| Dr. Ralph Garramone 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?
A. A breast lift procedure is performed to reshape the breast that is sagging or drooping. The breast tends to sag after pregnancies and breast-feeding and also after a significant weight loss. There is essentially more skin than breast tissue. The primary issue is loss of fullness in the upper part of the breast. In some cases, women associate loss of fullness in the upper part of the breast with sagging or drooping of the breast. That problem alone can be addressed with a breast implant by performing a breast augmentation.
Q. How is breast lift surgery done?
A. A breast lift is necessary when the position of the nipple is too low and that is determined by the position of the nipple essentially in relationship to the fold under the breast. If the nipple is below the level of the fold then a breast lift is usually necessary, a breast augmentation alone will not suffice. A breast lift procedure then reshapes the breast and elevates the position of the nipple areolar complex. Typically, at the end of the procedure there will be a scar completely around the areola, because we usually reduce the diameter of the areola during that procedure and there is typically a vertical scar down to the fold and this is typically referred to as a "lollipop" type of scar. These usually heal very well; however, there is still a scar from the procedure. In the majority of cases an implant is utilized along with the lift to provide projection, shape and most importantly, fullness in the upper part of the breast.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
A. Most patients who have the breast lift will be back to most activities within 3-5 days. Patients who have the breast augmentation along with the lift will require a day or two more than patients who do not have the breast augmentation. After about two weeks, patients can begin light aerobic activities and patients can begin using their arms for exercises etc. at about 3-4 weeks.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
A. There are risks and potential complications to every surgical procedure and in fact to non-surgical procedures as well and this is no different for breast lift surgery. Since the surgery involves changing the shape of the breast and the position of the nipple areolar complex and since, in most cases, and implant is utilized as well, there is also a change in size of the breast and so there can be asymmetries after surgery that involve size, shape and position of the nipple areolar complex. Although I have not had to reoperate on any patient due to asymmetries some degree of asymmetry should be expected after this procedure. In addition, like with any operation there is a small risk of bleeding after surgery, infection, problematic scarring and there is the need for additional surgery in the future.
Q. How long do the results last?
A. Particularly with regard to a breast lift procedure, one has to take into account the tissue elasticity of the patient. We are unable to change this. If the patient needs a breast lift at all they may need another breast lift in the future due to the effects of gravity and the weight of the implant if one is used. The longevity of the procedure will depend on the tissue elasticity of the patient, the type and size implant utilized, if one is utilized and how diligent the patient is at wearing a well supportive bra. I also discourage patients from sleeping in the prone position as this tends to accelerate sagging.
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
A. The total cost for a breast lift is $4,950. This fee includes the fee of the surgeon, anesthesia and facility fee. A corresponding fee for the breast augmentation with a lift is $8,650, which also includes silicone implants.
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