Who Is a Good Candidate?
The decision to receive a breast lift is highly personal. We recommend that our patients only go through with the procedure for themselves and not to try and please someone else. It’s important that all patients considering a breast lift have reasonable expectations on the results, as the results can vary from patient to patient.
That being said, the ideal patient for a breast lift procedure is someone who:
- Does not smoke
- Has one breast that is lower than the other
- Has breasts that have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous
- Has nipples or areolas that point downward
- Has stretched skin around the breast or enlarged areolas
- Is physically healthy and maintains a stable weight
There are many factors that can contribute to the need for a breast lift. While some people naturally have breasts that sag slightly, some may develop sagging breasts after losing weight or having children. Regardless of the reason for needing a breast lift, we ask that all of our patients are healthy and do not smoke, as both can affect how you recover after the procedure.
Preparing for the Procedure
Once you decide that a breast lift is the right option for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. A consultation is a necessary step in the process, as it gives you a chance to sit down with your doctor, discuss how the procedure is performed, go over your options, and ask any questions that you might have regarding risks, recovery, and more.
After your consultation, your doctor will work with you to schedule a time for your procedure. They will also give you a list of instructions that you should follow to prepare yourself for the procedure and reduce the risk of complications. For example, your doctor may instruct you to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements
- Adjust your current medications
- Get a baseline mammogram before and after surgery to detect any future changes in your breast tissue
Procedure Steps
On the day of your procedure, you will go to the hospital and a nurse will prepare you for the surgery and then bring you to the operating room. During the procedure, you have the choice of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will advise you on the best option for you.
To perform a breast lift, there are a few different approaches that your surgeon can take. These include:
Peri-Areolar or "Donut" Lift:
This type of incision is recommended for women who have mild sagging but can still benefit from the breast lift procedure. The surgeon will make a circular incision around the edge of the areola, which will result in a barely noticeable scar. This type of incision is often used to reduce the size of the areola and is also commonly performed if the patient chooses to receive a breast augmentation in addition to the breast lift.
Crescent Lift:
This type of lift requires the surgeon to make a small incision halfway around the top of the areola. Many surgeons choose this technique for women with a small amount of sagging or patients who are receiving a breast augmentation in addition to the breast lift.
Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift:
This technique is used for women who have considerable sagging or pendulous breasts, as it allows the surgeon to remove any excess skin or sagging tissue. To perform this technique, the surgeon makes three incisions: one around the edge of the areola, one vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a final incision along the inframammary fold. This type of lift is often used if the patient decides to combine a breast reduction with a breast lift.
Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift:
If the patient has moderate sagging, the surgeon may choose this type of lift. A vertical lift allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and tissue with very moderate scarring. For this type of lift, the surgeon will make two incisions: one around the edge of the areola and one vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.
After the Procedure
Most breast lift procedures take about one or two hours, and you will be able to go home after the surgery is complete. Before you go home, your doctor will provide you with a list of post-op instructions. It is vital that you follow these instructions, as going back to your daily routine too quickly could result in complications with your recovery.
Many patients experience some swelling and soreness after the procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you feel more comfortable, but many patients find that over-the-counter pain medications work just fine after a few days.
During the first few days of your recovery, your doctor may instruct you to wear an elastic bandage or a support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. It is also recommended that you sleep on your back for the first few days following your procedure.
Schedule a Consultation!
At The Vu Center in Portland, we want to ensure that all of our patients are happy and comfortable with each step of the procedure. We are here to support you, so if you have any questions or you are ready to schedule a consultation, give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!