Achieving a More Youthful Look with a Breast Lift
For nearly a decade, breast augmentation has been, by far, the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in the United States. However, recently more and more women who are happy with the overall size, but not the appearance, of their breasts have found that they can improve their overall look with a breast lift procedure. In fact, since 2000, the number of breast lifts performed in the United States has increased by more than 75%, outpacing breast augmentation by more than two-to-one. Here is some insight into exactly what this increasingly popular procedure can do for you.
Over time, the skin and muscles can gradually lose their elasticity, allowing them to sag and droop. Major changes in the shape of the body, like those that may result from significant fluctuations in weight, childbirth, or breastfeeding, can also take a significant toll, causing breast volume to diminish and skin to stretch. The result can often be breasts that hang lower on the chest than they once did and nipples that point downward. A breast lift, or mastopexy, primarily involves the surgical removal of the excess, sagging skin from the breasts and the tightening of the supporting tissue. This effectively lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest and gives them a tighter and firmer appearance.
Additionally, a breast lift can often be combined with a breast reduction to give relief to women suffering from any of the health problems that overly large and heavy breasts may cause, including poor posture, skin irritation, and back and neck pain. This can be particularly beneficial when the two are included as part of an overall mommy makeover, a combination body contouring procedure designed to help women regain the bodies they once had after pregnancy and breast feeding.
Advanced surgical techniques allow breast lifts to be performed using a limited or “short” scar procedure which avoids an incision under the breast, but in some cases an anchor shaped incision may be required in order to fully reshape the breast skin. If the patient desires, I can also reduce the size of the areola at this time using a procedure known as an areolar reduction. Although every woman is unique and individual healing times may vary, most are able to return to work within 2 to 14 days after a breast lift procedure, depending on the amount of skin removed and what type of work the patient needs to be able to do. As with all surgical procedures, it is vital that patients carefully follow all after care instructions and keep their scheduled follow-up appointments in order to avoid possible complications and ensure optimal results.
Breast enhancement surgery is a very personal decision, but with so many different options available it is important to consult with one of our experienced, board certified plastic surgeons in order to determine what approach is best suited to your particular needs. If you are interested in learning more about any of the cosmetic plastic surgery procedures we perform, or about how the variety of financing options, including Alphaeon® and CareCredit®, that we provide can help you, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.
