BREAST LIFT IN ATLANTA

Breast lift surgery with or without implants can address a number of common concerns regarding breast appearance, including breast sagging and aesthetic issues involving the nipples or areola.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell will discuss your desired look to help you decide on a suitable approach and determine your surgical goals, which may include some of the following benefits of a breast lift procedure:

• Lift sagging breast tissue to a more pleasing position
• Remove loose, excess skin
• Reshape and tighten the breast tissue
• Improve the firmness of the breasts
• Correct asymmetry in the breasts or nipples
• Improve body proportions
• Reposition the nipples and areola
• Reduce the size of the areola
• Eliminate skin irritation due to sagging breasts
• Improve your self-esteem and body image

It is important to mention that breast lift surgery on its own does not increase the size, volume or fullness of the breasts. If your surgical goals also include increasing your breast size or correcting volume loss, our plastic surgeons may recommend having a breast augmentation performed in conjunction with your breast lift procedure. In most cases, this can be done without the need for additional incisions and won’t impact the overall recovery time after the procedure.

Breast lift surgery with augmentation using silicone implants is used to add more volume or fullness to the breasts, which can decrease due to aging, genetics, gravity or breastfeeding. This can result in a flat, deflated look, but adding implants to a breast lift procedure can reverse this effect and improve the overall shape and appearance of the breasts. Implants can also increase breast size for patients who want more defined contours or further rejuvenation of the bust, providing more dramatic results than a breast lift alone.

When combining a breast lift with augmentation, provide a customized look that complements your natural proportions. Silicone implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and feel more like natural breast tissue. The type of implant that’s right for you will largely depend on your preferences and aesthetic goals, and our plastic surgeons will help you choose the best option for achieving your desired appearance.

Implants are placed at the same time the breasts are lifted, reducing the duration of both the surgery and recovery compared to having each procedure performed separately. First, Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell will remove excess skin, reshape the breasts and position them higher on the chest wall. Then, they will insert the breast implants either above or beneath your chest muscles to add volume and create fuller contours. If necessary, they can also adjust the nipple-areolar complex to maintain proportionate, symmetrical results. Once the optimal shape and position have been achieved, they will close the incisions with small sutures. Keep in mind that the specific type of implant and incision used will vary depending on the look you want and the amount of correction needed to achieve your goals.

Not every breast lift procedure needs to be done with implants. Sometimes, women who are satisfied with their breast size may want to reshape the area while maintaining their natural proportions. If you’re unhappy with the shape or position of your breasts but don’t want to go up a cup size, a breast lift on its own can help you achieve firmer, more youthful contours without the use of implants.

A breast lift without implants restores the appearance of sagging breasts by reducing skin laxity and elevating the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. This procedure won’t increase the size of your breasts or add fullness to the upper poles but can help to reverse the effects of gravity, aging or pregnancy for a perkier look. As a stand-alone procedure, a breast lift is an excellent tool for women who want to support and enhance their breasts without the addition of implants. It is also ideal for those with minimal sagging who would like to correct stretched or shapeless skin that gives the breasts a droopy appearance.

The breast lift technique most commonly used to reposition the breasts without implants is the vertical or lollipop lift. This technique lifts the breasts by removing excess skin, tightening the breast tissue and raising the nipple-areolar complex. A circular incision will be made around the areola, followed by a straight incision that extends down to the breast fold. These incisions resemble the shape of a lollipop and give Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell access to the underlying tissue, allowing him to tighten and elevate the breasts and nipples without drastically changing their appearance. The areola can also be reduced using this technique, if desired. The vertical lift helps to minimize post-operative scarring and produces perky, natural-looking results.

After your mastopexy is complete, Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell will cover your incisions with dressings or bandages. These should remain in place for the next two days to ensure proper healing, and our plastic surgeons will advise you when it’s time to remove your bandages and surgical drains.

During the initial phase of your recovery, you may experience some chest tightness, swelling, bruising and general discomfort. These side effects will diminish over time but can be managed with medication, if necessary. While you’re healing, you will also need to wear a support bra or elastic bandage to support your breasts and minimize post-operative swelling.

After your procedure, you will need to avoid demanding activities or exercise so you don’t strain your breasts, but you will be able to slowly resume your daily activities as it becomes comfortable to do so. Most patients resume their normal routine within a few weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should still be avoided for the first couple of months after your breast lift surgery. Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and check on your progress during follow-up appointments. They will also be available to address any questions or concerns you may have, so don’t hesitate to contact our office if something comes up.

Your initial mastopexy results will be noticeable immediately after surgery and continue to improve over the next two to three weeks as any residual swelling and bruising subside. Your breasts will feel firmer and look perkier sitting higher on your chest, and your new contours will develop further as your breasts adapt to their new placement and settle into their final position.

If you had a breast lift with implants, your breasts will also look and feel fuller after your surgery. Your implants will last for years unless you experience complications or decide to have them removed, although certain lifestyle factors can affect the appearance of your breasts even after augmentation. Similarly, a breast lift will also produce long-lasting results, but aging, weight fluctuations and future pregnancies can impact the outcome of your procedure. To extend the longevity of your new contours, it’s recommended that you maintain a healthy lifestyle and consider mastopexy with or without implants when you’re done with family planning — otherwise, future corrections may be needed to restore youthful-looking breasts.