your upper arms. If your breasts are too relaxed, you may benefit from a breast lift (mastopexy) or a combination breast augmentation with lift. Finally, if lax, sagging facial skin is a problem, a facelift or mini-facelift combined with a brow lift will tighten your facial tissues without giving you a fake, operated appearance.
Breast Lift Techniques & Options
Do you perform asymmetry surgery?
Yes. Our plastic surgeons regularly perform breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction to correct asymmetry. You will need to have a physical exam to address your individual needs.
Do you perform the laser bra breast lift technique?
Dr. Vath offers the laser bra technique. He did his fellowship training with Dr. Grant Stevens in Marina Del Rey, CA.
Do you perform the LeJour or “lollipop” breast reduction/lift?
Yes, we perform the LeJour, short-scar, or “lollipop” breast lift and reduction. This is an excellent method in many women to achieve the best breast shape with the shortest scar.
Do implants fix the problem of pendulous breasts, or would I need a breast lift?
If your nipple is below the fold of your breast, you would need a mastopexy. Implants alone would not give you the desired result.
Is it possible to have a breast lift w/o implants if you are an A or small B cup?
A breast lift can be performed if you are an A or a small B cup. Breast lifts compact the breast and most women feel and look smaller after the surgery, so as long as size was not a concern a lift could be done.
Results & Long-Term Considerations
How long does it take implants to drop after a breast lift with augmentation?
Breast implants continue to settle into their final position for several months after surgery. While some changes are often noticeable within the first few months, it can take 6 to 9 months for implants to fully “drop and fluff.” Larger implants and breast lift procedures may sometimes extend this process. If you have concerns about how your implants are healing or settling, it is always best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.
Will breast lift surgery decrease sensitivity in my nipples and/or prohibit me from being able to breastfeed?
There is a small chance that a breast lift procedure could adversely affect nipple sensation or your ability to breastfeed. Most women have sensation and are able to breastfeed after the procedure, however.
How extensive is scarring from a breast lift?
The goal of breast lift or mastopexy surgery is to minimize scarring as much as possible while creating the best shape achievable. The necessary scarring differs depending upon the degree of sagging. Usually, a short or “lollipop” scar around the areola and down to the breast fold is employed to get the best breast shape. As you can see from our photos, the trade-off is a positive one. You can read about one of our patient’s experiences with postsurgical breast lift scarring in our related blog post.
What are the pros and cons of having implants after a breast lift?
A breast lift or mastopexy will lift the breast and nipple restoring a youthful, perky breast shape. Once healed after a mastopexy, it is unlikely that any further surgery will be necessary. Women after a breast lift generally feel that their breasts are smaller even though no breast tissue has been removed. Only skin is removed during a lift; however, because the breasts no longer “hang,” they look and feel smaller to the patient. Because many women desire increased size or fullness after sagging, they opt for an implant with the mastopexy. Implants, although medically safe, carry many risks, including deflation, that may necessitate further surgery. The decision is ultimately the patient’s, as long as she is well informed of the risks, complications, and goals associated with the different options.
Learn More About Your Breast Lift Options
Every patient’s anatomy, goals, and treatment plan are unique. Whether you’re considering a breast lift alone or in combination with another procedure, a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you understand your options and determine the approach that’s right for you. To learn more about breast lift surgery at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, contact us online or call (303) 278-2600 to schedule a consultation.
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