As the nurturing, sexual and aesthetic organ of women, the breast not only has the function of breastfeeding, but also occupies an extremely important position in the beauty of the female form. When the skin loses its elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding can greatly affect the shape and resilience of the breasts. Women who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have them lifted and made more resilient with a breast lift, creating a more youthful breast. Many women who are unhappy with the volume reduction of their breasts may have implants combined with a stage I or II breast lift to increase the size of their breasts while improving their shape and position.
I. Who is a candidate for a breast lift?
If you have one of the following conditions, then you are suitable for breast lift.
1.Sagging breasts, but the size is appropriate
2.Breasts are hollow and lacking in toughness
3.The nipple areola points downward and is positioned below the inframammary fold
Sometimes there are genetic factors, sometimes two breasts are not developed in the same way, one is in a normal firm position and the other is different. Your breasts may also be different in size and shape. Large, heavy breasts can be lifted, but not as long-lasting as the results of surgery to enlarge smaller breasts.
A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually choose to perform it after breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can have an unpredictable effect on your breasts. Even so, many women want to have the surgery before having children and leave the changes in their breasts for later. Breast lift surgery often does not interfere with breastfeeding because the ducts and nipples are intact and uplifted.
II. Consultation.
During the consultation, the surgeon will ask you about your ideal breast shape and size, discuss your desired nipple and areola placement, and what improvements you would like to see in your breasts. This exchange will help the plastic surgeon understand your ideal and determine if it is realistic.
Third, how is the surgery designed?
The surgery can be done in an outpatient operating room under local anesthesia; if you want to achieve a more comfortable state, it can also be done under local anesthesia with IV sedation so that you are asleep throughout the procedure. The most common breast lift can have 3 incisions, one incision around the areola, another incision vertically down from the base of the areola to the inframammary fold, and a third incision along the natural curvature of the breast crease. Of course not every one of these 3 incisions is required for the procedure, and your surgeon will have to choose exactly which one or ones to use depending on the extent of your sagging breasts and the post-operative results you wish to achieve. After the surgeon removes the excess skin during the surgery, the nipple areola is raised to a higher area. The areola is usually larger due to the pull of the sagging breast and needs to be reduced. The skin over the areola is pulled down and sutured around the areola to reshape the breast. Usually the nipple and areola remain attached to the tissue beneath them so that sensation and breastfeeding function can be maintained.
IV. Are there other breast lift methods?
There are many ways to lift your breasts, and depending on the shape of your breasts and the size of your areolas, as well as the degree of breast sagging, your plastic surgeon will choose the most appropriate method for you. Sometimes a horizontal incision under the breast can be avoided, or even a horizontal incision and a vertical incision from the areola to the bottom. If you are suitable for applying an improved surgical approach, your doctor will discuss it with you. If you decide to increase the volume of your breasts, implants can be placed at the same time as a breast lift or in a second stage to augment your breasts.
V. Understanding the risks.
Fortunately significant complications of breast lift surgery are relatively rare. Thousands of women each year have successful breast lifts without major problems and are satisfied with the results of the procedure. Any woman who wants to have the procedure should be aware of both its benefits and the risks.
The risks and potential complications of the surgery are best discussed between the surgeon and you in person. Possible complications of the surgery include poor incision healing, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. After a breast lift, sometimes the breasts are not completely symmetrical and there can be a slight inconsistency in the height of the nipples, which can be corrected later. Permanent loss of nipple sensation is very rare. If the incision is poorly healed or the scar is enlarged, it can be surgically revised at a later date. You should follow the doctor’s instructions and directions before and after surgery to reduce some of the risks.
VI. Pre-operative preparation.
Surgery should be avoided during menstruation. Breast lift will not increase the risk of breast cancer and will not prevent the detection of breast cancer. If you smoke, you should stop smoking before surgery. Aspirin and certain medications can cause increased bleeding, so you should stop taking these medications for a period of time before surgery under the guidance of your doctor.
VII. How do I feel after surgery?
On the day after surgery, you should try your best to get up and move around for a few moments. You will be able to move around more easily after a few days. Excessive straining, bending and lifting heavy objects should be avoided in the early postoperative period, as these activities can cause increased swelling and even bleeding in the operated area. You should sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts. The stitches will be gradually removed about 2 weeks after surgery, and you will begin wearing an elastic undershirt at the same time. It is possible that you may notice poor sensation in the nipple and areola, this is usually temporary and recovery of sensation may take weeks, months and sometimes over 1 year. Most breasts return to their natural shape 3-6 months after surgery.
When can I return to normal work?
After a breast lift, depending on the nature of the work, it usually takes 2 weeks to return to work, and many people return to most of their work within a few weeks, including some light exercise. During this time, you may experience mild discomfort in stages, and this feeling is normal. If there is severe pain, your doctor should be informed. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 1-2 weeks, your doctor may require a little more time. Be extremely careful with your breasts for several weeks thereafter.
9. How does a breast lift work?
A breast lift will result in your breasts becoming toughened and lifted, the position of the nipple areola corrected, and the size of the areola more satisfactory. Over time, the incision marks of a breast lift fade, but it is important to recognize that the incision lines are permanent and will be more noticeable in some people than in others. Fortunately, the incisions of a breast lift are easily concealed by clothing and are less likely to be exposed, even when wearing low-necked clothing.
10. How long will the results of the surgery last?
Unless there is a major change in weight or pregnancy, your breast size and shape will remain the same for a longer period of time after surgery. However, gravity and age will eventually change the size and shape of each woman’s breasts. Years later, if you are unhappy with the shape of your breasts, you can have another breast lift to restore a youthful appearance.