After weight gain and loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or age, your breasts may lose volume and start to sag. Other factors can also contribute to breast tissue laxity and sagging, including sun damage, time, genetics, and exposure to environmental toxins.
A breast lift procedure can help improve the position of your breasts giving you a more youthful appearance or correcting an asymmetry in the size or shape of your breasts. Your reasons for considering a breast lift are personal, but it is crucial you choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. If you are considering a breast lift in Walnut Creek, we encourage you to call the office and schedule a consultation.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is performed to remove the extra sagging skin of the breast, and to lift the nipples back into the correct position. In addition, the areola can be made smaller if it has enlarged over time. A breast implant may also be used to provide fullness to the upper part of the breast that may diminish over time.
A breast lift procedure is highly individualized and should be done to satisfy yourself and not to fulfill someone else’s desires. Good candidates are physically healthy and have attained their desired weight. You may be bothered by the sagging appearance of your breasts and have pendulous breasts with a flatter shape.
When you are not wearing a bra, your nipples are below the breast crease and the nipples point downward. Sometimes, one breast is lower than the other, and a breast lift procedure can help restore symmetry.
The ideal candidate also does not smoke. Nicotine use can increase your risk of complications during surgery or the recovery period. This includes any type of nicotine, such as vaping, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, or nicotine patches.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eberlin removes skin and reshapes the breast tissue, which raises and firms the breasts. The types of incisions vary, but when we can, they are made in areas that are not as visible.
There are several techniques we use to perform a breast lift:
The ‘“anchor” incision: used in patients with significant ptosis (droopiness) to their breast, the incision goes around the nipple, straight down, and then follows under the crease of the breast.
The “lollipop” incision: for moderate levels of ptosis, the scar goes around the nipple, then straight down to the crease of the breast.
The “donut” incision: for small levels of ptosis, the scar goes around the nipple only.
We take great care to minimize the scars, and we use surgical techniques to keep the breast looking natural with a normal, round areola. The scars will fade with time, but they are permanent.
This procedure takes approximately 3 hours. All incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches under the skin that don’t have to be removed. Drains are not needed. You will be placed in a post-surgical bra to add support and reduce swelling in the area. This also helps your breasts sit in the correct position. You typically go home the same day.
After returning home from your breast lift procedure in Walnut Creek, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. This typically lessens over the next few weeks. The discomfort can be managed with prescription medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by Dr. Eberlin.
You should take it easy and avoid strenuous activity and extensive upper body movements for several weeks to prevent strain on the healing incisions. It is crucial to follow your postoperative instructions to reduce the risk of complications, such as infection. Your follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your process and address concerns.
Suggested time off work: 7-10 days from work/major social activities
Walking: Walking is encouraged on the same day as surgery
Exercise: Light exercise can be started 14 days after surgery
Your initial results can be seen immediately, but the final results typically take several months as the swelling subsides and your breast tissue heals. You often notice the final shape and position emerge in several months and improvements will continue up to a year as the scars mature and fade.
How long your results last depend on several factors, including your skin’s elasticity and how well you follow postoperative instructions. Lifestyle factors that affect the longevity of the results include significant weight fluctuations, smoking, nicotine, and sun exposure.
A breast lift procedure in Walnut Creek can improve breast appearance, but the aging process continues so your breasts naturally change over time. On average, most people enjoy the outcome for many years. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Eberlin.
