Your body undergoes certain changes as you get older, and some of these will most likely impact the appearance of your breasts. Pregnancy, gravity, fluctuations in weight, and the aging process can all affect your breasts, causing them to sag over time. Dr. Richard H. Lee can perform a breast lift to address these changes and restore a more youthful breast appearance.
A breast lift is performed to restore a perkier, more youthful breast appearance. Dr. Lee often recommends a breast lift to address the following aesthetic concerns:
During your procedure, the breast mound will be reshaped, and the nipple will be repositioned to a higher location to address these issues. Many women find that their breast lift achieves dramatic results, helping them look and feel their best. In addition to a more youthful breast appearance, you may find that your figure is more balanced, allowing you to look great in clothing and swimsuits.
In order to be considered a good breast lift candidate, you should:
Your breast lift will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Depending on the severity of your sagging issues and your unique goals, Dr. Lee may recommend one of the following incision options:
After the incision has been made, Dr. Lee will remove excess skin, tighten and reshape the breast tissue, and move the newly-shaped breast mound to a higher position on the chest wall. He may also reduce the size of the areola if necessary. Dr. Lee will then relocate the nipple to a more elevated, central position on the breast, keeping it attached to the underlying tissue to help preserve the nipple sensation.
It’s crucial that you follow Dr. Lee’s aftercare instructions diligently. This will ensure that you heal properly and achieve the best possible results. You will need to wrap your breasts in an ACE bandage after surgery. The bandage should cover your breasts completely and fit somewhat tightly to provide the support you need. You can remove the ACE bandage to shower after the first three days but make sure to rewrap your breasts immediately following your shower.
Dr. Lee will monitor your recovery and let you know when it is safe to discontinue using the ACE bandage. You may experience some mild bruising and swelling after surgery, but this will gradually subside as you heal. Dr. Lee will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. Don’t drive while you are taking pain medication.
Keep the following items in mind during your recovery after a breast lift:
How long after a breast lift can I return to work?
Can a breast lift increase the size of my breasts?
Will future pregnancies affect my results?
You should be able to return to work after about one week, and routine activities can be resumed within three weeks; however, refrain from all strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, for at least one month.
Keep in mind that the primary objective of a breast lift is to correct sagging issues. If your primary concern is associated with the size or shape of your breasts, your goals may be more effectively achieved with breast augmentation. Dr. Lee may combine breast augmentation with a lift for enhanced results in some instances.
Future pregnancy plans should also be considered when determining the right time for a breast lift. While your procedure won’t impact your ability to become pregnant or breastfeed, future pregnancies may have a negative impact on your results. For this reason, Dr. Lee may recommend that you wait to undergo a breast lift until after you are done having children.
Dr. Richard H. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach. He specializes in a wide array of breast procedures including breast lift. He offers patients are artistic perspective and is able to sketch your potential results for you during your consultation.
Please contact Dr. Richard H. Lee to schedule your breast lift consultation. We serve patients in Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, and Orange County, California.
