Breast Lift

For many women, the appearance of their breasts has undergone unexpected changes due to aging, pregnancy and weight changes. Sagging of the breasts, also referred to as breast ptosis can have a major impact on a person’s self-confidence. If you’ve experienced issues with significant drooping of the breasts, loss of shape, or a change in the direction of the nipples, a breast lift is the procedure for you.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift surgery, also known as a mastopexy, is a common procedure that elevates sagging or drooping breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissues to reshape the breast contours. In recent years, the breast lift has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, growing in popularity by 700% over the last decade, an increase that has outpaced even breast augmentation. The dramatic jump in demand for this procedure is because it can provide excellent, consistent, long-lasting improvements to the bust. A mastopexy can restore the natural lift and perkiness of the breasts. [pg-promo slug=”breast-lift”]

Ideal Candidates

Good candidates for a breast lift are women who want to raise the breasts to a more natural, youthful position. These women should be in good health overall and have no underlying conditions that can pose a risk to a steady recovery and positive results. In general, breast lift candidates are women who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy and have been left with drooping breasts. For this breast lift procedure, you should be at or near your ideal weight, as weight fluctuations can negatively impact the results of your procedure. Majority of our breast lift patients choose a breast lift due to two common factors, breast ptosis and skin laxity.

Breast Ptosis

The term used earlier, “breast ptosis,” is a big topic when it comes understanding the way the breasts’ appearance change. Each individual will experience this issue to different degrees and may face a number of various factors. Breasts can begin to sag for a variety of reasons, including:

• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuations
• Gravity
• Heredity

Breast ptosis describes the sagging of the breasts often that comes as a natural part of aging. The amount of droop and the rate that drooping occurs is affected significantly by factors such as: whether or not a person smokes, the number of pregnancies one has experienced, a larger bust size, an overall high body mass index, major weight shifts, the effect of gravity, and aging. There are also a number of extremely common myths about how breasts lose elasticity. One of the most widespread is the idea that breastfeeding leads to droopy breasts. Another is the idea that wearing a bra prevents sagging, which has never been supported by research. More than anything, the force of gravity and time are the main culprits. Ptosis can be measured on a scale that ranges across four grades: mild, moderate, advanced and pseudoptosis. The grading system takes into account the changes in the position of the nipple areolar complex, known as ‘NAC,’ in relation to the inframammary fold. The nipple areolar complex includes the nipple, areola and the surrounding tissues, blood supply and nerves. The inframammary fold, or IMF, is the crease or line where the natural boundary of the breast meets the chest wall. Mild Ptosis – this describes the lowest grade of ptosis where there are signs of drooping, the nipples are level with the inframammary fold, but still hold most of their shape above the lower half of the breast mound. Moderate Ptosis – begins when the nipple is located below the inframammary fold, but still mostly holds its form above the lower half of the breast mound. Advanced Ptosis – describes a nipple that has sunk below the inframammary fold and is positioned at the peak of the breast tip. Pseudoptosis – is when the nipple is still level with the inframammary fold, but the lower half of the breast droops significantly. This tends to happen often after pregnancy when women stop nursing, and their milk glands shrink. Parenchymal Maldistribution – is a somewhat different category that describes the appearance of a breast mound where the lower half of the breast mound is deflated, and the inframammary fold is high relative to the nipple areola complex. Typically, this is a deformity of breast development.

Skin Laxity

A key part of the conversation about breast sagging and shape has to do with your skin’s laxity. Laxity is a measure of your skin’s elasticity or “pull” capabilities. When you grab a bit of your skin, pull, and release, does it still returns to its natural state? That is your skin’s elasticity at work. When this quality of your skin degrades, which happens over time, due to genetics or other factors such as smoking and stress, breast ptosis develops.

Consultation

Those seeking rejuvenation of the appearance of their breasts in the Fayetteville and North Carolina areas can schedule a consultation with Dr. Saini and be well on their way to achieving their aesthetic goals. Look the way you want in a way that reflects the real you on the inside! During the consultation, you will meet with Dr. Saira H. Saini to discuss your body goals, and she will then make an accurate assessment of your body and come up with a plan that best suits your needs. Coming up with a plan that fits your goals and your body is the best way to ensure that you have the best experience and achieve long-lasting, satisfying results. Your overall health will be considered and checked, and specific measurements of your breasts will be made. You’ll also be guided, step by step, on what to expect during your experience and how to prepare for your recovery. This will also be the time to discuss your medical history, previous cosmetic procedures you’ve had or medical conditions. Once your procedure has been scheduled, Dr. Saini will provide you with a list of preparatory instructions that you will be asked to follow. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to quit at least a few weeks before the procedure, and if you are taking any anti-inflammatory medications, you will be advised to stop those as well. You should arrange a ride home following your procedure as you will be unable to drive yourself.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Due to the highly varied appearance and issues that each patient has, the procedure is customized as much as possible. That said, there are general steps that a breast lift involves. These steps include:

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a medication that ensures you are resting comfortably and safely during the procedure. The method of anesthesia is pre-planned and will be discussed during the consultation.

Incision

Incisions are made during breast lift surgery, extra skin is removed, and the breasts are elevated to a more youthful position. There are a number of patterns that may be used depending on how the breast needs to be reshaped. The various incision types include: Circumareolar incision: This incision is placed around the areola. Any scarring that remains is easily concealed within the pigmentation of the areola. Keyhole incision: This technique consists of an incision made around the areola and a secondary incision that runs vertically down the breast, from the nipple to the breast crease. This incision is ideal for moderate sagging of the breasts. Anchor incision: This technique is the most commonly performed breast lift and is best suited for moderate to severe skin laxity. The anchor incision consists of an incision around the areola, one stretching vertically to the bottom of the breast, and a third incision that runs along the natural fold of the breast. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped and positioned for a more youthful, proportionate appearance. Once the doctor has achieved the desired aesthetic, your incisions will be closed using this sutures and the breasts will be wrapped in a compression garment or surgical bra. If your procedure is being combined with other breast surgeries, the extent and duration may vary. Dr. Saini will let you know what you can expect during your consultation.

Recovery

The healing process is different for every patient, but most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort as the new breast contours heal. Some aftercare may be necessary after your procedure to prevent infection and support the healing tissues. Dr. Saini will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor your progress and address any concerns about your results. She will also advise you on when you can return to normal activities. As your healing process is ongoing, it’s best to avoid any activities that will put any strain or pressure on the treatment area. Medication may be given to you to ensure your comfort and aid in healing. One tip is to prepare your home beforehand with essential items stored within arms reach in an easily accessible area as your range of motion in the upper body will be tight. You should not sleep on your stomach during your healing and should rest in the upright and seated position as much as possible. This prevents any trauma that might interfere with your healing but also aids in keeping swelling down. Give yourself ample time to recover and wait at least one month before attempting any intense physical activity.

Results

Once the breasts have fully healed, you should be able to enjoy your results thoroughly. While there is no way to prevent the natural aging process, breast lift surgery is long-lasting and can be maintained with a healthy lifestyle. Contact Carolina Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saini and find out if breast lift surgery is right for you. We can help you achieve elevated, perkier breasts that improve your overall body aesthetic!