Breast Procedures
Breast Lift
Breasts can change over a woman’s lifetime due to factors such as pregnancy, aging and weight fluctuations.
These issues can be alleviated with a breast lift, which enhances the breasts. During this procedure, San Antonio breast lift specialists will trim away excess breast skin, tighten the remaining tissue and place the breasts higher on the chest wall. The breasts are not only lifted to be perkier, but shapelier as well, with a more rounded appearance. Further, breast lift surgery can reduce the size of the areola and reposition downward-pointing nipples. A woman’s whole figure is improved as a result, which can go a long way in boosting confidence.
Surgical Technique
During a breast lift surgery, incisions will be made around the skin-color line of the areola. The incision may either extend vertically down to the crease of the breast and end, or further extend horizontally, following the crease of the breast. How extensive the incision will be depends on how much skin must be removed. The excess skin will be trimmed away and the underlying tissues tightened. The remaining skin will be stretched up and closed with sutures. An implant placed underneath the chest muscle may also supplement the lift, as it can provide additional support to keep the improved projection in place.
Incision Types
Women who contemplate undergoing breast lift surgery often wonder what the incisions will look like and how bad the scarring will be after the procedure. The incisions vary depending on how severe the breast sagging is and how much tissue volume is present. The most common incisions are noted below.
- Incision made along the line surrounding the areola;
- Incision made along the line surrounding the areola, plus a vertical incision down to the natural crease below the breast;
- Incision made along the line surrounding the areola, plus a vertical incision down to the natural crease below the breast, and another horizontal line following the direction of the breast fold.
During/After the Surgery
Breast lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia at an accredited surgery facility. On average, the procedure may last up to 2 hours. The recovery will vary as some patients will have had a breast lift done in combination with a reduction surgery or breast augmentation. Regardless, patients will be encouraged to move around within the first 48 hours. Activities such as carrying heavy objects or any activity that puts pressure on the chest must be avoided. Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of weeks, but exercise should not be attempted for 6-8 weeks. There will be some scarring associated with this procedure, but with extra care they will heal and fade, and many patients feel they become secondary to a more beautiful breast shape.
Breast Lift Before & After Gallery
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Should I Get Implants or Just A Lift?
The decision to get a breast lift or breast augmentation depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals, as well as the current breast form. A breast lift will help correct sagging, droopy breasts. Many times after this surgery, patients are happy with their breast size because the lift alone creates a fuller breast. If the patient wishes to have more volume and increase the breast size, implants will resolve this issue. Before surgery, a thorough consultation and assessment will be provided, and your surgeon will recommend if a lift alone is all that is needed, or if an augmentation and a lift may be done as a combination surgery.
Is The Nipple Removed During A Breast Lift?
It is common in a breast lift procedure that the nipple is repositioned so that it looks proportional to the newly shaped breast. When excess skin is trimmed away, a portion of an overly stretched areola (the colored skin around the nipple) is simultaneously trimmed away. The goal is for the nipple and areola to be normally sized and positioned.
Does A Breast Lift Leave Scars?
When incisions are made to trim away the skin, scars are an inevitable part of the process. Plastic surgeons are experts when it comes to minimizing scarring with precise techniques in incision making and suturing. A post-surgery scar care program will be provided, and patients are strongly encouraged to follow the plan so that healing is healthy and quick.
Can you breastfeed after a breast lift?
Breastfeeding is generally possible after a breast lift, especially if the surgery is performed by an experienced, skilled surgeon who takes steps to preserve the milk ducts and nerves. However, the ability to breastfeed can vary based on the surgical technique used and individual factors. It’s essential to discuss your concerns and breastfeeding goals with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Does a breast lift leave scars?
While a breast lift will leave scars, the extent and appearance of the scars depend on the type of incision used and how well you care for your breasts after surgery. For many women, the benefits of having a lifted and youthful breast shape outweigh the temporary nature of the scars, which typically fade over time. It's important to discuss your options and concerns with your surgeon to determine the best incision technique for your body and goals.
Does a breast lift make you smaller?
A breast lift does not drastically shrink the size of your breasts, but it can result in a slightly smaller, firmer, and more youthful appearance due to the removal of excess skin and the repositioning of the breast tissue. If you are looking for both a lift and a significant reduction in size, a breast reduction surgery would be a better option. Always consult with a qualified surgeon to discuss your goals and options.
Articles on Breast Procedures
Can You Get a Breast Lift Without Implants?
Posted on
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One of the biggest misconceptions about breast surgery is that if you want a breast lift, you automatically need implants too. The truth is, yes—you can absolutely get a breast lift without implants. In fact, many women are happy with…
Types of Breasts Explained: A Complete Guide to Breast Shapes and Variations
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When it comes to breast appearance, many people assume there’s one “normal” shape. In reality, there are many types of breasts, and almost every woman has unique characteristics that make her shape completely normal. One of the most common concerns…
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Posted on
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One of the most common questions people have during puberty and early adulthood is: When do your breasts stop growing? The answer isn’t always as straightforward as a specific age. Breast development is influenced by genetics, hormones, body weight, pregnancy,…
What Our Clients Are Saying About Our Breast Lift Procedures
Dr. Chan is by far the best doctor I've ever had in my 30 years of life. He has taken amazing care of me as I go through my reconstruction after a double mastectomy. The results are too good to be true;
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