Breast Lift

Breast Lift At A Glance

Also referred to as "mastopexy", the breast lift surgical technique is commonly done at the same time as breast augmentation and breast reduction. In such cases, implants inserted at the same time as a breast lift can enlarge breast volume simultaneously as the shape and position of the breasts are changed.

Breast Lift Reasons & Benefits

If you have experienced weight loss or pregnancy, you may have observed that your breasts have sagged a bit. Loss of skin elasticity, the force of gravity and other events such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding will change the shape and appearance of breasts.

Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant volume of breast size over time. The popularity of breast lift surgeries is growing. Trying to decrease sagging and to achieve firmer and shapelier breasts, many women have turned to the cosmetic surgery procedure generally known as a breast lift. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have pronounced and unpredictable effects on the volume and shape of your breasts.

Breast Lift Surgery Procedure

The technique begins with a pre-operative consultation with the doctor where you are provided with specific instructions about how to prepare for the surgery.

In today's cosmetic surgery environment, many breast lift procedures are available. While consulting with a plastic physician, the surgeon will explain to you the technique and will talk with you about the type of anesthesia they will use in the breast lift surgery. The nipples and areolas stay attached to underlying fibers of muscle, and this normally allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feeding.

Depending on your situation, one technique should be enough for you. While specific breast lift surgeries may vary depending on the physician's level of experience and skill, breast lift procedures normally fall into 2 categories: the "concentric" mastopexy and the more generally performed "anchor shaped" mastopexy.

The concentric breast lift will require circular incisions around the nipple. This variation is not very common because the outcome can often be spotty. In some instances, it is realistic to avoid the horizontal cut under the breast. All techniques involve the removal of skin on the breast, followed by the re-placing of the nipple through stitches.

Since the lactose ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lift surgical techniques normally will not affect your ability to breast-feed; but note, you aught to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Risks And Complications Of Breast Lifts

Usually, significant problems from breast lifts are infrequent.

Many women have misconceptions about what a breast lift can finally accomplish. A certified cosmetic physician can assist you to clear up your expectations. There could be differences in the volume of your breasts as well as their shape. If your shape is something that you possibly can live with, then a surgical procedure could end up being more time and money than you will feel it's worth.

As with any cosmetic surgery, the choice to have a breast lift is a highly individual one.

Many women decide to undergo breast lift surgical procedures before giving birth and feel that they will address any subsequent problems later.

Following a breast lift, it can happen that the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple position may vary a bit.

The subject of problems and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your cosmetic physician, or with office member in your surgeon's office.

Breast Lift Costs

Surgeons fees for Breast Lift are normally between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on difficulty. Additional fees for the operating room, anesthesiologist and medications can significantly raise the total. Also the fees are often higher in some large urban areas.

Some highly skilled practitioners can do all types of breast lift as an outpatient procedure. They're cheaper and quicker than a lengthy hospital visit.

Questions To Ask Your Breast Lift Surgeon

You should normally have a consultation with your doctor before agreeing to any kind of surgery. You want to take plenty of time to get all your questions answered. Also you may ask to see before and after photos to get a better understanding of what is realistic.

When thinking that you would like to have a breast lift, or any cosmetic surgery procedure for that matter, we recommend that you meet with an experienced medical surgeon with experience in breast lift surgery.

Some questions you may ask include:

Am I being realistic about my desired outcome?
Where will the technique be performed and how long will it take?
What is the healing time for doing various activities?
What is the amount this will cost me?
How much experience have you had with this technique?
How often do problems happen?
What if I am not happy with the results?

Be sure the surgeon has your complete medical history and knows of any allergies or special needs you have.

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