Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Lifts
When people talk about cosmetic breast surgery, they are typically thinking about breast augmentation using saline or silicone breast implants. This is hardly surprising, since breast augmentation procedures are (according to statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) by far the most commonly performed form of cosmetic plastic surgery in America. However, within the past few years, breast lifts have become increasingly popular among women who are happy with the overall size, but not the appearance, of their breasts. 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 are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this extremely effective and sought-after procedure.
How can I tell if I am a candidate for a breast lift?
As we grow older, the skin and muscles gradually lose elasticity, allowing the breasts to sag and droop. Further, changes in the shape of the body, like those resulting from fluctuations in weight, childbirth, or breastfeeding, can also cause breast volume to diminish and skin to stretch. Ultimately, this can result in 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.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
The goals of a breast lift are primarily cosmetic; it seeks to improve the placement and the appearance of the breasts, restoring their natural shape and proportion while changing their size as little as possible. A breast reduction procedure, on the other hand, is specifically intended to decrease the volume and weight of the breasts with the goal of relieving specific complaints, such as chronic back and neck pain, improper posture, or irritation rashes under the breast area. It is not uncommon to perform a breast lift in conjunction with a breast reduction procedure, however, either to improve the overall appearance of the breasts or as part of a more comprehensive mommy makeover procedure..
How long will it take to recover after a breast lift procedure?
Every woman’s body is unique, with their own individual health requirements, and so individual healing times can vary significantly. However, the majority of women are able to return to work and light physical activity within 2 to 14 days of their breast lift surgery, depending on the amount of tissue and skin removed, as well as a person’s individual pain threshold and healing ability. As with all surgical procedures, it is vital that patients carefully follow all after-care instructions and attend all of their scheduled follow up appointments in order to avoid possible breast surgery complications and ensure the best possible breast lift results.
If you have any additional questions about breast lifts, or are interested in any of the other facial, breast, or body contouring plastic surgery procedures we perform at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C., please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices to schedule a consultation. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.
