Optional medical procedures: what to expect from a breast lift

Normally an outpatient procedure (sometimes, there may be a short hospital stay), a breast lift makes breasts firmer and alters the breast’s shape into a more attractive form. Often, many people find that a bra is no longer needed, and self-confidence is boosted due to having a better fit in clothes. However, one should note that a breast lift only temporarily counteracts the effects of age and gravity, and, despite a breast lift, time again eventually will affect how breasts look and feel.

A breast lift usually takes between two and four hours, but more complex cases can require more time. Because general anesthesia is applied during a breast lift, the patient is asleep during the procedure. A breast lift does leave permanent scars, but the scars will fade and can be hidden by clothing.

What generally happens during a common breast lift:

The most common breast lift procedure involves three incisions, which combine to make the shape of an anchor. The first incision goes around the areola. The second incision goes downward, in a vertical fashion, from the nipple to the crease beneath the breast. The third incision then goes somewhat horizontally—following the breast’s natural curve.

After these three incisions are complete, the doctor then removes unwanted skin, moves the areola to a new, different position, and brings the skin—which was above the areola in the old position—down and together to give a new shape to the breast.

When the operation ends, the surgeon may put a small drainage tube under the breast’s skin in order to drain the blood and fluids that could have collected. All incisions are closed with small stitches.

After a Breast Lift: The First Week:

After the breast lift procedure, the incisions are covered with bandages made of gauze material, with either a surgical bra or an elastic bandage placed over the gauze.

During the first week, the bandages and drainage tubes are removed, but a soft support bra is worn for several weeks. Patients should expect their breasts to be swollen and bruised for a few weeks, and they will experience some pain and discomfort for a week or more after the procedure. Prescribed pain medication is usually effective in controlling the pain.

What to Expect After a Few Weeks

Stitches from a breast lift are removed within one to two weeks, and the patient is able to return to work two weeks after surgery. However, many breast lift patients report that it takes several weeks for them to feel “completely recovered,” so it is important to limit exercise and other physical activities during the recovery period. Sexual activity or any activity that involves arousal also must be avoided for the duration of the recovery period, as the arousal and activity can cause breasts to hurt. Often, breasts and nipples are either less sensitive or have no feeling, but sensation returns after several weeks or within a few months.

Slow Healing, Good Results

It is normal for people to feel somewhat depressed after a breast lift, particularly with the swollen and bruised nature of the breasts. This feeling passes in time, but one must note that healing is slow and gradual. While dramatic changes in the shape of the breasts are apparent immediately, the full results of the breast lift may not be seen until many months have passed.

As support, a bra should be worn for a few months, but underwire bras must be avoided as they can cause damage to the postoperative breast tissue. There are cases where the numbness that follows the procedure persists and becomes permanent.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks with a breast lift. Such risks include bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, infection, mismatched breasts, unevenly positioned nipples, loss of feeling in the nipples or breasts.