Breast Lift Basics

Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the shape of the breast and improve sagging to create a more youthful, attractive appearance. Sometimes the breast lift procedure is coupled with a breast augmentation, but not always.

Treatment Planning

A consultation with your plastic surgeon will help determine if the breast list procedure is right for you. Your surgeon can also help you determine if you would benefit from the combined lift and augmentation procedure. Good candidates do not have any major health problems and have moderate to severe sagging of the breasts or are unhappy with the overall shape of their breasts. Good candidates also need to have reasonable expectations about their goals and what the surgery can help them achieve.

Surgical Procedure

To perform the surgery, incisions will be made on the breast. The number of incisions that your surgeon makes will depend on how much lift is required and the size of your breasts. It is important to note that this surgery does leave visible scarring. Next, the surgeon will raise and recontour the breast tissue, reposition the nipple, and remove excess loose skin. This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure at the doctor's surgical facility or at the hospital. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Recovery and Results

After the breast lift surgery, patients will be sore, bruised, and swollen. As with any surgery, there are possible risks including infection and complications with anesthesia. The discomfort is easily controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients will have to keep their breasts wrapped with bandages or wear a surgical bra for several days. After that, it is suggested that they wear a good sports bra until most of the swelling has subsided. Most patients can return to work in about a week, with full results realized a few months after the procedure.