Breast Lift with Implants

The Procedure

Many factors can affect the shape and firmness of your breasts including loss of skin elasticity, gravity, weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Patients who are satisfied with the volume or size of their breasts may benefit from a breast lift which will restore a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may desire an increase in breast size and fullness in addition to a lift, in these cases a breast implant in addition to a lift may be beneficial.

Your Surgical Experience

Dr. Simon and his office staff will make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Breast lift is performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Before & After Gallery

Good Candidates for Breast Lift

Breasts that are pendulous or sagging, 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

Some patients may have significant asymmetry (differences) between their breast sizes and shapes which may be addressed with a breast lift. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Some women may elect to have breast surgery prior to having children. Breast lift surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed; this point will be discussed at your consultation.

Incision Placement

A common method of lifting the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision is horizontal beneath the breast and follows the natural curve of the breast crease. Dr. Simon always tries to limit the length of surgical scars while not compromising the improvement in contour. Commonly, the breast lift will be performed without the horizontal scar. In some cases, especially when implants are placed in conjunction with a lift, the scar can be limited to that which surrounds the areola only.

The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breastfeed in most cases. The areola size is typically reduced.

CERTIFIED BY

The Consultation Process

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast shape and size. Dr. Simon will discuss your options regarding different techniques, the placement of incisions, and whether or not breast implants should be considered. Dr. Simon will spend as much time as necessary to make you feel completely comfortable about your decision and answer all of your questions.

What to Expect After Surgery

You will see Dr. Simon for a follow up appointment 1-2 days after the surgery. The surgical bra will be removed at that time and further instructions will be given. You will be permitted to shower after this visit. Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.

Post-op Activity Restrictions

Dr. Simon’s patients typically return to their normal daily activities the day after surgery. However, you will need to restrict any strenuous activity for a week and there will be no lifting anything over 5-10 lbs for the first 2 weeks. Activities and exercise that involve the chest muscles, running, and jumping is restricted for 4-6 weeks. You may be instructed to wear a surgical bra for several weeks.

Long Term Results

The goal of breast lift surgery is to make your breasts firmer and more uplifted including repositioning your nipple and areola into a more aesthetically pleasing location.

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 lift are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.

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 lift procedure to restore their more youthful contour and appearance.

Risks

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Simon at the time of your consultation. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Following a breast lift, 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.