What is Breast Lifting?

A breast lift is a procedure performed to treat drooping of a woman's breast. Many women have sagging of their breasts, some of whom have had this since puberty, but most women find this to be a problem after pregnancies, breast feeding, or significant weight changes. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed in order to reshape the breast into a tighter, perkier, and more youthful shape.

Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?

There are many women who would benefit from breast lift surgery, but the best results would be obtained in a woman who is in good health, has never had breast surgery before, and has good quality skin.

What is the recovery period like?

A breast lift is not a particularly painful procedure. Most women will have mild tightness and soreness of the breasts, which is worst in the first 3 days after the procedure. Time off work is typically 3-7 days for women who work is an office setting. Most surgeons will ask their patients to wear a supportive bra for several weeks after surgery and restrict their exercise for 2-4 weeks.

How long do the results last?

It is impossible to assign a time frame to the results of any cosmetic surgery. Gravity will affect everyone in all areas of their body, and how each person responds to that force is different. Patients with better quality skin (tight, not too thin, no stretch marks) will have a longer result than a woman with poor skin. Most women will have a significant improvement in the shape of their breasts for years.

Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?

There are risks involved in all procedures and even in the most skilled hands, complications can happen. The most common risks are bleeding, infection, problems with healing, abnormal scarring, asymmetry between the breasts, and numbness of the nipple. In rare circumstances there can be problems with poor circulation to the nipple as well.