A breast lift, also referred to as mastopexy, is a treatment that reshapes existing tissue so that the breasts are firmer and shapelier. If sagging is a problem, this treatment can also lift the breasts higher on the chest.
How Does a Breast Lift Compare to Breast Implants?
Implants and lifts work in different ways. Implants are performed when a patient’s primary goal is to increase the cup size. Lifts are performed when the patient wants to improve the shape and position of the breasts without necessarily increasing size. In some cases, lifted breasts may appear larger simply because of the improvement in shape and position.
Patients sometimes opt to combine the two treatments, which gives them both larger and better-positioned breasts. During your consultation, we’ll advise you on the best treatment plan for your desired outcome.
How Long Will My Results Last?
One of the great things about a lift is that it permanently reshapes the breast tissue. A lift won’t ward off the aging process, and your results will continue to evolve, but the improvement will last for years.
How It Works
Mastopexy is performed under anesthesia on an outpatient basis. During a lift, we make incisions to enable us to remove excess skin and reposition your existing tissue. Incisions are often made around the nipple and straight down the lower half of the breast. An incision is also sometimes made along the fold beneath the bosom.
If the breast nipples have stretched or shifted position, we can restore them to a more natural shape and position while performing mastopexy.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
For many patients, a lift takes several hours to complete. The exact time will depend on the extent of reshaping and repositioning involved.
What is the Recovery Time?
Recovery time from a breast lift is typically several weeks. Plan to spend the first one to three days recovering at home before returning to your regular schedule. Rigorous exercise should be avoided for a week or more, or the extent of time your provider recommends.
Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Breast lift candidates are generally in good overall health and have fully developed breasts, with concerns about the size, shape or look of their bosom. In some cases, a breast lift is performed as a way of reconstructing the chest area after a mastectomy.
Ideally, patients who undergo a lift can maintain a consistent weight after treatment. And although a lift will not interfere with your ability to breastfeed, it may be wise to postpone this treatment if you’re considering becoming pregnant soon. This is because the weight gain associated with pregnancy could alter the results you’ve achieved with a lift.
Reasons to Consider a Breast Lift?
To Cut Down on Chaffing
Because a breast lift eliminates extra skin in the chest area, it can cut down on the chafing and irritation patients sometimes experience along the bra line, under bathing suit tops, and with other snug-fitting clothing. You also may find that your bras fit better and more comfortably!
To Make Exercise More Comfortable
If your breasts are drooping or sitting too low on your chest, it may be uncomfortable to exercise even if you’re wearing supportive foundation garments. By restoring the natural position of your breasts and eliminating sagging, a lift can make it much more comfortable to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, whether that involves running, aerobics classes, or yoga.
How to Know if it’s Time for a Breast Lift?
The decision to undergo a breast lift (mastopexy) has a lot to do with how you’re feeling about your body. Some patients notice a small amount of sagging in the bosom but aren’t bothered by it at all. For other patients, any degree of droopiness is a major concern.
In addition to the level of personal discomfort you have with your breasts, there are also some physical signs that it may be time to explore a lift. If your nipples sit below the fold under your bosom, that could be a sign that the sagging is enough to consider treatment. And if a pencil placed beneath the bosom remains in place by itself, that is another sign that the time may be right to think about mastopexy.
It’s normal for breasts to become softer and begin to sit lower on the chest as we age. This happens as a result of genetics and the natural aging process. Significant changes in weight and multiple pregnancies can also influence breast firmness and perkiness in the bosom.
While it’s impossible to completely avoid long-term changes in the shape and firmness of the breasts, adhering to a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, and staying at a consistent weight can all help preserve the shape of your bosom.
Every woman deserves to feel confident and proud about her body. When you look and feel your best, you can live a more satisfying life. That’s why at Female Plastic Surgery Associates of Tennessee in Franklin, TN, we perform life-changing cosmetic procedures, such as breast lift with implants, that provide natural and desirable results. Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure.