Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Lifts

Breast lifts are a great way to surgically enhance your figure by giving your breasts a perky, youthful look. Often, as women age, their skin does not withstand the weight of the breast tissue. Over the years, breasts will droop or sag further down on the body and may begin to look deflated. Breast lifts can reshape and raise breasts higher on the chest. To enhance breast size, many women also have breast implants placed during the surgery. Below you will find some of the most common questions asked by potential breast lift candidates.

What is a breast lift?

Breast lifts surgically move sagging breasts farther up on the body in order to add youthful fullness to a woman’s figure. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove some of the excess skin on the breast so that breast tissue will not hang as low on the woman’s body.

What should I expect during the surgery?

Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll sleep through the entire procedure. During the breast lift surgery, the doctor will make an incision in each breast. Although the two most popular techniques are the “anchor-shaped” breast lift and the doughnut mastopexy, the size and shape of your breasts, as well as your surgeon’s preference, will determine what type of incision is made. After making an incision, your surgeon will relocate the nipple and areola to a higher position on the breast, remove some skin and tissue, and close the incision with sutures.

How long is the recovery period?

Women typically recover from breast lifts within a matter of days, and are generally up and about by the day after surgery, although bending and lifting may be difficult. You should be able to return to work after about a week, depending on how you feel. You will also be wearing a surgical bra for the first few days, followed by a support bra for a few weeks after surgery. Breast lifts generally leave some bruising along the incisions, which will diminish in seven to ten days. Breast lift scars will be prominent for at least three months following your surgery. Although the scarring will always be visible, it will fade over time. Talk to your doctor to learn more about breast lift recovery and for specific information such as when you can expect to return to work, begin exercising, and resume other daily activities.

What results can I expect?

Every woman’s breast lift results are different, but in general, breast lifts give women fuller, perkier breasts that sit higher on the chest. Although your breasts may not be perfect, they will appear less deflated or droopy following the surgery. It is important that women who undergo breast lifts understand that there will be permanent scarring following the procedure so that they have reasonable expectations about their breast lift surgery results.

What risks are associated with breast lifts?

Serious complications following breast lifts are rare. In fact, many possible complications associated with breast lifts can be avoided by choosing a doctor with years of experience and training. If you choose to receive implants with your breast lift procedure, there are some further possible complications, although these too, are rare.

Possible complications after breast lifts include infection, hematoma, and/or a poor reaction to anesthesia. Temporary swelling, bruising, and general discomfort are to be expected, and do not usually signify a problem. Loss of feeling in the nipple area is generally only temporary and sensitivity should return after a few weeks.

Can breast lifts increase breast size?

Although breast lifts will not make your bust size bigger, there are options that can increase your cup size. Many women opt for breast lifts combined with breast implants rather than conventional breast lift surgery. Not only does your bust size increase following a breast lift with implants, but your implants will also maintain the new younger-looking breast shape for longer after your surgery.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?

Women with small, sagging breasts are ideal candidates for breast lifts. Women with larger breasts can also be good candidates for breast lifts; however, the results may not last as long after the surgery. Any woman who decides to undergo breast lift should have realistic expectations about her results. Although perfection may not be achieved with breast lifts, significant improvements can be made to the shape and contour of droopy breasts.

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