Breast lift before and after pictures of real patients can reveal outstanding results for those who have undergone significant weight fluctuations in the past or moms who are through having children. Breasts that were once sagging and flat now appear higher up on the chest wall, perkier, and more youthful.
If you are thinking about breast lift surgery for yourself, you may be wondering what you can expect on your journey. Below, we’ll outline the ins and outs of this commonly performed plastic surgery procedure, including how to navigate your consultation appointment, what to expect for the procedure itself, and how to prepare for your recovery.
Preparing for Your Breast Lift Consultation
Both before and after breast lift surgery, it’s important to prepare. For nearly all patients, preparation begins with your consultation appointment.
While you can certainly simply show up to this appointment without doing any prep work at home, it’s better to spend some time with your medical files and a notebook first. This will ensure you attain adequate information from this appointment and feel fully informed about moving forward with surgery should you choose to do so.
Start by making a list of any questions you may have. Gather photos of yourself or others to show your surgeon what you want your breasts to look like after surgery.
Finally, make a list of any medical concerns you have, including a list of current medications and supplements you are taking. Have records of past surgeries or medical complications. Your surgeon will want you to be fully transparent with them about your medical history.
At your personal consultation appointment, your surgeon will go over your anatomy, paying close attention to skin elasticity, nipple and areola size and placement, and breast tissue volume. They will ask you questions about your goals, answer your questions, and make recommendations. Be sure to mention if you would like additional procedures performed such as liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, or breast augmentation.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Breast lift surgery begins with a meeting with Dr. Mohan. You can ask any additional questions you may have, and Dr. Mohan will remind you of the surgical steps and initial recovery details.
Next, you will be taken to the operating room where anesthesia will be administered. Dr. Mohan will then make the necessary incisions, remove excess skin, make adjustments to the breast tissue and/or the nipples and areolae, and close your incisions.
Finally, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be closely monitored by our staff. A friend or relative will need to take you home following surgery.
Breast Lift Incisions
There are different types of breast lifts, and each one has a different incision pattern, which will result in subsequent breast lift scars.
For patients who do not require much excess skin removal and breast tissue adjustment, a simple incision around each areola may suffice. For those who require a bit more adjustment, an additional incision may be made down the bottom portion (lower pole) of each breast. This is called a lollipop incision pattern.
Finally, an “anchor breast lift” incision pattern requires a third incision, made along the inframammary crease (breast crease). Incisions are basically never made on the upper pole of the breasts.
How to Prepare for Breast Lift Recovery
The healing process after breast lift surgery is usually fairly quick and straightforward. Initial recovery side effects include swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort and pain. Prescribed pain medications can help to ease soreness and should only be required for a few days with most patients.
For a few weeks, you’ll need to take it easy and rest. Many patients take one to two weeks off from work, depending on the scope of your procedure.
Be sure to have realistic expectations about this surgery, and do not expect to bounce back in one day. You’ll need to refrain from exercise for at least four to six weeks. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions during this time.
FAQ: Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)
When can I exercise after a breast lift?
Most patients are free to start working out again after about four weeks of breast lift recovery time. Exercise, which increases blood flow in the body, can be dangerous and/or compromise your results if performed before this time.
Be aware that you should move slowly as you ease back into physical activity. For example, chest workouts should not be performed right away.
Look up “breast lift exercise before and after” or “breast lift before and after chest workout female [or male]” for examples of safe chest workouts you can do after your breast lift. And as always, check with your surgeon before performing any workout during your recovery.
How much is breast lift surgery?
Breast lift cost varies from surgeon to surgeon, patient to patient, and surgery to surgery. Inquire with your own plastic surgeon specifically for a cost breakdown and overall price estimate.
What will I look like after breast lift surgery?
For examples of how you may look after breast lift surgery, do an online search for before and after photos of actual patients. You’ll be able to see the changes in breast shape and breast volume.
Be sure to specify if you had a unique breast lift procedure performed. For example, search “vampire breast lift before and after photos” if you had a vampire lift. These procedures can be significantly different from traditional breast lifts.
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation Today
Thinking about undergoing a breast lift? It can sometimes be difficult for patients to know whether a breast lift, breast augmentation (breast implants to increase breast volume), breast implant revision, or breast reduction is right for them.
Book a consultation appointment with Dr. Raja Mohan to know for sure which of these surgeries will give you the results and outcome you desire. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mohan is a highly skilled mastopexy specialist and has performed breast surgery on all different types of patients.
Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Mohan. We look forward to your call.