Breast Lift Procedure

A breast lift is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of drooping breasts. The breasts may start to sag due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. The breast lift restores the breasts to a more youthful shape, reducing the sagging and deflated look.

Breast Lift Procedure

There are different surgical techniques that can be used during the breast lift. Your surgeon will determine which technique is best suited to your needs and goals. In many cases, a breast lift is combined with a breast enlargement procedure. In this joint procedure, breast implants are placed to increase the size of the breasts while also addressing concerns related to sagging. Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is important to discuss your expectation with the surgeon so that you’ll have a better chance of being happy with the results.

During the procedure itself, an incision allows the removal of excess skin and the lifting of breast tissue into the proper location. The incisions are then closed with sutures. The entire process takes just a couple of hours, depending on the amount of ptosis and whether an implant is being inserted during the same procedure.

Breast Lift Candidates

Although a breast lift can be performed at any age, it is usually recommended after the woman is done with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. Though it can safely be performed before any of these events, they are likely to change the breast shape again, which may require further procedures. A rule of thumb to determine whether a woman is a good candidate for a breast lift is to place a pen or pencil in the crease underneath the breasts. If it stays in place without holding it with the hands, the appearance of the breasts would benefit from a breast lift.

Recovery and Results

After a breast lift procedure, expect some discomfort, soreness, and swelling for the first few days. A supportive surgical bra can help keep the breasts in the correct position during the recovery process. It can take longer for the area to heal if breast implants are added in addition to the breast lift procedure. Complications from breast lift surgery are rare; the most common risks are bleeding, infection, and scarring.