Most people who hear the phrase “breast surgery” — or its colloquial counterpart, “boob job” — probably associate it with breast augmentation or breast reduction. But there are other ways to improve the look of your breasts than merely changing their size and shape. At our center led by Ocala plastic surgeon Dr. John W. Tyrone, we believe you should feel confident with your body, including your breasts. If you believe that a surgical procedure would help you achieve this goal, we can provide the information, surgery and aftercare that suits your needs.
What Happens During a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a type of plastic surgery that raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue to support and contour the breasts. A breast lift is appropriate for people who are comfortable with the size of their breasts but wish to reduce sagging and add firmness and perkiness. In some cases, breast lifts can also reduce the size of areolas that have become enlarged over time.
Breast Lift Procedure Details
Breast lift procedures involve the following steps:
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation is required for this procedure. Your doctor will discuss with you all the possible methods to administer anesthesia and recommend one that best fits your circumstances.
Incisions
There are three common incision patterns:
- Around the areola
- Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and then horizontally along the breast crease
The technique and pattern of incisions used during a breast lift varies according to each patient’s breast shape and size, position and size of the areolas, degree of sagging, amount of extra skin and overall skin quality and elasticity. Before your surgery, Dr. Tyrone will discuss your desired look with you and decide which type of incision will work best for your breast type.
Reshaping the Breasts
After your plastic surgeon makes the incisions:
- The underlying breast tissue is reshaped to improve contour and firmness.
- If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by removing skin at the perimeter.
- The nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the breast for a natural and youthful look.
- Excess skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.
Closing the Incisions
The closing of the incisions will tighten the remaining skin after excess has been removed and the breasts have been reshaped. Some incision lines will be concealed by the natural breast contours, but others will be visible on the breast surface. Although incision lines are permanent, in most cases they fade and improve significantly over time.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
It is normal for breasts to change over the course of a woman’s life. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, gravity and heredity are some of the factors that may cause loss of skin elasticity, breast shape and firmness. You may be a candidate for breast lift if:
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts sag or have lost shape and volume
- Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous
- When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease
- Your nipples and areolas point downward
- You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas
- One breast is lower than the other
- You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight
- You do not smoke
Your breasts may continue to undergo natural changes due to the aging process and some life experiences. However, with proper care, you should not experience your previous level of sagging for several years. If you plan to have children or lose significant weight, it may be best to leave the breast lift for after you pass these milestones.
Breast Lift Recovery
The breast lift procedure usually lasts between one and two hours. If you get breast surgery in Ocala, you will be able to go home immediately after to begin your recovery. Your breasts will be covered with bandages or placed in a surgical bra.
Many patients experience some soreness and swelling after a breast lift. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable during the first few days. Although you may feel well enough to walk around the house on the day of your surgery, doctors recommend taking it easy for a few days. This involves sleeping on your back and taking about a week off work. You may need to refrain from exercise other than walking for two to six weeks, following your doctor’s instructions. Most patients can begin wearing underwire bras again after about eight weeks, when the soreness and swelling has subsided.
Although breast lifts will not significantly change the size of your breasts, it is common to have a breast augmentation or breast reduction performed at the same time as a breast lift.
Choose Dr. Tyrone for Your Breast Lift in Ocala
A board-certified physician, Dr. Tyrone provides high-quality Ocala plastic surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to help each patient achieve his or her desired appearance. From consultation to post-procedure recovery, we will support you every step of the way. For a consultation or more information about a breast lift, call Dr. Tyrone today!