| Dr. Neal Reisman 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 involves returning the breast shape to a more youthful appearance. The sagging may be only around the nipple-areola, entire breast, breast bottom, or combinations of all three. Sometimes adding volume alone correct what appears to be a droopy appearance. Volume today may include breast implants, as well as using your own "stem cells" as in Fat Grafting to fill out the borders of the breast placing these grafts around the breast for improved shape.
Q. How is breast lift surgery done?
The surgery tightens the internal breast structures, removes excess skin and improves the draping and overall shape. The scars may be minimal on the top of the areola, around the areola, or curved from the areola to the bottom of the breast. This depends on how loose and stretchy you are. The overall shape is important. The surgeries can be performed as an office procedure to involving a general anesthetic, but a quick recovery usually is involved.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
Fortunately, these procedures have a quick and usually minimally uncomfortable recovery. Usually you can bathe within a few days, and resume more normal activities also within a few days, but exercise after 2-3 weeks.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?
The ideal candidate is a healthy, non-smoker, who has good tissue and seeks a natural appearance. The level and necessary extent of the surgery depends on your goals and how much loose skin you have. The biggest choice is whether your volume of breast tissue is adequate for "you". If so, tightening your skin envelope around your breast helps dramatically, despite the scaring, which is inevitable.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
There can be risks and these procedures should not be performed in smokers. One should avoid wine, Aspirin, Motrin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks before surgery. It is important to evaluate the breast for any nipple discharge or lumps in advance, and sometimes a Mammogram is suggested. These skin procedures usually do not have any affect on breast lumps or cancer detection. There can be healing issues and excessive scarring depending on technique, experience, and how you heal.
Q. How long do the results last?
They begin to "start" not lasting the minute the last stitch is placed, as you control how much laxity or droop you have. The quality of skin and stretchability is yours and is genetic. Lifts help bring you back to a more youthful appearance, but will not stop the aging process. Basically, if you have good quality skin, they may last for years.
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
The costs vary greatly, from an office procedure of a small areolar lift which may cost $1,000. to a full lift which may cost over $6,000 plus hospital and anesthesia. Only you and your surgeon together can arrive on a procedure that fits your goals, lifestyle, and pocketbook. A consultation answers all the questions, as well as checks you for any lumps or warning signs that may be present.
|
