If you suffer from ptosis, or droopy breasts, you are not alone. Weight loss, pregnancy or breast-feeding all contribute to saggy breasts. You may be a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery, a popoular body contouring procedure which raises and firms your breasts.
Wondering if breast lift surgery is a permanent solution?
The effects of breast lift are long lasting, but not strictly permanent.
Will I need another breast lift in the future?
If you follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions, the results of your breast lift will be long lasting. Over time, your breasts will continue to change due to the effects of aging and gravity. As a result, you may require another breast lift at some point in the future.
If you maintain a steady weight and follow a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to keep the look of your breasts. If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation period.
The changes that occur during pregnancy may reverse the results of your breast lift surgery. Likewise, if you plan to lose weight, you should also mention this before you undergo surgery.
What does breast lift surgery involve?
Your breast lift surgery will take place while you are under a general anesthetic. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure.
Your surgeon will remove your excess skin and lift your breast tissue up into a suitable position. He will also reposition your nipples higher on your chest wall. If you have lost a considerable amount of breast fullness, you may require breast implants. In this case, your surgeon will place your implants underneath your muscle tissue.
After reshaping your breasts and removing excess skin, your surgeon will tighten the remaining skin before closing your incisions.
Your surgeon will aim to conceal your incisions in your natural contours. However, some permanent scars may be visible on the surface of your breasts.
Next, your plastic surgeon may insert small drains to remove fluid from under your skin to speed up the healing process. These drains will remain in position for 24 to 48 hours.
What should I expect during the postoperative period?
Within the first 48 hours, your surgeon will wish to see you to ensure that the nipple looks pink in color and has a good blood supply. In the days following your surgery, you may feel a little sore and uncomfortable. You will need to wear a support bra 24 hours a day, for at least four weeks, to keep your breasts in position as they heal.
In the week following your surgery, you may require pain-relieving medications. You may receive antibiotics if you’re at risk of infection.
Once you have returned home, you will need to limit your activity. Avoid activities that could impair the healing process. Your surgical team will remove your sutures within two to three weeks of your surgery. This enables the shape and positioning of your breasts to settle.
While the results of your surgery will be immediately visible, your breasts will continue to heal over time.
Read more about breast lift recovery time and recovery process.
Will I suffer breast lift permanent scars?
Following your breast lift, permanent scars will result. Your scars may look firm and pink for at least six weeks, and may take up to two years to fade in color. Your surgeon may recommend silicone-based products or steroid injections. Laser treatments also help you to resolve problems posed by symptomatic breast lift permanent scars.
Read more about breast lift scarring.
Considering a Breast Lift?
Contact our plastic surgery clinic in Barrie, fourty minutes north of Toronto and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Dickie.
We offer our patients a personable approach to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. We proudly offer plastic surgery services to Barrie, Collingwood, Sudbury, Orillia, Huntsville, Bracebridge and surrounding areas.