Breast Lift

When breasts show signs of aging or the effects of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, a breast lift can restore them to a rejuvenated shape.  The breast is shaped to a perkier appearance, the nipple is raised to a higher position and the areola can be reduced as well.  This procedure does not change the size of the breasts, so during your consultation with Dr. Owens she will determine with you if a breast reduction for heavy breasts or an added augmentation (insertion of implants at the time of lift) is more appropriate.

Some women have breast or areola shape changes since they first developed, including tuberous breast shapes, that can also be corrected with this technique.  Implants are sometimes used to assist with this shaping, depending on the size and shape of the breasts at baseline.

When you meet with Dr. Owens, your goals as well as your medical history, medications, and any surgical or relevant family history will be fully reviewed.  You will discuss options and make a plan that best helps you to achieve your desired appearance.

Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery

We recommend a baseline or updated mammogram prior to surgery if you are over 40.  Achieving a stabilized weight gives the most predictable results from any body contouring surgery.  If you smoke or vape, or use any other nicotine products, please stop at least 6 weeks prior to surgery and plan to refrain for at least 4 weeks after. Discontinue medicines that may thin your blood or make bleeding more likely, including over the counter medicines and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, ginger, turmeric, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, St. John’s wort, cumin and others.  If in doubt, please hold any non-essential supplements for 2 weeks prior.  If you have been advised by your primary care doctor or specialist to take aspirin or other blood thinners for a history of stent, heart disease, or vascular disease, we generally want you to continue those medications and that may affect your candidacy for surgery, but Dr. Owens will discuss management of those medicines with you and your primary care doctor or specialist before planning surgery.  It is important to control your blood pressure before, during, and after surgery so please be sure to continue any medicines you take routinely for that purpose.  Plan to have a caregiver available to drive you to and from the surgery center and to stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery.  You will be able to manage on your own within the first day or two, but driving is usually limited for 1-2 weeks depending on the extent of your surgery.  You will meet with Dr. Owens for a preop visit to review the procedure and answer any remaining questions you may have, and at that appointment you will get prescriptions for pain medicine, nausea medicine, and in some cases an antibiotic.  Please fill your prescriptions prior to surgery and have ready at home for your use postoperatively.  It is helpful to have your freezer stocked with ice packs, as they are very useful in the management of post-op discomfort and swelling.

Breast Lift Day of Surgery

Dr. Owens will see you for preop marking after you have met with the nursing and anesthesia staff at the surgery center.  The procedure takes about 2-3 hours under general anesthesia.  There will be an incision around the areola and down the front of the breast, and to some extent within the breast crease.  You will wake up with dressings, bra, and compression wrap in place, and in many cases drains will be used for control of fluid at the surgical site for the first few days.  You will have instructions on how to manage the drains and should bring record of drain output to your postop visit. After recovery, you will be discharged with your caregiver and can expect to be drowsy the rest of the day and possibly into the next day as anesthesia wears off.

Recovery From Breast Lift Surgery

Most patients find that the pain after surgery is easy to manage with limited prescription pain medicines and over the counter pain relievers and ice.  You will have a prescription for anti- nausea medicine and are encouraged to use that as needed in the first day or two.  It is normal to experience some bruising, swelling, and tightness in the first few weeks, and itching at the incision sites sometime develops as healing progresses.  You will see Dr. Owens for initial follow up within the first week, and you may shower at any time you feel comfortable to do so.  Wear your post op bra day and night for 4 weeks, and expect to take about 4 weeks off from any strenuous exercise, as your range of motion will be restricted.  Driving is restricted for 1-2 weeks, and most people take about that much time off work for initial recovery.  Once you have been cleared by Dr. Owens, you will be able to gradually return to full activities by about 6 weeks after surgery. While you will notice your improved shape and breast position immediately, it takes between 3 and 6 months to realize your stabilized results.

If you have questions about options for reshaping your breasts, or feel you are overdue for an uplift, contact Avalon Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation!