The breast lift involves removing excess skin and tissue from the chest area. The surgeon makes an incision around the areola and then cuts out the excess skin and fat. The nipple is repositioned to a higher location on the breast, which gives it a more youthful, perky appearance. The procedure can be done as part of a breast augmentation or alone.
Most patients have their stitches removed five days after the procedure, but some surgeons may recommend waiting up to two weeks before removal.
The results of a breast lift are visible immediately, though it may take several months for swelling to go down and for the scars to fade completely. Patients should expect their breasts to feel tight for about six weeks after surgery and should wear compression garments during this time frame.
How Invasive Is A Breast Lift
There are many reasons women consider breast lifts. After childbirth, breastfeeding, or weight loss, some women find that their breasts have lost shape and become saggy. For other women, aging is the cause of sagging. A breast lift can help restore healthy-looking breasts to give a woman a more youthful figure.
Do I need a breast lift?
A breast lift is not a cure for saggy breasts. If you have excess skin and fat but no drooping, a breast lift may be unnecessary.
If you are considering a breast lift, think about your reasons for wanting the procedure before choosing a surgeon and making an appointment. You might have any of these concerns:
- The appearance of your breasts has changed after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Your nipples point downward due to aging or genetics.
- Your breasts are uneven in size or shape because of asymmetric breasts or different volumes on both sides of the chest wall (asymmetry).
What happens during a breast lift?
Breast lifting is a cosmetic surgery that improves the shape and position of the breasts.
This procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, depending on what you prefer.
Breast lift is a short procedure that is performed under a local or general anaesthetic.
Are there different types of breast lift?
- Donut lift (also called a circumareolar or circumvertical mastopexy). In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision around the areola and then tightens the tissue and skin surrounding it by pulling up from underneath. The nipple may be repositioned higher on the breast for a more youthful look. This technique is generally recommended for women who have smaller breasts that have sagged deeply into their chest wall; it also works well when combined with other procedures such as augmentation or reduction surgery.
- Lollipop lift (also known as periareolar or vertical mastopexy). This type of procedure involves making an incision along the edge of your areola with no visible scarring underneath it; surgeons will pull up on this edge to tighten your skin and relocate your nipple higher on your chest wall, which gives you a perkier feeling overall while maintaining natural proportions between top and bottom halves of your breasts after surgery is complete–you won’t look like someone who’s undergone too much lifting at once! For best results from this type of surgery, make sure to choose a skilled surgeon who has experience performing various types of cosmetic surgeries so they know what works best for different situations based on factors like age range etcetera…
How long will it take to recover from a breast lift?
How long will it take to recover from a breast lift?
Recovery is much longer for breast reduction procedures, and it’s shorter for breast augmentation procedures.
What should I do before my operation?
Before having surgery, you must stop taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications one week before your operation. You should also discontinue caffeine, alcohol, smoking and chewing tobacco. You should not use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy in the four weeks before your operation. Also avoid taking vitamins and supplements containing vitamin E or iron in the four weeks before surgery.
How invasive is a breast lift?
The breast lift is a minor procedure and can be performed in an outpatient setting. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which means that you will not be asleep. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be used to provide more relaxation and comfort during the procedure.
The procedure itself only takes about 30 minutes to one hour and requires two small incisions: one beneath each nipple that is no larger than 1/8 inch in length, allowing for minimal scarring.
If you’re considering a breast lift, it’s important to understand that a breast lift is an option for women who want to improve the appearance and feel of their breasts. A breast lift can be performed on women with sagging breasts or asymmetrical breasts and in some cases, both conditions. Breast lifts can help restore volume and perkiness to saggy breasts while also correcting their shape and position.
What To Expect After A Breast Lift
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that treats sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue. The end result is less sagginess, along with more shapely and contoured breasts.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it’s estimated that surgical breast lifts have gone up 70 percent since 2000. This procedure now surpasses other surgical breast treatments such as implants.
Despite their increased popularity, even more patients are opting for nonsurgical breast lifts.
In a nonsurgical breast lift, no cuts or incisions are involved. You also don’t have to be put under general anesthesia.
Nonsurgical procedures are arguably safer because they don’t pose the risks that a mastopexy might such as:
- infection
- bleeding
- scarring
Nonsurgical breast lifts won’t provide the same dramatic results as a traditional mastopexy might. However, they’re still worth considering if you’re looking for a way to perk up your breasts with less risk and expense.
Here are 11 nonsurgical breast lift options that you can discuss with a dermatologic or cosmetic surgeon to see if they might be right for you.
1. Aptos threading
The Aptos threading procedure is designed to physically move the skin around your breasts in an upward motion.
Aptly nicknamed the “breast feather lift,” this treatment uses small, barbed Aptos threads.
A cosmetic surgeon inserts the threads beneath your skin via a hypodermic needle. The threads are then secured together and pulled upward toward your collarbone.
Despite the use of implanted threads, the Aptos procedure is still a noninvasive breast lift, with results lasting up to 2 years.
Best of all, it doesn’t cause scars like traditional incisions, and the threads dissolve in 1 to 2 years.
Average cost
The average cost of an Aptos thread lift is $2,250 according to a RealSelf survey.
2. Caci bust treatment
First created as a form of muscle injury treatment, the Caci bust treatment targets your chest muscles. Using a handheld device, a surgeon focuses electric pulses on the muscles surrounding your breasts.
The end results are more toned chest muscles that help create a lifting and smoothing effect for your breasts.
Like any other form of muscle strengthening, your results are dependent on time and frequency. A surgeon will likely recommend sessions a few times a week for up to several weeks to see full results.
Average cost
A package of Caci treatments can cost up to $2,000.
3. Laser treatments
Laser therapy uses high-power energy beams to remove dead skin cells while also increasing collagen production. For this reason, laser treatments are commonly used for advanced wrinkle therapy, age spots, and scars.
Increased collagen production can slightly increase skin elasticity in your chest area, but any “lifting” results would be temporary and minor at best. And repeated treatments are necessary to see any visible results.
Part of the problem is that the ligaments in your breast tissue aren’t made in the same way as those in your face, so you may not get the same tightening results in your breasts that you would in facial skin.
Laser treatments carry the risk of:
- scarring
- bleeding
- pain
Skin color changes are also possible.
Average cost
The average laser treatment can range between $1,144 and $2,071.
How Painful Is Breast Lift Recovery
Most women worry about breast lift recovery time after cosmetic surgery. If you are considering breast lift surgery, chances are that you have some questions.
Knowing how long it takes to get back on your feet is important, as you will need to make arrangements accordingly.
First Two Days of The Breast Lift Recovery Time
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor the first or second day after the breast lift procedure.
The doctor checks how your breasts are healing. Things like colour of the surrounding skin and if your nipples are getting blood are routinely checked. Bruising is normal, but your doctor ensures that there isn’t any sign of infection or other problems. This also gives you a chance to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
If you had any drainage tubing attached, these will be removed at this appointment.
Three to Five Days After Surgery
You will be uncomfortable for a few days after the surgery. This is normal, since your body saw some major changes. You will need support around your breasts during this time. Your doctor may recommend a bra or provide you with a surgical one.
There are some things to consider when looking for an after-surgery bra:
• Front closure, zipper or hooks in front instead of behind
• Supportive, sport bras work well
• Larger than normal to fit surgical dressings
• Avoid molded cups
• Avoid under-wires
Buy a few different bra sizes ahead of time. The size and shape of your breasts will change, and you may find that your bra size is different.
How Painful Is Breast Lift Recovery?
2-3 days following their breast lift surgery, most patients report mild to moderate pain. The pain should ease off after that and your plastic surgeon can prescribe pain medication to relieve your discomfort.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe pain medications for your recovery. These will help with the pain and help you relax. If you have any questions or concerns about your pain management, talk to your doctor. Most surgeons prescribe pain medication for the first week of recovery.
Two to Three Weeks After Breast Lift Surgery
Your doctor will remove your stitches within the first two to three weeks of your breast lift surgery recovery. This can be uncomfortable. You may feel a slight pulling sensation. However, most people don’t have a problem with it.
You will notice the shape and size of your breasts starting to improve in about two weeks. This will continue as time passes. The swelling will go down, your incisions will continue to heal, and your coloring will go back to normal.
Your doctor will check on the symmetry of your breasts. If there is a slight asymmetry between them, a minor procedure corrects the problem. The nipple may need repositioning. You may need other adjustments, but these can wait until you’re fully recovered.
When to Resume Normal Activities?
Most doctors will tell you to plan on at least a week of recovery time, sometimes it can take up to three. Depending on the nature of your job, you might be able to return to work after a week. Social outings and other light activities can also be resumed after a week or so. Avoid strenuous activity such as exercise or any lifting for four weeks.
One Month After Surgery
By now your incisions are fully healed. The scarring is minimal, and a good surgeon will make the incisions on the underside of the breasts, where they are not noticeable. You can wear low cut tops without fear of someone seeing your scars. You may need to continue to wear the supportive bras for a few months after the procedure.