Nowadays, there are many options to change the shape of the breasts. The most common solution is a breast lift, also known as mastopexy. This surgical procedure removes the loose skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to deliver a more youthful breast appearance without altering the breast size. A breast lift procedure may also correct nipple position or reduce areola size by removing skin around the edges and making discreet incisions.
You may be one of those who wish to restore the shape of your breasts. If you are considering getting a breast lift to achieve this and are still undecided, check out these five signs to know if you are a good candidate for a breast lift.
You are happy with the size of your breasts but want to improve the shape Women have varying breast sizes and shapes, which can be attributed to genetics, weight, age, exercise, and breastfeeding. If yours is pointing downwards and your nipples are too low beneath the crease of your breast, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift. However, if you are planning to get pregnant at any point in the future, you might consider delaying the procedure.
For many people, a breast lift procedure aims to remove excess skin around the breast and bring back the breasts’ perkiness. Also, restoring your breast to your desired shape can make wearing swimsuits and bras more comfortable.
If you think you’re content with your size but only want to improve your breast shape, a breast lift is a good option. Remember, a breast lift will not increase the size of your breasts nor add fullness. It only corrects drooping or sagging issues.
You are physically healthy
For any type of surgery, being physically healthy is a requirement. Scientific evidence shows that better fitness levels reduce complications during and after surgery. A review article by Hoogeboom, et al. (2014) indicates that performing therapeutic exercises before and after surgery could improve the postoperative outcomes by reducing the complication and mortality rate.
If you are not yet physically fit when you decide to undergo a breast lift, it is not a problem, as there are several ways to build up your activity levels weeks before your scheduled surgery. Experts often recommend activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, gardening, and exercise for 30 minutes five times per week.
Another way to help ensure you are physically healthy includes having a healthy diet. As surgery induces stress on the body, depletion of nutrients and inflammation impair the immune system. This, in turn, increases the risk of complications after the surgery. Maintaining a well-nourished body is then important for faster healing.
Lastly, cutting back on alcohol intake and quitting smoking play an important role in reducing the risk of complications. Studies have shown that quitting 4–6 weeks before an operation and staying smoke-free four weeks later can decrease wound complications rate by 50%. In the same way, avoiding alcohol minimizes the risk of slow wound healing. And for people with existing medical conditions that affect wound healing, breast lift or any type of surgical procedure is not advisable.
You are ready to take time off to recover
Like any surgery, a breast lift requires some postoperative recovery period, so there shouldn’t be any rush to go back into your daily routine right away. Pain medication is necessary during the first few days after the operation, and straining, bending, or lifting are prohibited. Since patients may also feel their breasts bruised and swollen for up to two weeks, it is better to avoid heavy physical activities and get plenty of rest.
Depending on the type of stitches, a patient may be advised to return to the doctor’s office for stitch removal. This is often done one to two weeks after the procedure. Most of the time, you’ll need to wait up to two weeks to be fully recovered before going back to work or up to six weeks to get into a full exercise routine.
This can be particularly hard for those who have full-time jobs or commitments because it means missing your job for a long time, but there shouldn’t be any problem if properly planned.
You are financially ready
Before deciding to get breast lift surgery, you need to understand that it is a long-term investment and will cost you some money. Especially for people with families, it is important to prepare your budget and make sure that the cost of the breast lift is financially feasible for you and your family.
The cost of breast lift surgery can vary widely depending on so many factors, such as the type of breast lift you need, the expertise of the surgeon, and geographical location. If you live in or near Phoenix, AZ, you can check our breakdown of breast lift costs, with financing options available.
You have healthy motivations
The decision to undergo breast lift surgery is something very personal. Many people undergo breast lifts to improve self-perception and improve physical comfort. Some studies report substantial positive impacts on psychosocial and sexual well-being and other aspects of quality of life. Regardless of your condition and why you think you need the surgery, it is important that your motivation is right.
Make sure that no outside source of pressure asks you to change. Do it for yourself, not because you want to impress other people.
How do you proceed with breast lift surgery?
Now that you have confirmed that you show signs of being a good candidate for a breast lift, you might want to start looking for a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Aldo Guerra of Guerra Plastic Surgery Center is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience specializing in breast enhancement procedures. To get to know him and make sure that he’s the right plastic surgeon for you, call us at (480) 568-2523 for an initial consultation.
