For many years running, breast augmentation has been the breast surgery to beat, with women of all ages requesting the procedure from their local plastic surgeon.
Somehow, in recent years, as shift has occurred. Most women are opting to skip out on the bigger breasts to keep their own breasts, just better.
In 2013, a different breast enhancement surgery inched closer to the number one spot: breast lift surgery, a procedure designed to reshape and reposition existing breast tissue. No additions, no breast tissue subtractions, just the same breasts made to look younger.
What is turning female patients from one surgery to the other? And will this trend continue?
How is a Breast Lift Different from Breast Augmentation?
A breast lift surgery is performed in order to restore a more youthful appearance to the breasts. As women age, experience pregnancy, breastfeed, and fluctuate in their weight, the skin around the breasts loses elasticity and causes the breasts to sag. A breast lift can raise the breast tissue, reshape it, and remove the excess sagging skin.
On the other hand, breast augmentation surgery is performed to enhance the size of breasts that are too small or have lost volume or shape. Breast implants are placed in the breasts to alter their size and shape. This procedure can also help women who have uneven breasts as well as those who have undergone a mastectomy and require breast reconstruction.
In some cases, breast augmentation can be used in conjunction with a breast lift to restore some of the lost volume of the breasts. A breast lift on its own will not add volume to the breasts by any means.
How is a Breast Lift Performed?
A breast lift surgery, with or without the added breast augmentation, will begin with general anesthesia. In rare cases where the incision is small, a breast lift can be performed using local anesthesia and sedatives, during which the patient will be awake but comfortable. The breast lift surgery takes anywhere from an hour and a half to three and a half hours.
First, the surgeon will place your incision, typically along the natural contour of the breast where excess skin needs to be removed. The nipple and areola will be repositioned to the center of the newly shaped breasts for a more natural look. Then, the skin surrounding the areola will be drawn together to reshape the breast to be firmer and more youthful. To complete the surgery, stitches are placed along the incisions around the areola and across the lower breast area.
What Should Be Expected After a Breast Lift?
After surgery ends, your recovery process will begin right away. Your surgeon will cover the stitches with gauze and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra that will hold the breasts in placed during the healing process.
It is normal to experience bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort in the breasts and surrounding area. Pain medication and cold compresses can be used to manage any pain you feel; your doctor will advise you on the best recommended methods after your surgery. After a few days, your bandages or surgical bra will be exchanged for a soft support bra which should be worn at all times for the next few weeks, as determined by your doctor.
In one to two weeks, you will have your stitches removed at a follow up appointment. You should expect some permanent scarring, which can be mild or more noticeable depending on your individual healing and skin tone. For the first few months, at least, the scars will be raised and reddened but they will fade overtime and become much less obvious.
To heal properly from your breast lift, you should plan to stay at home for at least one week before returning to work. You must also avoid lifting anything above your head for up to four weeks. All strenuous sports and other vigorous activities should be avoided for at least one month. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely to ensure that your healing process goes smoothly.
When all is said and done, your breasts will be more even in size and shape, firmer and tauter, and more naturally positioned on the chest. Your areolae can be made smaller, if requested. Your nipples will also be repositioned to a central location on the new breasts.
Overall, your breasts will look and feel younger almost right away. Once the healing is finished, you’re ready to get back to your normal daily activities with a new sense of confidence and an improved body image.
What is Making Breast Lifts So Popular Now?
The 2013 statistics showing an increase in breast lift requests are remarkable. It’s important to note that the stats do not show a decrease in breast augmentation requests, just an increase in breast lift requests. This means that one procedure isn’t taking over the other; rather, more women are becoming aware of the breast lift procedure and what it can offer them.
Not all women want to increase the size of their breasts, and for this reason, they never considered breast surgery before. As age and gravity take effect on the female body, however, the results can be very frustrating for some women.
In today’s world, many women are making great strides to care for their bodies inside and out by making healthy diet choices, exercising regularly, and adding supplements to their daily routine.
From cancer prevention to proactively fighting aging, women in today’s society are more often taking control of their lives. Perhaps this heightened level of self-care and advocacy is leading women to seek plastic surgery options that can correct the signs of aging on their bodies. Regardless of how they came to the plastic surgery clinic, one thing is clear: breast lift surgery offers the right candidate many terrific benefits both physically and emotionally.
Consult with a Breast Lift Specialist for Best Results
Whether a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both procedures is the right choice for you, you should schedule an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon specializing in these treatments. At Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, Dr. Ran Rubinstein can help you to achieve your best results. With VECTRA 3D Imaging, your consultation will give you an accurate look at the projected results of your SmartLipo treatment.
Renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Rubinstein at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Newburgh, New York.
Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is the only specialty plastic surgery practice in the Hudson Valley area with an on-site joint commission certified surgical suite. To contact Dr. Rubinstein, please call 845-863-1772. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is located at 200 Stony Brook Court #2 in Newburgh, New York.
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