Breast Lift with or without Augmentation, Cosmetic Surgery

The major difference between a breast lift and breast reduction cosmetic surgery is that a breast reduction cosmetic surgery will reduce the overall breast volume and make the breast mounds smaller. A breast lift does not necessarily require that any breast tissue be removed. In fact, some cosmetic breast lift operations are also performed while placing implants for breast augmentation.

Over time, the natural aging process can cause a woman's breasts to sag and lose their shape and firmness. These changes can also result from pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations, and heredity. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes and lifts a woman's breasts. After the breast lift a women can expect firmer, shapelier and more youthful looking breasts.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, lifts and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Sometimes the areola (area around the nipple) becomes enlarged over time and may be reduced to keep it in proportion with the rest of the body.

A breast lift may be appropriate for a female breast that:

* Has lost firmness and skin elasticity
* Sags
* Has a flat, elongated shape
* Has stretched skin and an enlarged areola
* Has a nipple that falls below the breast crease
* Has a nipple and areola that point downward



The surgeon makes an anchor shaped incision along the natural contour of the breast. Working through this incision, the surgeon sculpts the skin and tissue and repositions the nipple to give the breast a new and youthful appearance. Breast lift is usually done on an outpatient basis. It is usually done under general anesthesia, and lasts from one to two hours.

Cessation of all nicotine products is strongly urged three weeks pre and post operatively. Smoking before or following breast lift surgery increases the visibility of scarring and causes problems with healing.

An alternative procedure is the Donut Breast Lift. A "doughnut breast lift" or "donut breast lift" can also be performed, which requires less tissue removal and involves a much quicker recovery time. In this breast lift procedure, the surgeon makes a circular incision around the areola, and a doughnut shaped area of skin is removed. The remaining skin is tightened which lifts the breasts.

Surgeons can also reduce the size of the areola during the procedure. Breast size and your skin quality are determining factors in breast appearance following surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their expectations for the surgery with the surgeon.

You can also have a breast lift with augmentation. Women that have lost firmness can also increase their breast size. Breast implants are added to enhance the size of the breasts. Breast lift with implants is usually done on an outpatient basis.

After surgery you may be asked to wear a support bra for several weeks.Marena Surgical Bra with 2" Elastic Band (F5 Certified Compression Garment)

You may be able to return to work within a week, but avoid any heavy lifting, vigorous exercise as this can stress the incisions and lead to complications such as delayed wound healing or prominent scars. Kelo-cote Scar Gel

The ultimate size of the breast is mainly a personal decision by you. Saying one wants to increase the cup size is inaccurate and is not always reflected in surgery. The best way to pick the correct size is to view photos shown by the physician. The photos will provide a visual idea of how your breasts will finally appear on you.

The surgeon may also demonstrate a breast implant and show you the size, which can be obtained by filling the prosthesis with some liquid. One may place the implant under the bra and get a rough idea what the final image will be like. Every surgeon has a visual of what he or she think is a “pretty breast.” Make sure you agree before having your cosmetic surgery.