When to Consider a Breast Lift

By Maakan Taghizadeh, MD

No matter your age or walk of life, maintaining a youthful appearance is a priority on everyone’s list. For many U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics patients, one of the most common concerns is sagging or drooping breasts that make them feel less confident in the mirror. Fortunately, Dr. Tag’s breast lift procedures can refresh the look, shape, and feel of the breasts, and if you’re wondering when to consider a breast lift, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, medically known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of breasts that may have begun to sag due to age, gravity, or life events. As time progresses, various factors like these can lead to changes in the shape and position of the breasts, and this procedure aims to address these changes and restore a more youthful and uplifted appearance.

 

Common factors contributing to drooping breasts include: 

• Pregnancy: The breasts swell during pregnancy, stretching the skin.
• Breastfeeding: Post-breastfeeding, the breasts may reduce in size, leading to excess skin.
• Aging: As we age, skin loses elasticity, and the breasts can sag.
• Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can affect breast shape and position.
• Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to have more elastic skin, leading to earlier sagging.

 

With Dr. Tag’s expert guidance, your breast lift procedure can benefit you in the following ways: 

• By Reducing Excess Skin: Over time, skin can lose its elasticity. A breast lift removes this excess skin, leading to a firmer breast contour.
• By Tightening Supportive Tissue: The surgery strengthens and tightens the supportive tissue structures of the breasts, ensuring they sit higher and retain their shape for longer.
• Adding Implants for Fullness or Volume: Some patients choose to supplement their breast lift procedure with the addition of an implant during the same procedure. This allows patients to increase the volume of their breast tissue along with the other benefits of a breast lift, without going through multiple surgeries. 
• By Boosting Your Confidence: Beyond the physical lift, many patients report a boost in self-esteem and confidence after the procedure, feeling rejuvenated and more comfortable in their skin.

Signs You Might Benefit from a Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery isn’t just about enhancing aesthetics; it’s about aligning your outer appearance with your inner self-image. Recognizing the signs that you might benefit from a breast lift can be the first step towards regaining confidence and comfort in your body.

 

Here are the most common reasons patients opt for a breast lift at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics: 

• Sagging Breasts: One of the most evident signs that you might need a breast lift is sagging breasts. Over time, the ligaments that support the breasts can stretch, leading to a droopy appearance.
• Stretched/Enlarged Areolas: The areola, the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple, can stretch and become enlarged due to various factors. A breast lift can resize and reposition the areolas to a more youthful position.
• Deflated Breast Shape: After significant weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, breasts can lose their volume, appearing deflated. A breast lift can restore their former fullness and shape.
• Drooping Breasts: If your breasts have lost their perkiness and now droop, a breast lift can raise them to a more natural and youthful position.
• Nipples Pointing Downward: Over time, the nipples may begin to point downward instead of forward. This change can be corrected with a breast lift.
• Nipples Fallen Below the Breast Crease: If the nipples sit below the natural crease of the breasts, it’s a clear sign that a lift might be beneficial.

Consider Taking the “Pencil Test”

This simple at-home test can provide insight into whether you might benefit from a breast lift. By placing a pencil in the fold beneath the breast and observing if it stays in place, you can gauge the degree of sagging you are experiencing. If the pencil is held by the breast, it indicates potential sagging that a lift could address.

Recognizing these signs and understanding the factors can guide you in making an informed decision about undergoing a breast lift procedure.

What to Expect from Breast Lift Surgery at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics

Undergoing a breast lift is a significant decision, and understanding the process can alleviate your concerns and help you set realistic expectations. At U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics, Dr. Tag ensures a comprehensive and personalized approach to each procedure.

Surgical Setting 

Dr. Tag performs mastopexy surgeries in state-of-the-art facilities, either in a fully equipped and accredited surgery center or a hospital. The choice of facility is determined based on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure.

Anesthesia and Post-Surgery Recovery

Patients are sedated with general anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience. After the surgery, it’s natural to feel groggy and sore, but the dedicated team at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics will make sure you enjoy a comfortable recovery room setting where you’ll regain consciousness safely and gently. 

You can typically expect to remain at the hospital for several hours to one night following your surgery.

Accompaniment

For safety reasons, patients are advised to arrange for someone to accompany them to the surgery. This person should remain throughout the procedure and drive the patient home afterward. Additionally, having someone at home for the next 24 hours is crucial for safety during post-operative care.

By understanding the details of the typical breast lift procedure, patients can approach their breast lift with confidence, knowing they’re in the capable hands of Dr. Tag and the team at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics.

Recovery After a Breast Lift

The recovery process after a breast lift is crucial for ensuring optimal results and a smooth healing journey. Here’s what to expect. 

Immediate Post-Surgery Activities

A few hours after the surgery, patients are encouraged to get up and walk around. This gentle movement promotes healthy blood flow, aiding in the healing process.

Pain Management

It’s natural to experience soreness and swelling in the days following the procedure. To manage discomfort, we either prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter options to help you feel comfortable during this initial recovery phase.

Downtime and Return to Work

While individual recovery times vary, many patients find they can return to work within the same week of the surgery. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and not rush the healing process.

By following the recommended recovery guidelines, patients can enjoy the transformative benefits of their breast lift and embrace their rejuvenated appearance with confidence.

 

Because U Are Worth It! 

Deciding to get a breast lift can be one of the most exciting moments of your life, and we are here to tell you that you’re worth the effort. If you’re ready to get started on the next chapter of your life and feel more confident in your own skin, schedule your breast lift consultation with Dr. Tag in the Baltimore area today!