BREAST LIFT
MASTOPEXY
While some women may be unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts, they still represent some critical aspects of their womanhood, including:
- Body image
- Sensuality
- Maternal nurturing
This is why it can be so distressing when a woman’s breasts begin to sag. While the process is an inevitable and natural result of the aging process, it’s still not easy to accept. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that elevates sagging breasts to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Here in North Mississippi, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dan Shell performs breast lift surgery for women who may be experiencing low self-confidence or body image issues due to sagging, unshapely breasts.
Dr. Shell routinely performs breast lifts in conjunction with other procedures such as breast reduction or breast augmentation surgery.
Am I the Right Candidate for a Breast Lift?
The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who are highly motivated to restore or improve their breasts’ appearance.
Breast lifts can correct one or more of the following conditions:
- Sagging breasts
- Loose breast skin
- Overly large areolas
- Nipples that point downwards
Additionally, it is essential that breast lift candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations of what a breast lift can accomplish, and do not smoke or use nicotine products.
During your consultation with Dr. Shell, you can determine if breast lift surgery or a combination of procedures is the best treatment for your cosmetic goals.
Will Insurance Cover My Breast Lift?
Cosmetic breast surgeries are typically considered elective procedures that are not covered by most insurance policies.
What Are My Breast Lift Options?
Depending on your cosmetic goals, you can choose from one of these three options provided by our breast surgery specialist:
- Breast lift only – Choose this option to reposition breasts higher on the chest while correcting nipple size and placement.
- Breast augmentation & lift – Choose this option to increase the size of your breasts and raise their position.
- Breast reduction & lift – Choose this option to decrease the size of your breasts, restore firmness, and address cosmetic nipple concerns.
How Is a Breast Lift Performed?
Before surgery, Dr. Shell will work with you to design a surgical treatment plan that best meets your cosmetic goals.
Periareolar, lollipop, or inverted-T incisions may be used, depending on how severe the breast sagging has become and if you choose to add implants or a reduction.
Once Dr. Shell has made the incision, he will lift, reshape, and tighten the underlying breast tissue while the nipple and the areola are also raised to a more natural position. Excess breast tissue will be trimmed away to improve the elasticity of your breasts.
This process is easily modified to include a breast reduction or accommodate breast implants.
What Will My Breast Lift Recovery Be Like?
You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in your chest area for several days. Recovery times vary, but most women can resume work and other normal activities within one to two weeks.
During surgery, Dr. Shell will conceal the incisions within the natural contours of the breast, but there will be some visible scarring on the surface of your breasts. These incision scars will be permanent, but they will fade with time.
Breast Lift Recovery Timeline
First Several Days:
When you wake up, you will find that you are wearing a compression bra, dressings have been applied at the incision sites, and drainage tubes may have been placed near your incisions.
Because of the general anesthesia used for the breast lift procedure, you will be groggy and need a ride home (or to your recovery location). The results of your breast lift will be immediately apparent, but you can expect the final results to become more evident over the following weeks as swelling subsides.
You can expect to experience some moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication, and you will be scheduled to attend a follow-up visit with Dr. Shell to have drainage tubes and dressings removed.
Getting plenty of rest during the first week of recovery is vital, and no physical straining is allowed. However, short, slow, indoor walks every couple hours are necessary to ensure proper blood flow.
Weeks Two to Four:
Pain should subside gradually. By week four, this discomfort will have improved considerably, if not completely dissipated. Your incisions should be close to healing by now. Continue taking walks, but avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and sexual intercourse, until you are cleared to resume by Dr. Shell.
Weeks Five to Six:
You should be able to stop wearing your compression bra and return to your regular routine. Swelling and discomfort should be almost non-existent at this point, and you should be able to appreciate your final results.
What Will My Breasts Look Like After a Lift?
Following recovery, your lifted breasts will be firmer and perkier. The resulting scars should flatten and fade over the coming months.
FAQ
There are many factors to consider before committing to breast lift surgery. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about breast lift surgery in Southaven and Oxford, Mississipp
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Are breast lift results permanent?
The final results of your breast lift will be long-lasting, but breast lift surgery cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, your breasts will begin to change again and lose elasticity.
Major changes in your body weight may also affect the final results of your surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan will increase the probability of long-lasting results.
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What can’t breast lift surgery do?
Breast lift surgery is capable of lifting and firming sagging breasts, but it will not generally change the size of your breasts and will not add volume to the upper portion of your breasts.
If you desire fuller or smaller breasts, you may want to consider undergoing breast augmentation or reduction in addition to your breast lift.
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What are the best procedures to add to a breast lift?
Breast lifts are most often combined with breast augmentation or breast reduction, followed by tummy tuck surgery or body contouring with liposuction for a complete Mommy Makeover.
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Are there any risks associated with breast lift surgery?
As with all surgeries, breast lift surgery involves some risk, and these complications may include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, take aspirin, or use NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
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Why Should I Choose Dr. Shell for Breast Lift Surgery in Oxford, MS?
Dr. Dan Shell is based in Oxford, Mississippi. He provides high-quality cosmetic surgery for his patients in Oxford, Southaven, and all over Northern Mississippi, including breast lifts and various cosmetic breast surgeries.
During your consultation, Dr. Shell will listen carefully to your concerns, ensuring that all treatments are customized to meet your unique goals. His practice uses state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable and confidential setting to help ensure a positive experience for his patients.
Dr. Shell is a board-certified plastic surgeon affiliated with The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Surgery, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and The Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Shell is dedicated to the art of precision in cosmetic surgery and compassionate care. If you are considering a breast lift, he is happy to meet with you to explain the process in detail.
Contact our plastic surgery practice in Oxford, Mississippi, by calling 662-236-6465 to set up a consultation today.