Cosmetic Surgery DFW · Fort Worth, Texas
Cosmetic Surgery DFW · Fort Worth, Texas
Eighteen of the most common breast lift questions, answered in one place.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that lifts sagging breasts, improving their elevation, contour, and shape. It is one of the most popular procedures included in a Mommy Makeover.
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of complementary body-contouring procedures. These almost always include mastopexy and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and — based on your goals — may also include breast augmentation, breast reduction, fat grafting, Brazilian Butt Lift, labiaplasty, or liposuction via S.A.F.E. Lipo.
By no means. Some women choose to combine breast augmentation with mastopexy, but implants are never required. Many mothers only want a subtle increase in breast volume, which can often be achieved with fat grafting.
Fat grafting starts with liposuction from an area you’d like to slim (we look for at least an inch of pinchable fat). The fat is then purified and injected into a region you wish to augment, such as the breasts or buttocks — giving a more natural look than implants. We inject a little extra because some of the fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body.
A Brazilian Butt Lift uses fat grafting (or, less commonly, implants) to augment the size, shape, and position of the buttocks. If your buttocks are flat, too small, or sagging, you may be an ideal candidate.
Your breasts are sanitized and incision points are marked while you’re standing to plan the new position of your nipples. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made around the areola; your breasts are lifted and reshaped, the areolas repositioned, and excess skin removed for a firmer appearance. Areola size can also be reduced if desired.
Recovery is straightforward. You’ll receive antibiotics and analgesics, wear a wire-free surgical bra for two to three weeks, sleep on your back propped up with pillows, and avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for two to four weeks.
You should see initial results a few weeks post-op, with the final shape of your breasts becoming apparent around two to twelve months later.
Results can easily last a decade, especially when the procedure is performed at a younger age. Because sagging is often caused by inelastic skin from natural aging, results may not last as long for those who have the procedure later in life.
Stay as healthy as you can: hydrate well, eat a nutrient-rich diet, and maintain a stable weight, since drastic weight changes can stretch the skin and lead to renewed sagging.
We’ll review your medical history and aesthetic goals and perform a physical exam to confirm you’re healthy enough for the procedure. Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take, as some can thin the blood.
Avoid NSAIDs and aspirin for 72 hours beforehand, along with MAOIs and blood-thinning supplements such as St. John’s Wort, vitamin E, and fish oil. We’ll provide a complete list at your consultation.
Avoid any blood-thinning drugs or supplements for at least 72 hours. You may take Tylenol and the analgesics prescribed to you for discomfort.
The best candidates are non-smokers. You must avoid all nicotine for two to six weeks before and after surgery (including patches and gum). Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can compromise healing and results.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers who do not drink alcohol excessively, have fairly elastic skin, are generally healthy, and are dissatisfied with the position of their breasts and nipples or the size of their areolas.
You don’t need to be perfectly healthy, but let us know if you have an active infection or illness requiring antibiotics within two weeks of surgery. A well-rested, well-nourished, and hydrated body recovers best.
We often recommend arnica supplements to help minimize swelling. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy mix of soluble and insoluble fiber will also keep you comfortable during recovery.
Preparation begins with a consultation to confirm you’re an ideal candidate. Schedule any baseline mammogram and dental work beforehand, arrange a ride to and from our office, and have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours, since you cannot drive for 24 hours after general anesthesia.