A breast augmentation with lift can be performed no matter the size of your breasts. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, will not significantly change the size of the breasts, which is why it is often combined with a breast augmentation to add volume. These procedures performed together to reshape and resize the breasts, tighten sagging breasts, as well as raising the position of the nipples and areolae.
Who is a good candidate for breast lift and augmentation surgery?
Someone is a good candidate for the procedure if they:
- Do not smoke or drink excessively
- Have no medical conditions that will increase the risk of surgery, or will slow the healing process
- Want a procedure that will lift and reshape sagging breasts.
- Have realistic goals for surgery. Dr. Hardaway will work with patients to determine what will be best to meet their needs.
- Have a stable weight, or are almost finished with your weight loss goals.
The cost of the surgery varies from patient to patient, depending on the needs and wants of each specific patient, and the procedures performed. Dr. Hardaway will help you find a procedure and payment plan that suits your needs.
The length of the results depends on many factors, including age, genetics, and the elasticity of the skin of the patient. The results from a breast lift will last for years. Wearing proper support and following the doctor’s instructions closely after the procedure will provide the best results. Changes in weight and aging can affect the elasticity of the skin and the breasts may continue to sag. Maintaining a healthy and stable weight can help elongate the results. Revisions may be needed in the long term. Women will smaller breasts often have longer lasting results, as large breasts can be heavily, and may continue to sag.
How Is A Breast Augmentation With Lift Performed?
A breast lift and augmentation, like many surgeries, is performed under general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure, so the patient will be able to return home after surgery. For a breast lift surgery, incisions are made around the areola extending downward to the breast crease. The amount of excess skin determines the types of incision that is used for the breast lift. For example, a periareolar incision, versus a short scar incision, versus an anchor incision. Dr. Hardaway will discussion which type of incision would give you the best results. The skin is lifted, and reshaped. If the lift is combined with breast augmentation, breast implants are inserted through a small incision either under the breast or the armpit, and then the skin in tightened. The procedure takes about three hours.
For both a breast lift and a breast lift with augmentation, a surgical bra must be worn after the procedure. Drains are sometimes after the procedure, to drain fluid from the breasts. You will be instructed to sleep on your back or side, to keep pressure off the breasts as they heal. The breasts may be swollen and bruised for around two weeks after the procedure. Refrain from any physical activity until cleared by the doctor. Typically, you should wait at least six weeks before engaging in heavy exercise. Avoid any sexual activity for one to two weeks after the procedure. The doctor will let you know when you can resume daily activities, including showering and washing your hair, and will let you know when you can return to work after the procedure. This is typically two to three weeks. While healing, avoid sun exposure of the breasts, and be sure to use sunscreen and protect your incisions from sun exposure.
If you are planning to lose significantly more weight, or considering pregnancy in the future, these could alter the results of breast lift or augmentation procedure. Discuss this during your consultation, and Dr. Hardaway will help find a plan that is right for you.