1. I have recently lost weight and I am working on losing more weight. Will weight loss affect the results of a breast lift?

In many women weight loss also results in loss of breast volume since the breast is made up of breast tissue, fat and skin. Therefore, if breast lift is done now and the patient is going to lose several more pounds the breasts may get further sagged. I recommend to get to the weight desired first then consider the surgery.


2. Is it safe to have a breast lift during the same setting when I am having another cosmetic surgery?

In general it is safe to combine different cosmetic procedures depending on your health history. Many patients will require not only breast lifts but also breast implants to correct upper pole breast volume lost. However patients need to discuss with their plastic surgeons about risks involved and how combining procedures might increase those risks.


3. How can I find out more about breast lift surgery?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has an informative website www.plasticsurgery.org that will explain different procedures in details and samples of before and after pictures.


4. Will a breast lift get rid of stretch marks?

When performing a breast lift a certain amount of skin is removed to reduce the skin envelope and lift the breast. Thus if there are stretch marks within the territory of skin removed then they will be gone. However, if the stretch marks are widespread then the area not resected will still have some remaining. The stretch marks remaining tend to be less prominent due to stretching of skin after skin removal.


5. What incisions are made for a breast lift?

There are basically three different types of incision depending on the severity of breast sagginess or ptosis. The nipple level and breast crease are generally used to determine the amount of ptosis. In mild ptosis the nipple is 0-1cm below the crease. In moderate ptosis it is 2-3cm below the crease and in severe ptosis it is greater than 3-4cm. In mild ptosis, a periareolar or doughnut (or concentric) can be performed removing excess skin around the areolar. In moderate ptosis, a "lollipop" type of mastopexy which involves a periareolar and vertical incisions can be performed. In severe ptosis, an anchor or inverted T incisions are used to elevate the breast. As the severity of ptosis increases, the more skin removal is required and thus more incisions needed. There are cases in which breast implants are used in addition to a breast lift if significant breast volume is lost due to pregnancy, breast feeding, or significant weight loss. Thus if patient desires larger cup size as well as a more projected youthful breast, then both procedures can be performed at same setting.


6. How should I prepare for the breast lift surgery?

Depending on your age and family history, a medical exam may be required as well as a mammogram before surgery. Specific instructions will be given to the patient during the preoperative visit including guidelines on eating/drinking, avoidance of smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Smoking is especially bad for wound healing. Thus patients should stop smoking at least 2-3 weeks before and 2-3 weeks after to minimize skin loss. Large doses of vitamin E or aspirin/ibuprofen can cause thinning of blood and thus high risk of bleeding postoperatively. Most cases are done under IV sedation and local anesthesia so patients should not eat or drink 6-8 hours before surgery.


7. Is there a lot of pain after a breast lift?

Generally there is not a lot of pain involved with breast lift since it is mainly a skin removal surgery. There will be some soreness for the first 3-5 days of surgery. The incisions will heal after about 7-10 days. Patients should avoid strenous exercises or activities for about 3-4 weeks.