The Art of Breast Reshaping
Age, weight loss, or pregnancy can diminish the skin’s natural elasticity. Combined with the natural effects of gravity, these factors cause the breasts to sag and begin to lose their shape and firmness.
For women who would like to achieve youthful, rejuvenated breasts again, a breast lift in Washington, D.C can be performed to raise the breasts on the chest wall, lift the nipple position, and reshape the tissues, resulting in a perky, attractive appearance.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that elevates sagging breasts to achieve a youthful, lifted contour. A breast lift addresses the breasts to achieve a higher, tighter appearance and may also reposition the nipples to create a more upturned tilt and a renewed, attractive appearance.
Unlike a breast augmentation procedure, a breast lift isn’t about making the breasts larger. A breast lift focuses instead on lifting and shaping the breasts and areolae to be more balanced and proportional. This can also help with back and neck pain.
What are the benefits of a breast lift in Bethesda?
A breast lift is a popular procedure that can result in transformative effects for women who would like to reverse the changes in their breasts that come over time, whether caused by significant weight loss, pregnancy, and nursing, or age. A breast lift helps women regain their youthful, attractive breast shape and bounce. Benefits include the following:
- An elevated, firmer breast appearance
- Smaller, more proportionate areolae
- Better breast shape and symmetry
- Attractively upward-tilting nipples
- Enhanced cleavage
- A more attractive fit in clothing
- More youthful breast projection
Who is a candidate for a breast lift?
Women who have sagging breasts and would like to achieve a lifted, firmer breast contour are typically good candidates for a breast lift in Washington, D.C. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:
- Are generally in good health
- Do not smoke
- Are not taking or can safely stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Breasts sag and droop
- Breasts appear flat or deflated
- Nipples are low on the breast mound or point downward
Breast lift incision types
A breast lift is usually performed under general anesthesia within about two or three hours. The incision placement depends on the type of breast you have, either crescent, periareolar, vertical, or Wise pattern.
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Crescent
A crescent mastopexy is for women with only a very small degree of sagging. It is also performed for women who would like to correct slightly asymmetric nipples and areolae. A crescent of skin is removed from the upper half of the areola to give a slight lift.
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Periareolar
Periareolar breast lift surgery is also called “doughnut” mastopexy. With this technique, a ring of skin is removed from around the areola, and the remaining skin is cinched in. The final incision line is limited to the edge of the areola.
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Vertical
A vertical mastopexy allows the nipple to be lifted further than the crescent and periareolar procedures. For a vertical breast lift, the incision is made around the areola and extends down to the breast crease.
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Wise Pattern (Full)
A Wise pattern (full) mastopexy allows reshaping of the entire skin envelope. This type of breast lift achieves the most dramatic lift of the nipple and removes more excess breast skin than any other breast lift procedure. The incision is made around the areola, then vertically down to the breast crease, and also in the crease underneath the breasts.
Your breast lift consultation
During your breast lift consultation at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, your doctor will examine your breasts and skin and review your medical history. You will have a chance to discuss your concerns about your breasts and your aesthetic goals for their appearance.
Your surgeon will explain the breast lift procedure in detail and lay out your options for potential other breast enhancements that are often combined with a breast lift, such as breast augmentation with implants or with a fat transfer. You will be able to ask any questions you might have during this time. Your surgeon will spend time with you to ensure you feel completely prepared and confident about your breast lift in Washington D.C.
Breast lift procedure
Before putting you under anesthesia, we will mark the areas of your breasts that will be addressed during your procedure. To help minimize discomfort after the procedure, we will inject long-acting local anesthesia. Through the incision made, the contours and firmness of the breasts are improved, and excess skin is removed. The breasts are lifted higher on the chest wall, and if needed, the nipples are repositioned to sit higher on the breasts and tilt upward.
Once the procedure is complete, your surgeon will place a compression dressing over your breasts, which will help reduce swelling and will encourage your breasts to heal well in their new shape and contours.
Breast Lift Aftercare instructions
After your surgery is complete, we will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help you recover and heal well. These instructions will include the following:
- Take the medication prescribed by your surgeon based on their instructions.
- Avoid physical exertion or strain of any kind, including bending, lifting, or reaching.
- Sleep on your back to keep weight off your breasts.
- Do not exercise or have sex for one to two weeks.
- Get plenty of rest to allow yourself to heal.
- Take short, gentle walks to keep your blood circulating.
What other procedures can be combined with a breast lift?
A breast lift procedure is commonly combined with other surgeries to improve the appearance of the breasts more completely or to achieve a broader effect by including different areas of the body.
Procedures that are commonly combined with a breast lift are breast reduction, breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, and arm lift. These procedures are often a part of a mommy makeover, performed to achieve a more youthful, fresh appearance for the female physique overall.
Why Choose The Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington for a Breast Lift?
At The Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, the environment is private, luxurious, understanding, and professional. Our world-class cosmetic practice includes the benefit of highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons who value exceptional quality and individualized patient care. Your breast lift will be performed at our fully accredited in-office surgery center with board-certified anesthesiologists and attended by hand-picked support staff who are committed to providing outstanding patient care.
Breast Lift FAQ
How much does a breast lift cost?
The cost of a breast lift depends on the type and extent of the surgery required to achieve your aesthetic goals and whether other procedures are combined with your breast lift.
Will a breast lift leave scars?
After your scars have healed, they will fade to a flat, white line from the areola to the crease below the breast.
What’s the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift?
During breast augmentation, implants are typically inserted to achieve fuller, rounder breasts. During a breast lift, sagging tissues are removed, and the breasts are lifted higher on the chest wall to achieve a perky, youthful, and lifted appearance.
What are the limitations during recovery?
Women will not be able to lift anything over five pounds, exercise, or do anything strenuous until they are healed.
What are the possible risks and complications?
A breast lift has the same potential risks and complications typically associated with surgery, such as bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, infection, poor wound healing, unfavorable outcome, and others.
What is capsular contracture?
The scar tissue that forms around implants can become infected and harden, causing the breasts to feel tight and painful. This is called capsular contracture.
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