Breasts, like other parts of the body, can be greatly affected by gravity. The aging process can eventually cause them to sag and droop, which also makes them appear smaller. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can all cause the same effect, so even younger women may be bothered by sagging breasts. A breast lift performed at the Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center in Green or Beachwood, OH, may be the answer. Dr. Steven Carp performs breast lifts on his patients in Canton, Cleveland, Akron, and the surrounding areas.
A variety of issues can affect the firmness and the shape of your breasts, some of which include gravity, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and loss of skin elasticity. Individuals who do not feel satisfied with their breasts may decide to get a breast lift. This will help to raise the breasts and make them firmer, giving them a more youthful contour.
Many individuals feel unsatisfied because they have lost breast volume over the years. In these cases, a breast lift can be done at the same time implants are inserted to help increase the size of the breasts. This will also help to improve the shape and position of the breasts.
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The Best Candidates for a Breast Lift
A variety of issues can take their toll on a woman’s breasts throughout the years. Pregnancy and nursing are among them, as well as the force of gravity. Also, when the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts can begin to sag. Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a procedure that will help to raise and reshape sagging breasts. A variety of factors will influence how long this procedure will last since nothing can ultimately stop gravity.
Breast lift surgery can also help to reduce the size of the areola, which is the dark skin that surrounds the nipple. Breast implants can also be inserted in conjunction with breast lift surgery to help individuals who have small breasts or who have lost breast volume. These two procedures work together to increase the breast size and firmness. If you are considering breast lift surgery, this page will give you the necessary information, and the results you should expect.
Individuals who are usually considered good candidates for breast lift surgery have the following characteristics:
- Breasts that droop, sag, or are pendulous
- Areolas and nipples that point downward or are positioned below the crease in the breast
These conditions may be inherited or due to breasts have developed differently from one another. It is also possible for there to be differences in the size or shape of each breast.
It is possible for a breast lift to be performed at any age. However, plastic surgeons will usually recommend that the breasts be fully developed before doing surgery. Also, pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly affect the shape and size of the breasts. Despite these issues, some women decide to have breast lift surgery before having children and will address any changes that need to be made later on in life. When the milk ducts and nipples are left completely intact, this surgery will not affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed.
Planning Your Breast Lift Surgery
During your initial consultation, make sure you speak frankly with Dr. Carp about your expectations. Every single patient and every single physician have a different idea of what is a desirable shape for the breasts, as well as breast size. Dr. Carp will make recommendations, which you should consider carefully to achieve the best possible results.
The first thing Dr. Carp will do is examine your breasts. He will then discuss the different options that may affect the outcome of the procedure, such as your age, the condition of your skin, and the shape and size of your breasts. He will also give his opinion about whether or not implants are advisable. The position of the nipple and areola will also be discussed. It is likely that they will be moved higher during a breast lift procedure. After the procedure, they should be even with the crease underneath the breast.
Preparing for Your Breast Lift Surgery
It may be necessary to have a mammogram before surgery. This will depend on your family history and your needs. Dr. Carp will give you specific instructions on how you can prepare for the breast lift procedure, as well as guidelines for eating, drinking, taking medications and vitamins, and smoking.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift procedure normally takes anywhere from one to four hours. The technique Dr. Carp uses will vary based on your specific needs. However, the most common procedure will involve an anchor- shaped incision that will follow the contour of the breast. The incision will outline the area where the breast skin will be removed and will define the new location for the nipple and areola. The skin that surrounds the areola will be brought down to reshape the breast. It is normal for stitches to be placed around the areola, then in a vertical line that extends downward from the nipple, and along the lower crease of the breast.
Those with small breasts and minimal amounts of sagging may undergo procedures that require less extensive incisions. A procedure of this sort is known as the “donut mastopexy. In this surgery, circular incisions are made near the areola, and then skin is removed in the shape of a donut.
After Your Breast Lift Surgery
After the surgery has been performed, patients will wear a surgical bra or an elastic bandage placed over the top of gauze dressings. It is common for the breasts to be swollen, bruised, and uncomfortable for the first day or two after surgery. However, these issues are not likely to be severe. Any discomfort that is felt can normally be relieved with prescription medication provided by Dr. Carp.
After a couple of days, the surgical bra or elastic bandage will be removed and replaced with a soft bra that will support the breasts. This bra will need to be worn 24 hours a day for at least three or four weeks. It will be placed over a layer of gauze.
It is normal for a person to experience some loss of feeling in their breast skin and nipples. This is the result of swelling after the procedure. This side effect will usually go away once the swelling subsides in the next six weeks or more. However, some patients have not regained feeling for more than a year. On rare occasions, this loss of feeling may not subside.
Types of Anesthesia
How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost?
Breast lifts are considered to be elective, so most insurance providers won’t cover the costs. To help make breast lifts affordable and accessible for everyone, Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center offers financing options. We also accept cash, personal checks, and major credit cards.
Getting Back to Normal
The healing process takes place gradually. It is normal for most individuals to be up and around in just a day or two after the surgery. However, you should not plan to return to work for at least one week. It is important to avoid lifting anything over your head for at least three or four weeks after the surgery. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, call our office immediately.
After the surgery, Dr. Carp will give you exact instructions on when and how you can resume normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid sex for at least the first week or more after surgery. Also, you may be asked to avoid strenuous sports for at least a month. Slowly, you can resume some of these activities until you are performing normally again.
Your New Look
Dr. Carp’s goal is to make scars as inconspicuous as possible. However, you must remember that the scars that are the result of breast lift surgery will likely not completely disappear. During the first couple of months, they are often lumpy and red. Over time, they become less obvious and will likely fade to thin white lines.
Something else that should be kept in mind with a mastopexy is that firmness in the breasts is not something that will last forever. Over time, gravity, aging, fluctuations in weight, and pregnancy are going to take their toll on the breasts again. Implants in conjunction with breast lift surgery may help the results last longer.
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
“I decided to have a breast lift & a breast augmentation. Didn’t know what size I wanted, or really anything for that matter, but I trusted Dr. Carp with what he thinks would look best for my body size. Let me just say he nailed it! I love my new body I see in the mirror. I no longer have that longing for change feeling when I see my reflection. I owe it all to Dr. Carp & his staff. Truly the best ! I will only come here for any future procedures I want done. Thank you guys for the BEST, first time, experience 💞👏🏽” – Rachel H.
Breast lift surgery can help you regain a more youthful, flattering shape again. If you’re in the Akron, Cleveland or Canton areas, contact Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center in Green or Beachwood, OH to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Carp.