Reorient the Breasts For a More Youthful, Perkier Appearance with Albany’s Leading Plastic Surgeons
Is a Breast Lift Right For Me?
Breast lift surgery can help you have fuller, perkier, shapelier breasts once again. In most cases, women who have smaller breasts realize longer-lasting results from mastopexy because their breasts are not heavy; however, breasts of all sizes can be successfully lifted. Some women with small breasts and relatively little sagging may be able to undergo a less-invasive procedure such as a doughnut (concentric) mastopexy.
Some women choose breast augmentation in addition to, or instead of, a breast lift to attain their desired fullness. No matter the exact details of your potential treatment plan, you’ll need to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for surgery.
How is a Breast Lift Performed?
In most cases, breast lift surgery takes 1-3 hours. It is performed at an outpatient surgery center near our practice, typically using general anesthesia. Sometimes, we may use a local anesthetic and sedatives to cause drowsiness if smaller incisions are going to be made.
While Dr. Gannon is skilled in several surgical techniques, she usually places an incision around the natural shape of the breast, defining the area of excess skin that will be removed. After the removal of the excess breast skin, the areola is repositioned to a higher spot on the breast, and the skin is set around the areola to create the enhanced shape. Stitches are placed along the incision around the areola, down from the nipple, and sometimes along the breast crease.
Women with only slight sagging and small breasts can often undergo a doughnut breast lift. This technique involves circular incisions around the areola and the removal of a piece of skin in the shape of a doughnut. The skin that was around the nipple is then repositioned and brought together to form the newly shaped breast.
If mastopexy is combined with augmentation, the implant is inserted either directly below the breast tissue or beneath the muscle of the chest wall. Dr. Gannon will discuss these options during your consultation.
What is Recovery Like After a Breast Lift?
Breast lift recovery is typically straightforward because the procedure primarily involves the skin rather than the chest muscles. During the first few days, you can expect some swelling and bruising, and you’ll need to wear a surgical bra over the bandages. Most patients are able to return to work or school within about a week, depending on how they feel and the physical demands of their routine.
Stitches are usually removed within one to two weeks, and temporary changes in breast or nipple sensation may occur as swelling resolves. During recovery, you should avoid heavy lifting, overhead movements, and strenuous exercise for several weeks, following Dr. Gannon’s instructions closely as you gradually return to normal activity.
FIRST FEW DAYS
After breast lift surgery, you will most likely experience some bruising and swelling. The first few days following your breast surgery you will wear a surgical bra over the bandages on your breasts.
FIRST WEEK
Breast lift patients usually are ready to return to work or school within a week.
1 TO 2 WEEKS
Stitches will come out within 1 to 2 weeks. You might notice some loss of sensation in your nipples and the skin of your breasts. This is usually caused by the swelling following the surgery and, in most cases, disappears over 5 to 6 weeks. In some cases, however, loss of sensation may last several months or a year, and in rare instances it can be permanent.
RESTRICTIONS DURING RECOVERY
You should be careful not to do any lifting above your head or participate in sports for about a month.
NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS
Your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften over several months.
Why Choose Dr. Gannon as Your Breast Surgeon?
Dr. Susan M. Gannon is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She earned her medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital before pursuing additional training at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Dr. Gannon performs plastic surgery of the breasts for patients from throughout the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. She takes the time to understand each patient’s aesthetic goals and develops individualized treatment plans focused on creating natural-looking results that complement the patient’s age, body type, and lifestyle.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
- Raises sagging breasts to a more youthful position
- Creates a firmer, perkier shape
- Removes loose, stretched skin
- Repositions downward-pointing nipples
- Reduces enlarged or stretched areolas when appropriate
- Improves symmetry
- Helps clothing and bras fit more comfortably
- Can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Albany?
Breast Lift FAQs
Will a breast lift make my breasts smaller?
Can I breastfeed after breast lift surgery?
Does a breast lift affect mammograms?
How long do breast lift results last?
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