Breast Lift – A Natural Alternative For A More Youthful Appearance
Breast lifts and breast augmentations are a frequent request from patients desiring to change their shape as well as the size of their breasts. However, many patients will opt for just a breast lift if they are pleased with the overall size of their breasts. At Murphy Plastic Surgery in Denver, CO, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional breast lifts. Through an in-depth breast augmentation or breast lift consultation, each patient has the opportunity to communicate to Dr. Murphy (one of Denver’s most respected cosmetic surgeons) their expected result along with the size and shape they seek. Dr. Murphy’s extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery should reassure all patients that whatever their desires, he has the technical expertise and artistic vision to give them beautiful, youthful breasts.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a specialized cosmetic procedure aimed at reviving the natural elevation and shape of your breasts. Whether due to childbirth, significant weight changes, or simply natural aging, your breasts may undergo changes that affect their firmness and position. This treatment can give you the chance to enhance your appearance by restoring the breasts to a more lifted state, improving your overall silhouette.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
Restored Youthful Contours
A breast lift can reverse the effects of gravity, pregnancy, and aging, restoring a more youthful shape and position to your breasts. In addition to repositioning your breast tissue, a breast lift also allows for the repositioning of the nipple and areola for a complete aesthetic enhancement.
Improved Breast Symmetry
A breast lift can help achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance if you have asymmetrical breasts. This treatment aims to create symmetry not only in size but also in the positioning of both breasts, enhancing your natural attributes.
Enhanced Breast Projection
By lifting the breasts to a higher position, a breast lift can improve breast projection and create a more alluring profile. The procedure allows you to achieve a fuller look, even without the use of implants, for an authentically revitalized profile.
Reduction of Sagging
The removal of excess skin and the tightening of breast tissue during a breast lift procedure can effectively reduce breast sagging, providing a firmer and more lifted bustline. For those wishing for a better shape and position without a size increase, a no-implant breast lift can be an effective way to eliminate sagging.
Improved Body Proportions
A breast lift can enhance your overall body proportions, creating a more harmonious balance between your breasts and the rest of your figure. The results can boost your overall body shape.
Long-Lasting Results
The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, although natural aging and lifestyle factors can still affect the breasts over time. Maintenance is minimal, and with proper care, the positive effects of a breast lift can be enjoyed for years to come.
Customized Procedure
We personalize each breast lift procedure to meet your specific goals and preferences, ensuring you achieve the desired outcome. Utilizing the latest in medical technology and procedural techniques, each breast lift surgery is fine-tuned to deliver results that align with your individual expectations.
Breast Lift Before and After
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Breast Lift Considerations
Some patients are pleased overall with the size of their breasts but wish a change in shape. For them, a breast lift may be adequate. However, it’s important to know what a breast lift will or will not do for you.Â
Although it will reposition the nipple and tighten up the lower pole of the breast, it will not typically give a lot of upper pole fullness. Therefore, many patients will choose to undergo breast augmentation at the same time as a breast lift/mastopexy to improve the fullness of the cleavage as well as the upper pole. Many of these patients will have lost volume over time and simply want to re-establish their natural size and shape.
It is not uncommon that over time the skin and tissue of the breast develop some laxity and degree of “drooping” or “sagging.” This may simply occur as the breast matures but more commonly is related to major fluctuations in weight, stretched tendons, or changes in the breast related to pregnancy. The shape of the breast and the location of the nipple give us very definite landmarks to help determine if a mastopexy is recommended. If your nipple seems to lie lower than the fold beneath your breast as you stand up, we may suggest a lift.
Breast Lift Procedure
All breast lift, or mastopexy, procedures require an incision around the nipple and generally down the middle of the breast (lollipop). Some patients require an incision along the fold beneath the breast as well, depending on the shape of their breasts and the amount of excess skin. Adding a breast implant at the time of the lift generally enables Dr. Murphy to decrease the length of the incisions. Dr. Murphy has expertise in short scar techniques for breast lift/mastopexy and reduction procedures. For those opting for a no-implant breast lift, the surgery will focus more on removing excess skin and reshaping the existing breast tissue.
The procedure typically takes between two and three hours, although this can vary based on individual needs and complexity. After the incisions are made, the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted, and excess skin is removed to achieve the desired contour and elevation. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, and you’ll be moved to a recovery room for monitoring before going home.
More Information About the Types of Incision
- Donut Lift Method: Also referred to as the “circular incision,” this procedure employs a lone cut encircling the areola. This approach is frequently recommended for individuals seeking a minimal elevation of the breast.
- Lollipop Technique: Characterized by two cuts — one surrounding the nipple and another descending vertically to the inframammary fold — the incisions together resemble the shape of a lollipop. This method is typically employed for medium-level breast lifts.
- Anchor-Shaped Cut: This complex approach involves a trio of incisions: one encircling the areola, a second running vertically to the breast crease, and a third following the contour of the breast crease itself. This is the go-to technique for substantial lifts and extensive breast reshaping.
- Crescent Method: This entails a semi-circular cut situated just above the areola and is most appropriate for minor adjustments to breast position.
- Short Scar Technique: This technique minimizes scarring by reducing the length of the incisions required, ideal for select patients who are wary of more noticeable scarring.
Breast Lift Recovery
The breast lift, or mastopexy, procedure is typically performed under sedation with local anesthesia, and after about an hour in recovery, patients are discharged to home. If a breast augmentation is performed at the same time the recovery will be similar to that of just a breast augmentation. Recovery is a little quicker with a breast lift/mastopexy alone, and most patients are back to full daily activities within two or three days and full exercising by seven to ten days.
To further facilitate your breast lift recovery, we will likely advise you to wear a surgical or sports bra for the first few weeks to provide optimal support. We may also recommend gentle exercises to improve blood circulation and potentially speed up healing. Pain management usually involves over-the-counter medication or prescribed meds, as per your tolerance and needs.Â
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan. The aim is to ensure a smooth and efficient healing process post-breast lift procedure, getting you back to your regular routine as seamlessly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lifts
Will a Breast Lift Change the Size of My Breasts?
A breast lift primarily focuses on improving shape and position rather than altering breast size. However, some excess skin may be removed during the procedure, which can lead to a slight reduction in breast volume. If you desire both a lift and increased breast size, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation using implants.
How Long Do the Results of a Breast Lift Last?
While a breast lift can provide long-lasting results, the natural aging process and factors such as weight fluctuations can still impact the appearance of your breasts over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight can help prolong the benefits of your breast lift.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are women who have experienced sagging or loss of breast shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging. Being in good overall health and having realistic expectations about the procedure’s results is essential.
What Other Surgeries Can Be Combined With a Breast Lift?
Combining surgeries can sometimes be a beneficial approach for comprehensive results. A breast lift with implants can add both volume and elevation to your breasts. A breast reduction and lift is another popular option for those who want to reduce the size of their breasts while also correcting sagging. A breast lift can also be part of a mommy makeover, a suite of procedures aimed at restoring a woman’s body post-childbirth. It’s essential to consult with your surgeon to determine the most effective combination to achieve your aesthetic goals.
How Should I Prepare for My Breast Lift?
Preparation is key for a smooth breast lift experience. It usually involves a comprehensive consultation where your medical history, lifestyle factors, and expectations are discussed. Lab tests might be ordered to assess your general health status. We will recommend that you quit smoking and stop taking certain medications like blood thinners, as directed by your surgeon. Also, arranging for someone to drive you home post-procedure is essential for safety reasons.
How Do I Choose the Right Surgeon for My Breast Lift?
Choosing the right surgeon is important for the success of any breast lift procedure. Credentials, experience, and a portfolio of successful surgeries should be your primary criteria. The surgeon should be board-certified and operate in an accredited facility to ensure the highest standards of care and safety. Communication is also key; the surgeon should be willing to answer all your questions and make you feel comfortable throughout the process. A pre-surgery consultation can provide valuable insight into whether a surgeon aligns with your expectations and needs.
Achieve Youthful and Uplifted Breasts With a Breast Lift in Denver, CO
At Murphy Plastic Surgery in Denver, CO, we are committed to helping you achieve the youthful and uplifted breasts you desire through our exceptional breast lift procedures. We bring extensive experience, expertise, and a personalized approach to each patient.
If you’re considering a breast lift and want to discuss your options in a confidential, no-pressure environment, we’re here to assist you. Schedule your consultation today to explore how you can achieve the results you’re seeking. You can reach us online through our contact form or call us directly at (303) 788-8400. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!