| Dr. David Kaufman is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Breast Lifting.
Q. What is Breast Lifting?
Breast lifting is a surgical procedure designed to lift the breast gland and reshape it into a more aesthetic, youthful body feature. In the process, often the breast gland is reduced in volume (to the degree the patient desires) and lifted, while the skin is appropriately reduced to compliment the reshaped breast mound. The areola (dark skin surrounding the nipple) is also reduced in diameter to be in better proportion with the rest of the breast. For women whose breasts are deflated from nursing, an implant can be used in conjunction with a breast lift in order to give the patients their desired outcome. The procedure takes about 3 hours and is usually done as an outpatient.
Q. How is breast lift surgery done?
The procedure takes about 3 hours and is done as an outpatient. Breast tissue is reshaped and either removed or augmented with an implant, depending on the patient's desires. The skin is redraped and the areola repositioned in a more youthful location.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
The procedure is very well tolerated by most patients and pain is relatively minimal. People feel good in a week and most can go back to light activity/work at that time. Full activities are resumed at 6 weeks.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?
Any healthy, non-smoker who feels her breasts are droopy or "old appearing" is a good candidate. People with neck pain, back pain, shoulder furrows, or rashes under the breasts are especially good candidates. Interestingly, breast lift surgery has a very high degree of patient satisfaction. It's just not a problem you can fix without surgical help!
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
The risks of breast reduction are poor scarring, nipple sensitivity loss, asymmetry... as well as those associated with any procedure such as medication reactions, anesthesia complications, etc.
Q. How long do the results last?
The results are generally long lasting. It's an operation most patients need to do only once in a lifetime. The results are maintained best if a supportive bra is worn and good breast care is practiced. Gravity is not a breast's best friend!
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
The fee for breast lift surgery ranges from $7k to $10k depending on the size and complexity of the procedure, and whether or not implants are used. That fee includes professional fee, operating room, and all associated visits. It does not include post-operative medications. |
