Breast Lift

While you won’t feel pain during the procedure itself, as you’ll be under anesthesia, discomfort is a common part of the recovery process. After the surgery, it’s normal to experience soreness, swelling, and bruising in the days after the procedure. Discomfort levels vary from patient to patient, but many women describe the pain as mild to moderate and compare it to the feeling of tightness or a heavy sensation in the chest. By the end of the first week, most patients notice a significant reduction in discomfort, although some tenderness and swelling may persist for several weeks.

There are, at minimum, four key appointments: your consultation, pre-operative appointment, surgery, and at least one post-operative appointment. During your pre-operative appointment, you’ll receive pre- and post-operative care instructions before photos can be taken. You may need lab tests or blood work to ensure you’re medically cleared, and you’ll sign your consent forms. Stitches or sutures may be removed as necessary during your follow-up appointments, and your healing and progress will be closely monitored. 

Typically, 3 to 6 months after surgery, your breasts will settle into their new shape as swelling decreases and the tissue heals. During the first few weeks, you may notice some fluctuation in size and shape due to the healing process, but as the skin and tissue continue to adjust, the breasts will take on a firmer, more youthful appearance. While some patients are satisfied with their results relatively quickly, patience is key, as full recovery and tissue settling can take several months.

Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, but the incisions for a breast lift are strategically placed to minimize visibility. Depending on the technique used, scars can be located around the areola (periareolar), vertically down the center of the breast (lollipop incision), or along the breast crease (inframammary fold). The scars may initially appear red or pink and slightly raised, but they will gradually soften and fade over time. Ultimately, while scarring is a part of the process, the improved breast shape and youthful lift often far outweigh any concerns about the scars.

After your breast lift surgery, it’s crucial to give your body time to heal before resuming physical activity. In the first 2 to 3 weeks, avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting to prevent strain on your healing breasts. Light, low-impact activities, such as walking, can usually be resumed after about 2 weeks if you’re feeling up to it. However, high-impact exercises like running, weightlifting, or any activity involving significant chest movement should be avoided for at least 6 weeks to ensure the healing tissues aren’t disrupted. 

Breast lifts are often combined with additional breast procedures for additional augmentation. The most common combination is a breast lift with implants. This is particularly beneficial for patients who are finished with breastfeeding and don’t plan to have additional kids or those who have lost a significant amount of weight and have lost volume in their breasts. On the flip side, individuals who want to have a breast reduction or breast implant removal will also have a breast lift done to avoid sagging. If you’re curious about your options, Dr. Lugo can go over them with you during your initial consultation.

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and poor reactions to anesthesia. There is also a risk of capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to become hard. Capsular contracture can also potentially distort the breast shape.

Selecting the ideal plastic surgeon for your breast lift is critical to ensuring you achieve your best possible results. Begin by looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience specifically in breast surgery, as this demonstrates their advanced training and commitment to the highest standards of care. Look for surgeons who have a strong reputation for patient satisfaction, particularly in performing breast lift procedures. During your initial consultation, be sure to ask about the surgeon’s experience with breast lifts, view before-and-after photos of their past patients, and inquire about their approach to achieving natural-looking results. Additionally, the surgical facility’s accreditation and the level of care provided by the office staff should be considered. Opt for a practice that offers a compassionate and patient-focused approach, providing ample time to address all your questions about the surgery, recovery, and potential risks.

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. It typically involves inserting breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

There are two main categories of implant devices: saline and silicone. Saline implants are made with sterile salt water, while silicone implants are composed of highly cohesive silicone gel. Both types of implants come with a silicone outer shell. The new generation of silicone gel implants are all “gummy bear” implants.

Silicone implants usually feel more authentic and are less likely to ripple or wrinkle. They also feel lighter than saline implants. Saline implants are filled after insertion, allowing for a shorter scar, and they are typically more cost-effective than silicone implants.

Most individuals can return to their normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery, but swelling and bruising can take several weeks to subside completely. Patients should steer clear of strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks after breast surgery.

Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, is a procedure to lift and reshape drooping breasts. It involves removing excess skin and firming the surrounding tissue. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned, and the areolas are made smaller. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

A breast lift and a breast reduction are very similar procedures. Both lift the breast and remove breast tissue. The only difference is that more breast tissue is removed during a breast reduction.

Breast implants can make mammograms more difficult to interpret, but specialized mammography techniques can be used to obtain clear images of the breast tissue. Patients should inform their mammography technician about their implants before the procedure.