Whether due to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or simply gravity, many women find that their breasts no longer sit as high or look as firm as they once did. Dr. Ryan Diederich performs mastopexy, the medical term for a breast lift, to give his patients a more youthful breast shape and appearance by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the areola.
Ideal candidates for breast lifts are the following:
- Sagging Breasts: Due to aging, gravity, or after breastfeeding.
- Nipple and Areola Changes: Nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease.
- Loss of Volume: Post-pregnancy or significant weight loss leading to deflated breasts.
- Asymmetry: Uneven breasts that could be corrected with a lift.
A breast lift is able to create a more youthful appearance of the breast; however, it will not change the size of the breast. In fact, the breast can sometimes appear slightly smaller after the procedure. A breast lift is also unable to guarantee upper breast fullness. To provide upper breast fullness that lasts, a breast implant would be necessary.
Before your procedure:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation as needed.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications, as recommended.
- Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue.
- Stop smoking at least 6 weeks in advance of your breast surgery and also 6 weeks after.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements. Ask your primary care physician if stopping medication is ok.
- Get your pre- and post-surgery checklist.
- Pick up your prescriptions so they are ready on surgery day.
- Pre-Op instructions will be provided before the procedure. Please read these thoroughly for additional information.
Breast lift surgery is usually on an outpatient basis. You will come to the hospital in the morning and be able to leave after your procedure is completed. You are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your surgery. Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital on surgery day. You will also need someone to stay with you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
After the surgery is completed, dressings will be applied to the incisions and a surgical bra placed. You will come to the office the day after your surgery for follow up and we will remove the bandages for you. You may be sore for a few weeks and may also experience slight swelling and bruising. Recovery is patient dependent. Post-Op Instructions will be provided before the procedure. Please keep these close throughout recovery.
Throughout your surgical journey, Dr. Diederich and his care team will be available to answer any questions you may have and check with you at your follow-up appointments. If you’re looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can schedule a consultation online, or call us at (618) 288-7855 to schedule an appointment.
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