Breast Lift

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

Sometimes a breast lift is the answer rather than breast augmentation. After childbirth and breastfeeding, the breasts tend to sag, and often they shrink in size. That affects our body profile, making it look older, which in turn affects our self image.

We might feel that breast enlargement is called for, especially since it is such a popular cosmetic surgery procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) gathers statistics each year and publishes them in assorted different categories. For 2006, breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgery, with 329,000 women having it done.

However, a breast lift will often give the impression of larger breasts, because it raises their position on the chest and gives them a perkier outline. Another alternative is to have both a breast lift and a breast implant done at the same time.

Would I be a good candidate?

Breast Surgeon Dr. Weil would discuss the options with you and evaluate your general health. To determine your candidacy, he would assess your health history and ask you about your goals in having a breast lift. In general, if you meet the following conditions you are probably a good candidate:

• Good physical health
• Non-smoker
• Elongated breasts
• Nipples pointing downwards
• Stretched skin
• Enlarged areolas
• One breast hanging lower than the other
• Realistic expectations

The procedure

Each breast lift is individual and Dr. Weil will discuss and plan yours ahead of time. Your exact procedure will be based on your degree of sagging, breast size and shape, skin quality, and the size and position of the areolas.

Anesthesia can be either general or local, and again, Dr. Weil will discuss this with you beforehand. If it is local, you would also have sedation administered through an IV line.

Incisions are made around the areola, vertically down from there to the breast crease, and along that crease. Breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to give you more firmness and the nipple and areola are repositioned higher up. An enlarged areola can also be reduced. Excess skin is removed and incisions are closed both with deep stitches (to help support the breasts in their new shape and position) and surface stitches, tape, or adhesives.

Recovery

It will be very important that you follow Dr. Weil’s post-op instructions to the letter. This will help ensure a fast and safe recovery. His instructions will include:

• Care for dressings
• Care for drains
• Use of an elastic bandage or support bra
• How to bathe or shower
• When to come for follow-up appointments
• When to resume work and other activities

Your final new shape will emerge finally after a few months, as swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new positions. Results are long-lasting, especially if you take care with your diet, and stick to a regular amount of exercise.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our breast surgery staff if you would like to learn more about your breast surgery options. We will schedule a complimentary breast lift consultation for you. We serve San Francisco and the East and South Bay areas.

For questions about Financing options please see our cosmetic surgery finance page.