What is a breast lift?
A breast lift is a procedure that lifts and reshapes your breasts so that the areolae are the most forward-projecting part of the breast. This surgery may be ideal if your breasts have good volume but are sagging.
Dr. Swanson uses a new minimal-incision technique for breast lifts, which keeps scars to a minimum. As an added bonus, this procedure may reduce the size of your areola, the pinking skin surrounding the nipple, which sometimes expands during pregnancy or with weight changes.
Contrary to popular belief, this surgery should not interfere with breastfeeding. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause your breasts to sag again in the future.
For some women, breast augmentation alone will provide the desired result; for others, a combination of a lift plus augmentation is a better option. Dr. Swanson performs a physical exam of your breasts to determine the best options for achieving your cosmetic goals.
How do I know if I need a breast lift?
If you notice your nipple is near the bottom of your breast instead of perched on the most forward-projecting part, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift to reshape the breast tissue. A breast augmentation alone won’t fix this issue.
If you’re happy with the size of your breasts but not their shape, a lift alone will often be enough to achieve your goals. However, if there has been extreme damage to the skin due to pregnancy or weight changes, it may not be possible to get enough upper breast fullness without an implant.
How long does it take to recover from a breast lift?
When you have only a breast lift, you can expect to return to many of your activities within a week. You can begin exercise and more strenuous activity within two weeks. If you swim regularly, it’s important that surface healing is complete before you jump into the pool.
Healing can take 3-4 weeks. Dr. Swanson offers guidance on any other limitations you may have during your recovery.
Time is the best healer of scars. If you have natural color in your skin, Dr. Swanson can apply a bleaching agent to reduce the potential for darkened scars. If you tend to develop thickened or reddened scars, a silicone cream can help.
Book an appointment online or by phone to learn more about the benefits of a breast lift.
