Breast tissue changes with age. Factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the effect of gravity can lead to loss of shape and volume, as well as sagging. However, amidst these natural changes, there are surgical options for reclaiming your confidence and restoring your youthful contours.
Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise the breasts into a higher position on the chest. By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, you are left with lifted, natural-looking results. At Allure Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, we offer breast lifts in St. Petersburg, as well as a number of other surgical breast procedures to meet your aesthetic goals.
If you are considering breast lift surgery, it is important to recognize both the capabilities and the limitations of such a procedure. If you find that your nipples fall below the breast crease when they are not supported, or your nipples and areola point downward, a breast lift might be the right solution for you. A breast lift can also help create better symmetry if one of your breasts falls lower than the other.
While a breast lift can raise your breasts into a more natural position on your chest, it will not significantly change the size or upper portion of the breast. If you desire fuller or smaller breasts, you may consider a breast augmentation or reduction alongside a breast lift. However, it is common for women to notice a slight reduction in breast tissue following a mastopexy procedure, as excess tissue is removed.
Additionally, while a breast lift can reposition the breast, it does not stop the aging process. Loss of skin tone and elasticity will continue with age, regardless of whether you undergo a breast lift. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can also affect the longevity of mastopexy results.
Preparation is key to successful breast lift surgery and recovery. During your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Percy Lo, you will discuss your current and past medical conditions, family history, and expectations for surgery.
In the months leading up to a breast lift procedure, there are preparatory steps you will need to take, including undergoing a potential baseline mammogram and achieving your desired weight. Smoking and nicotine use can increase the risk of complications during surgery and slow healing. It is important to stop smoking at least four months before and after surgery to help prevent complications. This includes tobacco products, vaping, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. Dr. Lo will discuss medications that you should not take before surgery, including some supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
Typically, breast lift patients in St. Petersburg are discharged on the same day as surgery. You will not be allowed to drive, so you should plan to make arrangements for getting home and taking care of yourself following surgery.
On the day of surgery, arrive in comfortable clothes that will be easy to put on after surgery. Opt for a loose-fitting button-down shirt, as you will not be able to raise your arms above your head.
A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia During the procedure, Dr. Lo will carefully lift and tighten the skin and muscles, delicately repositioning the areola and nipple in a natural position. Any excess tissue, skin, and muscle is trimmed as needed.
When you wake up after surgery, your breasts will be bandaged, and you may have a surgical bra to support the area as you heal. During your first follow-up visit, your bandages and any drains will be removed.
You can expect breast tissue to be swollen and tender for a couple of weeks. The stitches will be removed after two to three weeks, and the shape of your breasts will continue to evolve in the following months.
It is crucial that you follow the post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications, including infection. Instructions will include reducing any stress on the area by sleeping on your back and not raising your hands above your head. By adhering to your doctor’s post-operative instructions, you can help ensure a smooth recovery.
A breast lift, like any surgical procedure, comes with benefits as well as inherent risks. It is essential to acknowledge that there are risks associated with general anesthesia. Additionally, there is always a chance that you will encounter breast contour and shape irregularities, fluid accumulation, breast asymmetry, or changes in nipple or breast sensation that might be temporary or permanent.
Other risks include deep vein thrombosis and cardiac or pulmonary complications. Dr. Lo will fully discuss these risks and others that may be pertinent to your situation during your breast lift consultation in St. Petersburg. It is crucial to address all your questions before surgery.
You deserve a tailored solution for your aesthetic concerns. If drooping or downturned breasts are affecting your confidence, take the first step by setting up your consultation with Dr. Percy Lo at Allure Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. Dr. Lo is committed to helping women like you become more comfortable in their skin, so call today to get started.
