Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, can be a great way to restore a youthful and perky appearance to your breasts. If you’re considering a breast lift, it’s natural to have questions about what you can expect.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong will take the time to answer any concerns you may have so you feel comfortable moving forward with breast enhancement. Below, Dr. Truong answers some of his patients’ most frequently asked questions about mastopexy. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact us for additional information.
Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?
Candidates for a breast lift are typically women who are unhappy with breast sagging, or ptosis. This may include women whose breasts have a pendulous shape, or those who have nipples that point downward or fall below the lower breast crease. Breast sagging tends to increase with age, weight fluctuations and pregnancy, and is more common among women with a moderate to generous breast volume, although women with small breasts can also experience sagging. Candidates should be in good mental and physical health and have realistic expectations for their outcome.
Does a breast lift affect breast size?
No. A breast lift is designed to reshape breast tissue, lift the breasts to a higher position and remove excess skin for a more youthful appearance. The procedure should not affect the size of your breasts, although in some cases, a breast lift may make your breasts appear slightly smaller due to the tightening of breast skin. If you’re interested in increasing the size of your breasts along with improving breast position, you can combine your mastopexy with breast augmentation. On the other hand, women interested in decreasing their breast size can opt for a breast reduction, which also includes a breast lift.
How will a breast lift affect the shape, texture and appearance of my breasts?
Most notably, a breast lift will create a more youthful breast appearance by lifting the breasts to a higher position. In addition to improving breast position, however, a breast lift can also improve breast shape and texture by remolding existing breast tissue for a rounder and firmer result. Finally, Dr. Truong can reposition the nipples, resizing the areolas if needed.
How long will my procedure take?
A mastopexy usually takes between 2 and 3 hours. If you are combining your breast lift with a breast augmentation, the procedure may take up to 4 hours. Because a breast lift, whether combined with augmentation or performed on its own, is typically done on an outpatient basis, you can go home following your surgery.
What should I expect during the recovery period?
During your recovery, it’s normal to experience some soreness, bruising and swelling. Dr. Truong may ask you to wear a compression garment for the first week or two after surgery. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. You can also ice your breasts to provide relief and help minimize swelling. Many mastopexy patients return to work within a week after surgery, while women who combined their breast lift with other procedures may wait up to 3 weeks before resuming their normal routine.
Will there be noticeable scarring on my breasts?
As with any surgery, a breast lift will leave some amount of scarring. Dr. Truong takes care to make all incisions as small and discreet as possible, and your breast lift scars can typically be hidden by a bra or bathing suit. Mastopexy procedures typically require an incision circling the areola and continuing vertically down to the natural crease below the breast. Most breast lift patients report that their scars fade dramatically over the first year following their surgery.
How long will I have to wait before seeing my final results?
You should be able to notice an immediate difference in your breast position when your surgery is complete, but your results will initially be obscured by bruising and swelling. Post-operative swelling will gradually subside over the first several weeks following surgery, and you should have a good idea of your final results by 1 to 2 months after your mastopexy. Your scars should continue to heal for the first year or two following your breast lift.