A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a safe surgical procedure involving expert work of hands to lift and reshape breasts affected by certain factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, or even genetic inheritance that cause sagging. This operation aims to return the youthful and firm look of breasts after removing extra skin, shaping the breast tissue, and moving the nipples upward toward the chest.
Before breast lift sessions, most patients are advised to consult with credited board plastic surgeons to review their goals, expectations, and medical history. At the first visit, the surgeon will examine the patient’s breasts, taking into account their size, shape, skin tautness, and nipple position to figure out the exact surgical procedure.
Among the several methods of performing a breast lift in Houston, we may choose those more effective in meeting a patient’s particular requirements and objectives. The most common techniques include: The most common techniques include:
Anchor or inverted-T lift: This technique will be done by making three cuts surrounding the areola, from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold and from the curvature along the breast crease with this particular technique. With the removal of the surplus of skin and rearrangement of the breast tissue under it, the surgeon elevates the breasts to a higher point and repositions the nipples and areolas.
Lollipop or vertical lift: During this approach, they have to cut around the areola and another vertically from the area between the areola and the crease right under the breast. Therefore, it is less traumatic to the tissue and probable for the patient with mild to moderate breast ptosis.
Donut or periareolar lift: It involves using a surgical cut around the edge of the areola once. It is suitable for patients with soft breast ptosis, but breasts will be less pert than before, and hence, less sagging will be corrected. The procedure also results in minimal scarring.
Once the necessary incisions are made, the surgeon will lift and sculpt the breast tissue, remove the corresponding excess skin, and reattach the nipples and areolas to a refreshing location. Then, the doctor will cut across the tissue and lift it using internal incisions. Finally, the wounds are sealed, and wound dressings are applied to protect the body from infection and promote healing.
How Long Does the Recovery Process Take?
The recovery process after undergoing a breast lift is usually a bit longer compared to other breast augmentation surgeries, during which patients may have swelling, bruising, and loads of discomfort. It is crucial that patients follow their health expert’s postoperative instructions. For instance, if you wear a supportive bra, ensure you do it correctly to avoid sabotaging the healing process.
Note that the breast might bend or sag again due to factors such as aging, gravity, and perhaps others. Contrariwise, some people who choose breast lift surgery may choose to combine it with either breast implants or breast reduction procedures to get the desired size and shape of the breast.
Final Thoughts
Breast lifts can be an essential aspect of this wonderful change in women who have no enthusiasm for their breasts because of their hanging or drooping. Through microsurgery that will uplift and reshape breasts, surgery can repair self-confidence and repair body image with the result of the patients being more relaxed and seeing themselves the way they want to be. Nonetheless, this approach must entail cautiousness in patients researching different options and counseling a professional plastic surgeon to know if it best suits their needs.