Conditions that Make Breast Lifts Necessary

Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. has been recognized as one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery centers in the Southeast for nearly fifty years, and in that time we have seen attitudes towards plastic surgery change a great deal.  Once thought of as selfish indulgences exclusively enjoyed by the wealthy, today the various facial rejuvenation and body contouring procedures that we perform almost daily have become increasingly accepted by, and accessible to, men and women from all walks of life.  However, perhaps because the names for various plastic surgery procedures have virtually become household words, it can sometimes be difficult for someone considering plastic surgery to figure out exactly what procedure will best suit their specific needs. Take, for example, breast lifts.  Although they grow increasingly popular each year, breast lift, or mastopexy, procedures are designed to fulfil a very specialized function and are not suitable for every patient.  Here are the specific conditions or concerns that might make a breast lift necessary.

First, it is important to understand what a breast lift cannot do by distinguishing it from more traditional surgical breast procedures.  Unlike breast augmentation or breast reduction, breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper portions of the breasts to increase cleavage.  While augmentations and reductions are ideal for bringing the breast size into proportion with the rest of the body or for alleviating the physical discomforts that overly large breasts can cause at any age, breast lifts are much more focused on addressing the changes that affect the breasts over time.  As we grow older, our skin and muscles gradually lose their strength and elasticity, which means that the breasts start to sag and droop.  This trend is further exacerbated by natural changes in the shape of the body, like those that can be caused by fluctuations in weight, childbirth, or breastfeeding.  Over time, these shifts can cause breast volume to slide downward, making it appear as though there is a large, blank area between the collarbone and the nipple and making the nipples point downward.  During a breast lift, the goal is to move the breast tissue from a lower to a higher position on the chest and to remove excess skin so that the breasts are tighter and firmer in appearance.

Candidates for a breast lift procedure are women who are generally happy with the size of their breasts but would like for them to be restored to a more youthful position or who feel as though their breasts have become flatter, elongated, or pendulous in shape.  Although small amounts of tissue will be removed and the breasts will feel somewhat lighter after the procedure, a breast lift is not designed to address the chronic back and neck pain, improper posture, or irritation rashes that can be caused by overly large breasts.  However, it is not uncommon to perform a breast lift in combination with a breast reduction, either to improve overall appearance or as part of a mommy makeover.  As with all body contouring plastic surgery, ideal candidates are healthy non-smokers who are at or near their ideal weight, as additional fluctuations in weight after the procedure can adversely affect results.

Every woman’s body is unique, so the best way to find out what specific plastic surgery procedures would provide the most benefit to you is to come in for a detailed consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons.  There you can discuss your individual areas of concern and even examine digitally simulated, three-dimensional computer images that can effectively illustrate your potential results.  If you are interested in learning more about the other plastic surgery procedures that we perform and what they might be able to do for you, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan office to schedule an appointment for a consultation.  Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.