A breast lift can be a life-changing procedure. By lifting your breasts into a more youthful and perky position, this surgery can also lift your confidence to new heights. Unlike a breast augmentation, this procedure does not change the size of your breasts but rather works with the tissue you already have to improve the appearance of your chest. Additionally, a breast lift does not interfere with the underlying muscle of your chest, meaning the recovery is typically smoother and more comfortable than the recovery after a breast augmentation. Dr. Kyle Shaddix at Shaddix Plastic Surgery offers breast procedures, such as breast lifts, to patients in the Pensacola, FL, area.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a plastic surgery procedure that is designed to change the position of the breasts. A breast lift can help those who are experiencing sagging from the natural appearance of their breasts, the aging process, weight loss, or breastfeeding. If your nipples point downward, a breast lift can raise them to a more outward, symmetrical, and youthful position. Sometimes gravity alone can cause the breasts to droop, and unfortunately, once this process has started it cannot be reversed with diet and exercise.

How Is a Breast Lift Performed?

A breast lift procedure, also known as a mastopexy, is performed under general anesthesia. The surgical technique used to perform your breast lift will vary depending on the severity of drooping and your personal goals regarding your breast lift results. Your procedure will begin with an incision either around the areola, around the areola then vertically down to the breast crease, or a combination of the two and horizontally along the breast crease. Next, the underlying tissue is lifted and reshaped and the nipples are repositioned, in some cases the size of the nipple can be changed as well. Any excess skin and tissue are removed before your incisions are closed with absorbable stitches.

What to Expect with Breast Lift Recovery

While your own recovery experience may differ from person to person, in general, the discomfort of recovery from a breast lift is considered to be mild and easily managed with pain relievers. Adequate rest and limited activity are required following your procedure and you will have surgical tape and dressing over the incisions when you are sent home. When these are removed, you will be required to wear a supportive sports bra to reduce swelling and to keep your breasts held in their new position.  To optimize your recovery, it is recommended that you stay hydrated, eat healthy, avoid alcohol, and limit your physical activity. Full breast lift recovery usually takes around 4-6 weeks.

Breast Lift and Scarring

Because this is a surgical procedure, it is impossible to avoid scars completely, however, the scars will continue to mature and lose color over the course of a year.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about breast lifts and start on your own journey toward higher and more youthful breasts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kyle Shaddix at Shaddix Plastic Surgery in Pensacola, FL. To get in touch, head to our website and fill out an online contact form today.