Breast Lift
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations are just some examples. It is also normal to experience some amount of sagging with age as the ligaments that support breast tissue start to weaken.
If you are concerned about droopy or deflated-appearing breasts, a breast lift can help restore your bustline to its youthful appearance. At the Omni Plastic Surgery Seattle, we offer different breast lift techniques using cutting-edge methods to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. We also regularly combine breast lifts with other procedures for women with multiple cosmetic concerns.
What is Breast Lift?
Breast ptosis, which is the medical term for drooping breasts, usually happens after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss. Breasts also have a tendency to droop with age. A breast lift can help reposition and reshape the breasts to achieve a more youthful look in women who are dissatisfied with their breasts.
A breast lift procedure is a major surgery that requires careful planning and preparation. It is performed under general anesthesia and can be an inpatient or outpatient procedure, which depends on the extent of the surgery. The surgery involves first marking outlines and then making incisions around the areola and on the lower part of the breast. Excess skin and tissue are removed, while the areola and remaining tissue are repositioned.
A typical breast lift takes one to two hours to complete, while recovery usually takes up to two weeks. Patients who receive a Breast Augmentation in conjunction with this procedure may require a bit longer to recover fully.
Understand the Anatomy Involved
A breast lift procedure is usually done to improve the appearance of droopy breasts. Women often consider getting a breast lift after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss. These milestones can and often do change the appearance and position of the breasts, affecting a woman’s confidence levels and well-being.
Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts after childbirth or weight loss? You may want to consider a mastopexy if you:
- Want to change the shape and position of your breasts
- Don’t mind going one size down
- Want natural-looking breasts
It is not unusual for a patient’s breasts to be a size smaller after a breast lift procedure since it involves removing breast tissue. If you already have sufficient breast tissue but just need a little bit of “lift,” this procedure may be ideal.
An important thing to know is that, while breasts may appear flat before this procedure, repositioning the tissue can create the appearance of improved volume without the use of implants. We recommend implants only to patients who would also like to go a size or more up.
Book Your Consultation
We will review your medical history to better understand your overall health. Our doctor will discuss your goals and help you understand what options may be available and what to expect from treatment.
Breast Lift Procedure
A mastopexy is a major surgery performed under general anesthesia. Most patients do not require an overnight hospital stay; however, this depends on the extent of the procedure and patient health.
The surgery starts with Dr. Lee Pu marking your breasts to determine where the new position of the nipple and areola needs to be. You are then put under general anesthesia, which means you will be in a sleep-like state during the entire procedure.
Dr. Lee Pu makes the incisions as discreetly as possible using advanced surgical techniques. Once the incisions are made, Dr. Lee Pu will trim away excess tissue, including excess areola skin, and then close the incisions with sutures.
The procedure is complete within an hour or two, depending on the complexity of the technique and how much tissue is removed.
If you are having a breast lift paired with breast augmentation, the combined procedure is usually done in four steps. First, the surgeon makes the implant pocket, usually under the pectoral muscle. They then insert the implant and seal the pocket. After marking the breast for mastopexy, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue. Lastly, they reposition the nipple and perform any necessary refinements.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
Breast sagging can range from barely noticeable to severe. Depending on the severity of your breast ptosis, surgeons may employ different techniques. They may also use different techniques to meet different patient needs.
Circumareolar
Also known as the “donut” lift, this technique is best for patients with mild to moderate sagging. The surgeon makes one circular incision around the areola to remove excess skin and tissue. The incision is then closed with a purse-string suture. Benefits of this technique include less visible scarring and shorter surgery time. The Benelli technique is an example of an advanced circumareolar breast lift.
Crescent
The crescent technique is also known as a partial mastopexy because only a small amount of tissue is removed, and the focus is more on repositioning the areola. During a crescent lift, the surgeon makes a crescent shape incision above the areola. This technique is ideal for women with only mild to moderate sagging.
Vertical
Also called a “lollipop” lift due to the shape of its incision, this technique can provide significant lift to patients with moderate to severe sagging. Two incisions are made: one around the nipple and one vertical incision from the nipple to the bottom of the breast. The technique allows surgeons more control over shaping the breast for overall good results.
Anchor
For excessive and prominent breast sagging, the anchor technique can provide significant lift and reshaping of the breast. The surgeon makes three incisions when performing this technique: one around the areola, a vertical one that runs down the breast and a horizontal one in the crease under the breast. The downside with this technique is that you may be left with more visible scarring.
What Can I Expect From a Breast Lift
To prepare for a breast lift, we may ask you to get a medical evaluation and lab tests to see if you are healthy enough for surgery. You may also need to take or stop taking certain medications to minimize complications during and after surgery. Most patients are required to stop taking blood-thinning drugs and supplements, to stop smoking and to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery.
Patients are marked in a standing position and then given IV sedation and inhaled gasses for general anesthesia. The incisions are made, excess tissue removed and the areola and nipple repositioned higher up on the breast. Dr. Lee Pu makes sure that the breasts and areolas are as symmetrical as possible. The incisions are closed with sutures deep inside the breast tissue to give support and minimize scarring. Dr. Lee Pu will close the incisions and apply dressings to protect them.
At Omni Plastic Surgery Seattle, we provide a combination of different breast surgical procedures. One such combination is mastopexy with breast augmentation.
This multi-step procedure is usually done on patients who want to restore their previous breast appearance after significant weight loss or pregnancy. While a breast lift alone can improve lift and some fullness in many patients, augmentation is the best way to enhance breast volume. Combined surgeries like these can help you meet your goals, although they may come with a larger investment and a greater risk of complications.
If you choose to have implants along with a breast lift, we may offer you several choices of implant types and sizes. Patients can choose between different styles depending on their goals and preferences.
Result & Recovery
You will see results immediately after surgery, but it may take a couple of months before your breasts settle into their final position. Most patients can expect some amount of scarring around the areola and the lower part of the breasts, but this fades with time. You will have natural-looking plastic surgery results, with your breasts now positioned higher and feeling firmer. If you also had implants, you will have more fullness, especially in the upper part of the breast.
Like all surgical procedures, a breast lift can come with side effects and complications. Allergic reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, bruising, changes in nipple sensation, poor wound healing and infections are some of the complications with this procedure. However, a skilled surgeon will keep these problems to a minimum and ensure you are familiar with the risks associated with breast lift surgery.
You will wake up from anesthesia in about an hour, and our nurses will monitor your vitals during this time. You may need to have a small tube placed under your breast skin to help drain blood and fluids after your procedure. Most patients can go home on the day of their procedure.
We encourage patients to wear special bandages or supportive bras during their recovery, to take the prescribed medications and to take care of their incisions. Most patients recover from a breast lift with one to two weeks off work and activity restrictions for four to six weeks.
Book Your Consultation
We will evaluate your medical history to determine your overall health. Your doctor will discuss how your face can look and what you can expect from surgery.
FAQ’S
If you are having a breast lift with breast augmentation, you may be concerned about breast implant illness (BII). BII is a condition with a wide range symptoms some women develop after having breast implants. These symptoms are fairly non-specific and include:
- Headache
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Trouble focusing
- Poor memory
- Joint and muscle pain
- Dry eyes and mouth
The above symptoms of BII can occur immediately after surgery or several years later. In many women, the problem seems to resolve after implant removal. Dr. Lee Pu uses a breast implant removal method called en bloc capsulectomy, which removes the scar tissue capsule and the breast implant all at once.
BII is not very well understood and isn’t yet recognized as an official medical diagnosis. Health authorities have only recently begun to look into this condition more seriously, while the FDA has recommended in 2019 that breast implant manufacturers to include information about possible BII risk in a boxed warning and in patient information booklets.
The mystery surrounding BII is because researchers do not understand it well enough to draw definitive conclusions. Little is known about its prevalence, causes and course. The prevailing theory is that BII is due to an immune reaction to the implants, resulting in a systemic reaction. Another theory is that women with BII actually have an underlying autoimmune or connective tissue disorder.
We want to make sure you are well-informed about any possible risks of having breast augmentation with your breast lift, including BII. If you want to learn more about BII or talk to us about any concerning symptoms you may be experiencing, call our offices today to schedule an appointment.
Yes, combining a breast lift (mastopexy) with breast augmentation is a common procedure aimed at addressing both sagging breasts and enhancing volume. This dual approach allows us to lift and reshape the breasts while simultaneously increasing size and improving projection with implants. This combination surgery can provide comprehensive results, enhancing both breast shape and fullness in one procedure. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our team to discuss your goals, candidacy, and the details of this combined surgery.
While a breast lift can significantly improve the shape and position of the breasts, it’s important for patients to understand that the aging process, fluctuations in weight, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to changes in breast appearance over time. While we strive to achieve long-lasting results, it is possible for breasts to sag again due to natural aging and other factors eventually. To optimize the longevity of your breast lift results, maintaining a stable weight, wearing supportive bras, and considering periodic follow-up visits or additional procedures as needed can help preserve the aesthetic improvements achieved through surgery.
The healing timeline for incisions following a breast lift procedure can vary among patients. Typically, initial healing of the incisions occurs within 1 to 2 weeks, during which time bruising and swelling diminish. However, complete healing and maturation of the scars may take several months. Patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions diligently, which include avoiding strenuous activities and ensuring proper wound care to support optimal healing. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and address any concerns, providing the best possible outcome and minimizing the long-term visibility of scars.
After undergoing a breast lift procedure, it’s important to adopt sleeping positions that support optimal healing and comfort. Dr. Lee Pu recommends:
- Elevating your upper body slightly with the help of pillows to reduce swelling and discomfort during the initial recovery phase.
- Avoiding sleeping on your stomach is crucial to minimize pressure on your breasts; instead, opt for sleeping on your back or side.
- Using supportive pillows strategically placed under your arms or beside your body can further aid in maintaining a comfortable position throughout the night.
Following these guidelines, along with any specific instructions provided by Dr. Lee Pu, will promote a smoother recovery and enhance your overall healing process.
After a breast lift (mastopexy), it’s entirely possible to conceive and carry a pregnancy. The procedure itself generally doesn’t affect fertility or the ability to become pregnant. However, if you’re planning to get pregnant soon after the procedure, it’s advisable to discuss this with our team. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to changes in breast size and shape, which might potentially impact the results of your breast lift. These natural changes may necessitate further cosmetic procedures in the future. Our team is here to provide personalized guidance on how pregnancy might interact with your surgical outcomes and any precautions you should consider for optimal results.
The pain and recovery after a breast lift surgery are typically manageable and not as intense as some may expect. Most patients feel back to normal within a week and are able to resume light activities and errands in 3 to 5 days.
While scarring is inevitable with any surgery, there are ways to minimize their appearance. Mederma and silicone strips (such as Scaraway) are effective in reducing the visibility of scars when used consistently.
Dr. Lee Pu and his team use general anesthesia for breast lift procedures to ensure patient comfort and safety.
Results will vary depending on the procedure and individual, but most patients see optimal results within a few months. However, it is important to keep in mind that scars will continue to fade and improve over time with proper care.
Dr. Lee Pu is renowned for his bedside manner and for making patients feel comfortable and confident. He takes the time to address concerns and explain procedures, ensuring patients are well-informed and at ease. His expertise and excellent surgical skills, combined with a caring and friendly approach, set him apart and make him a top choice for plastic surgery in Seattle.