Pregnancy and childbirth can be physically and emotionally taxing on a woman’s body, resulting in sagging breasts, excess skin, and stubborn fat. These changes can be aggravating and challenging to reverse with diet and exercise alone. As a result, many women in Raleigh, North Carolina, are turning to mommy makeovers to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. A mommy makeover often includes breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy. In this article, we’ll look at breast lift surgery as part of a Raleigh mommy makeover, having what it is, how it’s done, recovery expectations, and potential risks and complications. We will also advise you on choosing the best surgeon for your breast lift procedure.
Why Choose a Breast Lift?
Women often choose breast lift surgery to restore the volume and shape of their breasts. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, breasts can lose their fullness, which can be especially frustrating for women who have always had a larger bust. Furthermore, weight loss and aging can cause breasts to sag, giving them a deflated or droopy appearance.
Breast lift surgery can also improve the position of the nipples and areolas. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the nipples and areolas may stretch or enlarge and even point downward. By repositioning the nipple and areola, breast lift surgery can produce a more youthful and perky appearance.
Another advantage of breast lift surgery is that it can reduce the size of the areola. In some cases, the areola may become stretched or enlarged due to pregnancy or breastfeeding, making the breasts appear unbalanced or disproportionate. By reducing the size of the areola, breast lift surgery can create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a procedure for lifting and reshaping sagging breasts. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions on the breasts, typically around the areola and down to the crease. The amount of sagging and the desired outcome will determine the precise incision pattern. The surgeon will then remove excess skin and tissue from the breasts to create a more lifted and youthful appearance.
After the excess skin and tissue is removed, the nipple and areola will be repositioned to a more natural position on the breast. Raising the nipple and areola on the breast and reshaping the tissue around it accomplishes this.
Following nipple and areola repositioning, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to create a more aesthetically pleasing contour. The surgeon may also adjust the size of the areola if desired.
The incisions are sutured closed after surgery, and the patient is placed in a surgical bra or compression garment to help support the breasts while they heal.
Recovery from breast lift surgery typically involves discomfort and swelling for the first few days, but most patients can resume normal activities within a week or two. On the other hand, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks to allow for proper healing.
What is Recovery Like After Breast Lift Surgery?
The length of recovery after breast lift surgery varies according to the patient’s health, age, and the extent of the procedure. Most patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days after surgery. Any discomfort can be relieved by the surgeon’s pain medication.
Patients advise avoiding strenuous activity during the initial recovery period, including heavy lifting and exercise. Patients should also avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking pain medication. It is critical to carefully follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing.
For the first week after surgery, patients must wear a compression garment or surgical bra to help support the breasts and reduce swelling. It is critical to wear the compression garment or bra as the surgeon directs to ensure optimal healing. Patients may need to sleep on their backs for the first few days with their heads elevated to reduce swelling.
Patients can usually resume light activities and work the second week after surgery, depending on their occupation. They should, however, refrain from engaging in strenuous activities or heavy lifting. The surgeon will most likely schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and remove any stitches or drains placed during the surgery.
After six to eight weeks, most patients can resume their normal activities and exercise routine, but it is critical to follow the surgeon’s instructions and go slowly. Patients should refrain from doing anything that puts too much strain on their breasts for at least six weeks, such as high-impact exercise or lifting heavy weights.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Breast Lift Surgery?
When performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, breast lift surgery is safe. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications. Bleeding is one of the most common risks during or after surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, additional surgery may require to stop it.
Another potential complication of breast lift surgery is infection. While the risk of infection is low, it is critical to carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions to reduce the risk of infection.
Scarring is another potential side effect of breast lift surgery. While the surgeon will take precautions to reduce scarring, it is essential to understand that some scarring is unavoidable. The extent of scarring will be determined by several factors, including the incision technique used, the healing process of the patient, and the patient’s skin type.
Another potential complication is nipple or breast sensation loss. It could be temporary or permanent, and it’s more common in women with more extensive breast surgery, such as breast reduction or augmentation. The degree of sensation loss can range from mild numbness to complete loss of sensation.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Breast Lift Surgery?
Selecting the best breast lift surgeon is critical for achieving the desired results and ensuring a safe and successful procedure. The surgeon’s credentials and experience are two of the most important factors. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and a track record of successful breast surgeries is critical.
Another important factor is the surgeon’s portfolio of before and after photos. It will give you an idea of the surgeon’s skill level and the results you can expect from breast lift surgery. Because each patient’s body is different, it’s critical to look for photos of patients with similar body types and breast sizes to yours.
Furthermore, the surgeon should learn about your surgical goals and expectations. During the consultation, the surgeon should listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide a detailed treatment plan. A good surgeon will also be open and honest about the potential risks and limitations of the procedure and will work with you to develop a safe, effective plan tailored to your specific needs.