As you get older, your breasts can begin to sag, causing your nipples to point downward. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can also affect how your breasts look. In many women, sagging breasts can have a negative effect on their confidence and self-image.

If you are a woman looking for a solution to lift or reshape your breasts, a breast lift may be the right procedure for you.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Also called a mastopexy, a breast lift can be performed on women with breasts of any shape and size by a board-certified plastic surgeon. A breast lift is a procedure in which Dr. McMahan removes excess skin from your breasts and reshapes them to make them look youthful and perky.

Breast-Lift Preparation

Before the procedure, you will be required to:
• Undergo a mammogram so your doctor can examine your breast tissue
• Stop smoking, since it reduces blood flow and delays the healing process
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements that can escalate bleeding
• Reach your ideal weight

In addition, have a discussion with Dr. McMahan before your breast lift to inform him of any medical conditions or allergies. Be sure to discuss any doubts, fears, or concerns about the procedure and let him know what your expectations are in terms of results.

The Procedure

Prior to your breast-lift surgery, you will be administered either general anesthesia or a sedative and local anesthesia. Dr. McMahan will make one incision or a series of small incisions around each areola and down to the breast folds, depending on the size, shape, and sagginess of your breasts.

Dr. McMahan will then reposition your nipples and may place stitches within your breasts in order to help reshape the breast tissue. Excess skin will be removed. The incisions are then closed with skin adhesives, surgical tape, or stitches once the skin of the breasts is brought together.

Breast-Lift Aftercare

You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and/or numbness for a couple of weeks after the surgery; however, these side effects are normal and will usually resolve by themselves. Small tubes may be placed near the incision sites to drain excess fluid or blood and will be removed within a few days.

After your breast-lift surgery, it is important that you:
• Do not strain yourself; avoid lifting and bending
• Take pain medication as advised by Dr. McMahan
• Refrain from sexual activity for a couple weeks after your procedure; talk to your doctor about when you can resume your normal daily activities
• Wear a surgical support bra for a few days
• Avoid going out in the sun
• Follow up with your plastic surgeon as recommended

You will notice changes in your breasts right after the procedure, and over the next few months, their shape will change a bit as they begin to settle. Once the healing process is complete, your breasts will appear firm, perky, and youthful.

Scheduling Your Breast-Lift Procedure

If you have saggy breasts and want them to appear younger and perkier, a breast lift may be the right procedure for you. Contact the office of double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James McMahan for a consultation today.