Breast Lift
A breast lift can elevate breasts that are sagging, restoring them to a more youthful position. Technically known as mastopexy, this procedure is the only method proven to lift breasts after they have descended below a certain point. For some patients, a breast lift can decrease the size of the areolas or increase breast fullness when combined with breast augmentation.
Are You a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
To determine if you are a candidate for this surgery, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ljung in Wilmington or Jacksonville. For a basic guideline regarding indications for a breast lift, see the following:
Breast ptosis is the clinical term for breast sagging, and it can be measured to help your surgeon design a plan for correction. To measure ptosis, plastic surgeons typically use some form of the Regnault classification, such as the following:
- Mild ptosis: your nipples are level with the breast crease
- Moderate ptosis: your nipples reside below the breast crease
- Severe ptosis: your nipples are the lowest point on your breast and point downward
How A Breast Lift Corrects Breast Ptosis
By removing skin and excess glandular tissue, the breasts become firmer and also get elevated to a higher position on the chest wall. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, while local may be an option for select patients. Dr. Ljung will choose a technique based on an evaluation of your condition. Common incision techniques include the inverted T incision or a donut incision, with the former being reserved for cases of moderate to severe ptosis.
During surgery, the excess skin is removed, breast tissue is reshaped and the nipple/areola is repositioned. The incisions are closed with sutures (usually dissolvable) and covered with gauze and tape.
After Your Breast Lift
Dr. Ljung will send you home with special instructions, medications and a special post-operative bra to wear during recovery. Expect about 1 to 2 weeks of downtime after a breast lift, when you’ll need to limit your activities for up to 6 weeks to ensure proper healing. Some bruising, swelling, discomfort, and changes in skin sensation are common during this time. The incision scars will be noticeable at first, but should gradually fade and flatten out over time. Although the aging process will continue after your surgery, the results of your breast lift will be long lasting.
Possible Adverse Events / Complications
Common side effects of a breast lift include temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry skin. Like all surgical procedures, an inherent risk of complications is something the patient should be informed about. Possible adverse events include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, poor healing, scarring, disrupted breastfeeding, asymmetry, loss of sensation in the nipples/breast and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Discuss these possibilities with the doctor if you are concerned.
Contact Azalea Plastic Surgery in Wilmington and Jacksonville to learn more about breast lift surgery with Dr. Tor Ljung.
