The Boobs of Your Dreams: A Complete Guide to Breast Lift Surgery
Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your saggy, droopy breasts? Are you ready to finally have the perky, youthful-looking breasts you've always wanted? Look no further, because a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, may be the solution for you. But before you schedule your consultation with the one and only Dr. Emily Borsting, a world class plastic surgeon in Bend, Oregon, let's dive into the details of this popular procedure.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. This results in a more youthful and elevated appearance, as well as a reduction in the size of the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples).
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
A breast lift may be a good option for you if you have sagging or drooping breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, aging, or genetics. It's also a great option for women who have lost volume in their breasts and want to restore a more youthful shape and position.
The Different Types of Breast Lift
There are different techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, and the right one for you will depend on the amount of sagging and skin excess, as well as the desired final shape and position of your breasts. The most common types of breast lift include:
Crescent Lift: This technique involves a small incision made along the top half of the areola, and is typically used for patients with minimal sagging or who only need a slight lift.
Periareolar Lift: This technique involves an incision made around the entire circumference of the areola, and is typically used for patients with moderate sagging or who need a moderate lift.
Vertical Lift: This technique, also known as a "lollipop lift," involves an incision made around the areola and a vertical incision running from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. This technique is typically used for patients with moderate to severe sagging or who need a significant lift.
Anchor Lift: This technique, also known as an "inverted T lift," involves an incision made around the areola, a vertical incision running from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. This technique is typically used for patients with severe sagging or who need a significant lift and reshaping of the breasts.
What to Expect During and After Surgery
A breast lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or IV sedation, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. After the procedure, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but this will subside within a few weeks. You will also need to wear a supportive bra for a few weeks to help with healing and to support the new shape of your breasts.
You will also need to avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least a few weeks, and it's important to follow all post-operative instructions given by Dr. Borsting to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Results of the surgery are typically visible right after the surgery, and the final results will be visible after the swelling has subsided which can take a few months, and the incision lines will fade over time.
