Breast Lift
The following information about Breast Lift Surgery is provided for Pasadena and Upland cosmetic surgery patients courtesy of Dr. Stewart Wang, board certified plastic surgeon.
A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by restoring the lift and shape that is often lost as gravity takes its toll. Through mastopexy (breast lift plastic surgery), Inland Empire surgeon Dr. Wang raises the breasts and repositions the the nipples. The areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may be reduced in size as well. Breast lifts have helped hundreds of Dr. Wang's patients feel more confident and satisfied with their breast apppearance. Read patient testimonials about the honesty, respect and personal attention they received from Dr. Wang through every step of the surgical process.
If you're ready to discuss your breast enhancement options, now is a great time to schedule a comlimentary breast lift consultation with Dr. Wang at our plastic surgery offices, serving Southern California including Pasadena, Arcadia and the Inland Empire. You can request a consultation online or call Wang Plastic Surgery at (888) 360-6688 today to schedule your appointment.
Breast lifts offer excellent results for women with smaller breasts that lack firmness or volume; that are experiencing considerable sagging; and whose nipples and areolas are angled downward. Although all breasts sizes can be lifted, smaller breasts usually achieve longer-term results. Women who are planning a future pregnancy should postpone the procedure, since pregnancy can significantly alter the size of a woman's breasts and reduce the effectiveness of a previous procedure. The procedure does not typically interfere with a woman's ability to breastfeed.
Breast lifts are best for candidates with no serious medical conditions who have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved. When you visit with Riverside, California plastic surgeons, be sure to ask about how they perform the procedure and why they are recommending a particular technique for you.
To help manage and minimize discomfort after surgery, Dr. Wang offers his patients the On-Q PainBuster® Post-Op Pain Relief System. This system consists of a small balloon that pumps anesthetic directly to the surgical site through a tiny tube. Benefits of the On-Q system include:
Automatic and continuous pain management for up to 5 days- Reduced potential for breakthrough pain and need for narcotics
- Compact size for discreet and comfortable use
- Simple removal once all medication has been delivered
With the ON-Q system, you can get back on your feet quickly and enjoy all life has to offer.
What are the common benefits of a breast lift?
Benefits of a breast lift include improvements in the firmness, shape and appearance of the breasts, as well as achieving a more proportional size of the areola. When combined with breast implants, a breast lift can also increase the size and volume of a woman's breasts.
How is this Upland cosmetic surgery procedure performed?
Dr. Wang will determine the best technique for your individual needs. However, breast lifts are typically performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Dr. Wang makes an incision around the areola, another vertical incision from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease beneath the breast and a third horizontal incision that follows the curve of the crease beneath the breast.
After making the incisions, Dr. Wang removes excess breast skin. Then the nipple and areola are raised to a higher position. At this time, the size of the areola can be reduced. If breast implants are desired, they will be inserted in a pocket directly underneath the breast tissue or under the muscle beneath the chest wall. Once the implant has been inserted and the desired position of the areola is achieved, the skin that was formerly above the areola is tucked beneath it to reshape the breast.
Dr. Wang may determine that variations of the incisions are more appropriate for your procedure. In fact, in some instances, it may be acceptable to eliminate both the horizontal incision beneath the breasts, as well as the vertical incision from the bottom edge of the areola. For instance, circular incisions are made in the concentric or "doughnut" mastopexy. Any modifications should be discussed with Dr. Wang prior to the procedure.
How long does a breast lift take?
Breast lifts are usually performed in 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the technique used.
What can I expect after a breast lift?
Immediately after surgery, you will be required to wear either an elastic bandage or a surgical bra above gauze dressings. You will experience scarring, but Dr. Wang will make a conscious effort to conceal the incisions. After surgery, the scars may be lumpy and red for a few months, then become less conspicuous and fade into thin white lines.
What is the recovery period like?
Recovery is different for each patient. You will likely experience some discomfort after surgery, including bruising, swelling and dry skin. These symptoms usually last for about two days, with no severe pain. There may, however, be some numbness in your nipples and breast skin that fades over a period of six weeks or more. Some patients may require a year of more to recover from nipple and skin numbness. In extreme cases, the numbness may be permanent. Read Dr. Wang's advice about recovery from surgery.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
Again, the recovery process is different for each patient. Dr. Wang will give you instructions in returning to your normal routine. Generally, though, you should allow a week or more before returning to work. Do not lift anything above your head for three to four weeks. In addition, you may be asked to avoid sex for up to two weeks and strenuous sports for up to four. Read Dr. Wang's advice about recovery from surgery.
