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What Can a Breast Lift Treat?
Weight loss, aging, pregnancy, nursing, and genetics are causes that may influence your decision to undergo a mastopexy, or breast lift, in The Woodlands. The breast lift is a cosmetic procedure used to raise and reshape the breasts.
A breast lift will give you firmer, more youthful-looking breasts for years to come by removing excess tissue and tightening the skin envelope, providing you don’t become pregnant and that you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Many patients choose to combine a breast lift with breast implant surgery. This procedure is called a breast augmentation with lift, or a breast lift with implants.
Pairing a breast lift and augmentation offers a reduction in sagging and an enhancement in size. If all you need is a reduction in sag, a breast lift without implants is likely the ideal choice. Dr. Rivela and the caring staff at Rivela Plastic Surgery will help you make the right surgical decision during your consultation.
Your Breast Lift Consultation with Dr. Rivela
During your consultation, your medical history will be carefully reviewed with special attention to any risk factors. Detailed measurements of the size and shape of your breasts and chest will be obtained.
Nipple positioning and skin quality will be evaluated and information regarding the implant size and filler choice, incision location, and implant position, along with any possible need for ancillary procedures (breast lift, liposuction, etc.) will be discussed. Risks are carefully reviewed and Dr. Rivela welcomes questions regarding all aspects of your procedure.
Laboratory testing and medical clearance are mandatory at Rivela Plastic Surgery, along with information regarding smoking and the use of medication. Prescriptions are called to your pharmacy prior to your procedure for your convenience.
MEET DR. RIVELA
With over 25 years of experience, Lucian J. Rivela M. D., F. A. C. S. is proud to offer some of the most innovative procedures available in cosmetic and plastic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and skincare. Dr. Rivela is board certified and is a member of both The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to helping you be your best confident, natural, and authentic self.
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Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
The best candidates for breast lift surgery already maintain a healthy, stable weight, but have sagging breasts. Additionally, those whose breasts are misshapen (flatter, elongated, or visibly stretched) may want to consider a breast lift. If a pregnancy is in your future, you should postpone breast lift surgery until you are finished having children as pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts, which will offset the natural-looking results of the procedure.
Also, if you plan to lose weight, you should postpone breast lift surgery until you have lost the desired amount of weight and are able to maintain it. Make sure to discuss these issues with Dr. Rivela and his staff during your consultation.
To develop realistic expectations regarding the results of your mastopexy, look over breast lift before and after photos in our gallery.
Breast Lift Patient Results
Your Mastopexy/Breast Lift Procedure
Mastopexy, or breast lifting, can be accomplished through several different techniques, each intended to lift the breast up, place the nipple in its original position and reshape the breast into a more beautiful appearance. The approach recommended will depend on the amount of sag in the breast. It is also important to decide whether augmentation or reduction should accompany the uplifting procedure for best results.
The Benelli Lift is a donut-shaped piece of tissue bordering the areola which is removed and the surrounding tissue is sutured to the areola. Sometimes slightly more tissue is removed above the areola to create a more pronounced lifting effect.
The Benelli-Lollipop is the same as the Benelli but with additional straight incisions from under the areolae to the creases below the breasts. This technique is effective for those who have medium sagging.
Full Mastopexy, the most common technique, involves an anchor-shaped incision that starts at the base of the areola and proceeds vertically to where the breast meets the rib cage. The incision then cuts out a crescent-shaped piece of skin right above where the breast meets the rib cage. The nipple must then be repositioned.
All mastopexy procedures can be performed using local or general anesthesia, and usually take 1 1/2-4 hours to perform. Contact Rivela Plastic Surgery for more information on breast lifts and other possible cosmetic enhancements that can be combined with a breast lift. We are committed to moving you forward to your best look. Let us help you look and feel great.
About the Procedure
AnesthesiaGeneral
Location of operationHospital or surgery center
Length of surgery2-4 hours (3-4 hours if performed with augmentation)
Length of stayOutpatient (home same day)
Your Breast Lift/Mastopexy Recovery Notes
The sutures placed under the skin will dissolve over several months. A special bra must be worn continuously, 24 hours a day, for about 21 days.
Because there is generally very little pain after this procedure and only a moderate amount of swelling, the patient may usually return to work in seven days— unless the work involves heavy lifting. Walking may be resumed the day after surgery and is encouraged, but any strenuous activities, including exercise, should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks.
Sometimes the swelling causes a loss of sensitivity in the nipple and breast skin, which is usually only temporary. Most sensation returns within 1-3 months but could take up to a year or longer. Unfortunately, in some instances, the loss of sensation is permanent.
For the most part, the suture lines will have faded within a year, with additional fading occurring in the second year. Sometimes scars are extensive and permanent, and the aesthetics of that should be weighed against the improved beauty due to the reshaping of the breast and repositioning of the nipple.
Discomfort After: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 2-7 days of prescription pain medication.
Swelling and Bruising: Expect swelling and bruising for 7-10 days.
Bandages: Will come off the next day, some patients may need light dressings for 1-3 weeks. You will wear a sports bra or Ace wrap for 1-4 weeks. Avoid an underwire bra until your surgeon approves it.
Stitches: Most plastic surgeons use absorbable stitches that are buried under the skin and are clipped in seven days. Non-absorbable stitches will be visible outside the skin and will be removed in seven days.
Work: You may return to work in 3-7 days.
Driving: May be resumed in two weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.
Exercise: May be resumed in 4-6 weeks.
Final Result: This will be seen after the scars have matured, which will be about six months.
Breast Lift/Mastopexy FAQs
Who are good candidates for a breast lift?
Are the results permanent?
How much does a breast reduction cost?
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Contact Our Office
Dr. Lucian Rivela is your best choice for a breast lift in The Woodlands. To find out more about mastopexy, contact our office and set up a consultation.
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