Dr. Justin West has been practicing since 2010 and has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for patients from across California and around the world. If you’re considering a breast lift (mastopexy), here’s what you need to know.
What Is A Breast Lift?
Over time, a woman’s breasts can lose their youthful shape and firmness due to various factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity, aging, and genetics. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by restoring a youthful, shapely appearance to your breasts. A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure designed to elevate and firm the breasts. This is achieved by removing excess skin and reshaping the underlying tissue to create a more youthful contour. If you’re looking for fuller breasts, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation. Alternatively, if you desire smaller breasts, a breast lift can be paired with breast reduction.
Click here to view before and after photos of Breast Lift
Are You a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Deciding to undergo a breast lift is a personal decision. It’s essential to make this choice for yourself, not to meet someone else’s expectations or fit an ideal image. While a breast lift can be performed at any age, it’s best to wait until your breasts have fully developed and after you’ve finished having children and breastfeeding.
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are non-smoking women in good overall health who can maintain a stable body weight. A breast lift can address various concerns, including:
- Sagging breasts
- Breasts that have lost shape and volume
- Breasts with a flatter, elongated shape
- Nipples that fall below the breast crease when unsupported
- Downward-pointing nipples and areolas
- Stretched skin and enlarged areolas
- Asymmetrical breasts
Your Initial Breast Lift Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. West will discuss your expectations, desires, and potential outcomes. He will evaluate your body and ask questions about your health and lifestyle. It’s essential to actively participate in this consultation to ensure the success of your breast lift procedure.
Be prepared to discuss the following during your consultation:
- Reasons for wanting a breast lift
- Medical conditions, allergies, and past treatments
- Current use of medications, supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Personal history of surgery
- Family history of breast cancer
- Results of previous mammograms or biopsies
Dr. West will also:
- Evaluate your overall health and potential risk factors
- Examine and measure your breasts
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Discuss incision location options
- Discuss anesthesia options for your surgery
- Review the likely outcomes, potential risks, and complications
- Recommend a personalized treatment plan
Preparing for Your Breast Lift Procedure
To prepare for your breast lift, Dr. West will provide specific instructions, which may include:
- Lab testing or medical evaluation
- A pre-surgery baseline mammogram
- Starting or adjusting medications
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin
- Arranging transportation for after the procedure
The Breast Lift Procedure
Dr. West and his team are highly qualified and experienced in performing breast lifts safely and effectively. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Anesthesia
Your procedure will begin with anesthesia, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your personal needs and Dr. West’s recommendation.
Surgical Incision
Several incision types can be used during a breast lift, depending on factors such as breast position, degree of sagging, and the amount of excess skin. The options include:
- Donut Lift: An incision around the perimeter of the areola.
- Lollipop Lift: An incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
- Anchor Lift: An incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease.
Reshaping Your Breasts
After the incision, Dr. West will reshape your breast tissue to improve contour and firmness. This may involve repositioning the nipple and areola to a more youthful height, reducing the size of the areolas, and removing excess skin to enhance breast shape.
Incision Closure
Once the desired shape is achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures. Deep sutures within the breast tissue help support the new shape, while skin adhesives or surgical tape may be used on the skin.
What to Expect After Your Breast Lift
After your procedure, Dr. West will be available to answer any questions and provide detailed post-surgery instructions. You will receive guidance on home care, prescription medications, follow-up appointments, and post-surgery mammograms.
- Home Care Instructions: You’ll receive specific instructions on caring for your breasts as they heal.
- Prescription Medications: Pain management and antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups will monitor your healing progress.
- Post-Surgery Mammogram: A mammogram may be recommended after your surgery.
Your breasts will be bandaged to reduce swelling and provide support. You may experience some pain or soreness, but pain medication will help alleviate these symptoms. Most women can return to work within a week, but recovery time varies. Surgical incisions are usually concealed along natural breast contours, and while scarring is inevitable, it will fade over time.
Potential Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, fluid collection, and reactions to anesthesia. It’s essential to follow Dr. West’s post-surgery instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize these risks.
Breast Lift Results
The final results of your breast lift will become apparent over the coming weeks and months as your breasts settle into their new shape. Most women are delighted with their new appearance and experience a boost in self-confidence. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, your results can be long-lasting.
