Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?
You may be a good candidate for breast lifts surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
• breasts that lack substance or firmness
• nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease
  

Sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits. In certain cases, the breasts may have developed differently so that one breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their shape. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long-lasting as when the procedure is done on smaller breasts.

A breast lifts can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast lifts surgery before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lifts surgery usually will not affect your ability to breast-feed; however, you should discuss this with Dr. Van Hoy.

Understanding Risks of breast lifts
Fortunately, significant complications from breast liftss are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast lift surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.

I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Van Hoy, or with a staff member at Premier Plastic Surgery.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Following a breast lifts, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. Minor adjustments often can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revisionary surgery may sometimes be helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly.

You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr. Van Hoy, both before and after surgery.

breast lift procedure steps
What happens during breast lifts surgery? Your mastopexy surgery can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of your areolas
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

Step 1 - Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during breast lifts surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Van Hoy will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 - The incision
There are three common incision patterns:

Around the areola

Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

Step 3 - Reshaping your breasts
After Dr. Van Hoy makes the incisions:

• The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
• The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
• If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
• Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.
  

Step 4 - Closing the incisions
After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.

Some incision lines resulting from breast lifts are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

Step 5 - See the results
The results of your breast lifts surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for breasts which have been restored to a more youthful and uplifted position.

Results of a breast lifts
breast lift surgery will make your breasts firmer and more uplifted. The position of your areolas and nipples will be enhanced, and the size of your areolas will be aesthetically pleasing.

The incisions from your breast lift surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your breast lifs are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.

How long will a breast lift last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a second breast lifts procedure to restore their more youthful contour and appearance.

Over time, breasts can lose their elasticity, causing them to droop and sag. A breast lifts can turn back the clock. At the Premier Plastic Surgery Center, your breast lifts can be performed at our convenient Birmingham, Alabama, location.

View before and after pictures of breast lifts procedures by Dr. Van Hoy.
The cosmetic surgery photos in the above link contains partial nudity and may not be appropriate for those under the age of 18.

<< back to procedures