A woman's breasts might start to sag and droop for a number of reasons, including age, pregnancy, hormones, weight changes, ethnicity, genetics, and breast implants. Skilled plastic surgeons can, however, assist in restoring them to a firmer, more sculpted state with breast lift surgery (otherwise known as mastopexy). There are a few crucial details concerning the operation that women who are interested in having this surgery should be aware of.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift is a surgical operation carried out by a cosmetic surgeon to alter the shape and size of the breasts. During this cosmetic surgery, a plastic surgeon raises the breasts by removing extra skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
The term "mastopexy" is also used to refer to a breast lift.
If your nipples are pointing downward or your breasts are sagging, you might decide to get a breast lift. Moreover, a breast lift may improve your self-confidence and self-image.
A breast lift can also be combined with an augmentation, which allows an implant to be inserted at the same time that the breast is raised. Several women choose this in order to enhance the shape of their breasts and to restore fullness to the upper portion of the breast. The gap that emerges between a woman's breast and her push-up bra can be fixed with a simple breast implant.
Why is a breast lift done?
Age causes breasts to change. The firmness usually diminishes. Similarly, they lose some of their elastic properties, which prevents the skin from retracting after stretching.
Such breast changes can be spurred by a variety of factors, such as:
Pregnancy:
Ligaments, which act as support bands for the breasts, may stretch during pregnancy. As the breasts gain more weight and fullness, this is likely to occur. After delivery, the straining could result in sagging breasts. Regardless of whether you breastfeed your child or not, this could happen.
Weight fluctuations:
The breast skin may also stretch as a result of weight changes. As a result, it may result in less elastic breast skin.
Gravity:
Over time, breast ligaments also gradually stretch and sag as a result of gravity.
But with a breast lift, a woman's nipples can be raised and her sagging breasts can be corrected. The operation can also be used to raise the areolae (the darker areas around the nipples). To maintain a balanced ratio with the newly shaped breasts, the areolae may be reduced in size.
You can consider getting a breast lift if:
Your breasts sag; either they've grown longer and flatter or have lost form and fullness.
Your nipples droop below the folds of your breasts whenever your breasts aren't supported.
Your areolae and nipples point downward.
Your breasts no longer match the size of your areolae.
Your breasts are different lengths on either side.
Not everyone should get a breast lift. You might put off getting a breast lift if you intend to get pregnant in the near future. During pregnancy, your breasts may stretch, thereby negating the effects of the breast lift.
Although a breast lift can be performed on breasts of all sizes, the results will probably last longer in patients with smaller breasts. This is because since bigger breasts are heavier, they are more inclined to sag once more.
Potential risks associated with having a breast lift.
The risks associated with a breast lift include:
Scarring:
Even though scars are permanent, they will diminish and vanish after one to two years. Typically, bras and swimming suits can be used to cover scars after a breast lift. Scars can occasionally become wide and thick due to poor healing.
Changes in the breast or nipple sensitivity:
Usually, sensation comes back after a few weeks. However, some sensational damage could be irreversible. Most often, erotic feeling is unaffected.
Asymmetry in the breasts' size and shape:
This could happen as a result of slight changes throughout the healing process.
Additionally, breasts that had different sizes prior to surgery normally don't change after the surgery.
Problems with breastfeeding:
Though breastfeeding is typically safe and possible following a breast lift, some women may experience difficulties with milk production.
Risk of infection, bleeding, allergic reactions etc.
Also, a breast lift carries the same risks of infection, bleeding, and severe anesthetic reactions as any major surgery. The surgical adhesive or other substances used before, during, or after the operation could also cause an allergic reaction.
How you get ready for a breast lift?
Before getting a breast lift, you might also be required to:
Have a mammogram:
Before the surgery, your surgeon could suggest getting a baseline mammogram. A few months later, you may still need to get another mammogram. This will make it possible for your medical team to examine future mammograms and detect alterations in your breast tissue.
Give up smoking:
Smoking might delay healing because it reduces blood flow to the skin. Before surgery, smokers should give up smoking.
Steer clear of some drugs:
Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements need to be avoided because they can worsen bleeding.
Make arrangements for personal support during the recovery process:
You will have to make arrangements for a driver to take you home when you come out of surgery and also get someone to stay with you while you recover. During the first few weeks after your recuperation, you might want assistance with everyday tasks like washing your hair.
What to anticipate:
Both hospitals and outpatient surgical centers provide breast lift procedures. Sometimes sedative and local anesthesia are used during the operation to numb only a portion of your body. Other times, it is advised to use general anesthesia. If general anesthesia is administered, you won't be awake.
During the operation:
There are various methods for removing breast skin and reshaping breast tissue. The placement of the cuts (incisions) and the ensuing scars will depend on the precise approach your cosmetic surgeon uses.
Normally, the treatment takes two to three hours. You are free to return home on that very day.
After the operation:
After the operation, you can expect your breasts to probably be wrapped in gauze and to wear a surgical support bra. To drain any extra blood or fluid, little tubes may be inserted at the incision points in your breasts.
It will take around two weeks for your breasts to stop swelling and heal from the bruising. For a few months, the incisions will be red or pink and you'll probably experience pain and soreness there.
Your nipples, areolae, and breast skin may be numb for around six weeks.
As directed by your doctor, take pain medication throughout the first couple of days following a breast lift. Avoid bending, lifting, and straining. To relieve pressure on your breasts while you sleep, you should lie on your side or back.
For at minimum of one to two weeks after your breast lift, you should audio refrain from having any sexual activity. Find out from your doctor when it's safe to resume your normal tasks like taking a shower, bathing, or washing your hair.
Also, you should protect your breasts from the sun while you're recuperating. When exposed to the sun afterward, cover your incisions.
The final results
You'll instantly see a difference in the way your breasts appear. Over the coming months, their form will continue to change and stabilize.
After a breast lift, you might discover that your bra size has decreased slightly. This might occur even if you didn't also undergo a breast reduction during the operation. Basically, this happens as your breasts get firmer and rounder.
Results from breast lift surgery may not last forever. It is natural for your skin to lose some of its elasticity as you get older. You might experience some sagging, especially if your breasts are larger and heavier. You may, however, be able to preserve your results if you keep a consistent, healthy weight.
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