Breast lifts are a common plastic surgery procedure performed by University of Florida Health plastic surgeons. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure that removes excess skin and tightens surrounding tissue to raise and firm the breasts.
Life events like pregnancy and nursing and even gravity can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, causing breasts to lose their shape and firmness.
A mastopexy alters the skin, breast volume or connective tissue to firm up and reshape the breasts, but doesn’t change breast size. The procedure restores the youthful appearance of breasts. Many times, it’s used in conjunction with a breast enlargement procedure.
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Is a breast lift right for me?
A breast lift improves the appearance of your breasts and makes them appear younger by elevating and reshaping sagging tissue. In physical terms, a mastopexy is safe to consider if:
- You’re in good health and maintain a stable weight
- You DO NOT smoke
- Breasts sagging or lost shape and volume bothers you
- Your nipples and areolas point downward
- One breast is lower than the other
- You have stretched skin or enlarged areolas
But above all, a mastopexy has to be something you want. It’s a very individual decision… never undergo a breast lift procedure to satisfy someone else’s desire.
How should I prepare for my breast lift procedure?
To prepare for your breast lift procedure, our Florida plastic surgeon will want to know your goals, any medications you take, prior surgeries and if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.
Besides a physical exam, our surgeon will recommend a treatment plan and discuss likely outcomes of the breast lift procedure.
You will need to do several things before undergoing a mastopexy. First is getting a lab test and medical evaluation to ensure you are physically healthy enough for the procedure. Next, you will need a baseline mammogram both before and after your surgery. Stop smoking well before your scheduled appointment and avoid Aspirin, anti-inflammatory and herbal supplements as they increase the risk of bleeding.
Be sure you have someone to drive you home on the day of your breast lift surgery since it’s an outpatient procedure. And it’s advisable a friend or relative stay with you the first night to help in your recovery.
Interested in learning if a mastopexy is right for you? Contact UF Health breast lift surgeons to be sure you are addressing everything you need before undergoing any procedure.
How long does it take to recover from breast lift surgery and how can I maintain my new, youthful look for years to come?
It will take several months before you can fully appreciate the final results of your breast lift. Dressings and bandages will be applied to the affected area after your mastopexy. You also may be required to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as the healing process progresses.
Surgeons also may place a thin temporary tube to drain any excess blood or fluids that may build up as a result of this procedure.
But above all, precisely follow your UF surgeon’s post-op instructions to avoid complications. They will instruct you how to take care of your breasts, any medications you should take and when to follow up for a checkup. Immediately seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats after you return home.
Your breasts should retain their firm and youthful look for many years provided you maintain your weight and a healthy lifestyle. Over time, the incision lines will fade.