BREAST LIFT
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that can improve the contour of the breasts to give them a fuller and more youthful appearance. Mastopexy lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest by removing excess skin. It is a procedure that corrects breast ptosis, which is a natural change the breasts go through with aging, after breast feeding, or weight loss. This procedure can be combined with a breast augmentation using saline or silicone implants during the same surgical setting or at a later date.
How long will the procedure take?
Mastopexy is a procedure done under general anesthesia. It can take two to three hours and is done on an outpatient basis.
Where will the incisions be?
The incisions are usually around the areolas and down the center of the breast. If more skin needs to be removed, then there can be an additional incision made across the base. Typically, this scar can be hidden under your bathing suit or bra. An enlarged areola will be reduced to match a higher, more youthful breast.
What will recovery be like?
Typically, the immediate recovery is about one to two weeks. This can vary from person-to-person depending on the size of your lift. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you about one to two weeks after to check on the incisions. You should be able to shower about two to three days after the procedure. You can transition to a soft bra without an underwire two weeks after the surgery.
Initially, you should plan to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and housework. You'll need to walk and keep your legs moving after surgery to avoid complications.
You'll be given a prescription for pain medication and an antibiotic. Most of your sutures will be dissolvable and scar care will be discussed with you at the appropriate time. Dr. Aboutanos and her staff will review all of these instructions with you. A full recovery can take about six weeks. Dr. Aboutanos will be there every step of the way to ensure the best results.
What else should I know about a breast lift?
You will go home with a surgical bra that we place after your surgery to let the area heal properly. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
“I got a breast lift done with Dr. Aboutanos and I am extremely pleased with my results! Before the surgery I never felt confident wearing specific tops because I felt my breasts looked too saggy in them. Since my surgery I have been much more comfortable in my clothing. It has been about 6 weeks now and I rarely wear a bra with some tops and my breast’s look very perky as if I were wearing one. There was also little to no pain after the surgery. I felt uncomfortable for about a week, but the results are so worth it. She’s a great doctor and left little scarring and the exact shape I had imagined.”
—Reem D.