What is a Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts sagging or drooping breasts. It involves the removal and/or adjustment of excess skin and breast tissue. The result is a perkier, more youthful chest. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a deflated chest. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity, genetics, dramatic weight loss, and the normal affects of aging can all contribute to breasts that are no longer as firm as they once were. A breast lift will erase these effects, placing the breasts higher on the chest wall with the nipples pointing outwards, instead of down.
Unlike a breast augmentation, a breast lift will not alter the size of your breasts. This makes the surgery an excellent option for women who are satisfied with the size of their breasts, but not their shape or firmness. Patients who want to alter size or position of their breasts along with their size should consider getting a breast augmentation and a breast lift at the same time.
If you are unhappy with your breasts but otherwise have a good self-image, there is no reason to live with this one issue. A breast lift can give you back the perky, firm breasts you were used to before children or gravity took their toll. Whether you want to look good in a bikini or to be more physically comfortable while running, a breast lift might be right for you.
Ideal Candidates
A good candidate for a breast lift will be in good physical and mental health. The candidate should have a positive outlook and realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. She should be getting the procedure for her own personal reasons, and not to satisfy anyone else.
Good candidates will have breasts that droop or sag, with nipples that point down instead of out (the nipples may even be below the breast crease). The breasts may have lost volume, resulting in a “pancake chest.” They may be difficult to control with a sports bra during exercise. These issues can be the result of circumstances, or of genetics.
While you can continue to breastfeed after a breast lift since the milk ducts are not harmed during the surgery, there is no way to predict how further pregnancies will affect your breast lift. So, it’s a good idea to wait until you are done having children before you have the surgery. Patients should also be near their ideal weight because significant weight fluctuations could alter the results of the surgery.