There are many factors that can cause a woman’s breast to become saggy. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause a fluctuation in the size and shape of the breasts, as does weight gain and loss. Then, top that off with the natural effects of aging and decreased elasticity, and you have all the reasons in the world to desire to have a breast lift. This is a brief overview of what your journey to a more lifted and youthful-looking breast will entail.
What Will The Surgery Be Like?
A typical breast lift surgery will take place in a surgery center under general anesthesia. As an average, the procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. During this time, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve contour and firmness. Once this has been achieved, the nipple and areola are repositioned in their new location, and finally, excess skin will be removed and remaining skin tightened. This is a very basic description of the surgery, but in your pre-surgical visits with Dr. Jamie Moenster, she will guide you through all the details of incision patterns and other surgical methods that are involved.
What Will The Recovery Be Like?
When you awaken from your surgery, you find dressings and bandages applied to the surgical site. These dressings help control bleeding and the compression will help to reduce post-surgical inflammation, which is common after any surgery. You will be given pain medication to help keep the pain to a minimum immediately after the surgery. It will be very important to sleep on your back in such a way that there is no pressure applied to your breasts.
You will need to wear a soft, stretchy bra every day for 4 weeks to reduce swelling and provide support. There will be pain and swelling around the incisions which will fade over the first 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should be discontinued for the first 4 weeks and no sexual activity for the first 2 weeks.
You will have regular post-surgical appointments with your surgeon during the first month after surgery. During these visits, you will receive more specific information based on your own specific rate of recovery. In general, patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks and can resume their typical schedule of activities after the first 4 weeks have passed.
At 51 years old, I just plain got tired of having my breast sag. My surgery was this morning. I am already pleased with the results so far. Pain has been minimal. Really mild discomfort would describe it the best, and as of tonight Tylenol is working fine. I took the photo after 12 hours. I regret that I do not have any before shots to post, but I really never want to see the boobies looking that way again! I am sure Dr. Moenster will let me use the ones she took, and will post them shortly.
Take the Next Step
If you have been contemplating a breast lift, the time is right for you to schedule a consultation for your plastic surgeon to develop a treatment plan that is customized to your individual needs. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Jamie Moenster at Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona by calling the Tucson office at 520-207-3100 or the Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. You may also schedule an appointment by completing the form on this page. Our offices are conveniently located at 698 East Wetmore, Suite #310 in Tucson, Arizona and 150 South Coronado Drive Suite #110 in Sierra Vista, Arizona.