| Dr. Bruce Van Natta and Dr. Christine Kelley are plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctors have answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Breast Lifting.
Q. What is Breast Lifting?
A. Breast lift or mastopexy is basically a skin tightening procedure most often performed following childbearing when the skin has stretched and often, the volume diminished resulting in a deflated look to the breast. As with most cosmetic surgery, surgeon's experience has a huge impact on the result. Be sure to ask the surgeons about their experience and complication rates,ask to see before and after photos and be sure all your questions are answered thoroughly.
Q. How is breast lift surgery done?
A. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours for me to perform. A pattern is marked on the skin of the breast, the excess skin is removed and the glandular part of the breast is pushed up, repositioning the nipple higher and reshaping the breast mound to a more youthful appearance. The typical incisions are aroung the areola, a vertical incision from the six o'clock position of the areola to the bottom of the breast and in the breast crease. These usually heal well and become much less noticeable over time.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
A. Recovery typically is just a few days with patients up and around the day of surgery. Most patients are pleasantly surprised to find that there is actually very little pain associated with this procedure, but rather describe a feeling of burning or stinging which is easily controlled with mild pain meds or motrin. We do restrict people from excessive reaching or stretching, but typical "activities of daily living" such as showering, washing your hair, light housework, etc, are allowed.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?
A. Any woman who is a healthy non-smoker and desires a more perky, youthful appearance to her breast and is willing to accept the scars. A lift alone will not provide longterm upper breast fullness. If superior fullness and roundness is desired an implant typically must be used.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
A. As with any surgical procedure there are of course some risks including infection, bleeding and scars as well as a chance or healing problems, but these are fortunately quite rare.
Q. How long do the results last?
A. The results are quite long lasting unless the patient has another pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
A. Depending on the case, costs typically range from $6200-6600 all inclusive of anesthesia, room charges and surgeons fees. Remember, the best surgeons aren't usually the cheapest-- they don't need to discount to attract patients. A good "deal" doesn't look so good when you have to have additional surgery with significant additional expense. This a big investment for the rest of your life-- don't be tempted to cut corners!
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