Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery is a procedure that helps to correct sagging that results from pregnancy, hormonal changes, aging, and weight gain/loss. Typically, what happens is that the skin of the breasts stretches, causing the breasts to hang lower. The nipples may also develop a downward orientation. Some women also have naturally low-hanging breasts that may be remedied by the procedure. A breast lift removes extra skin from the breast and repositions the nipple to a more youthful, pleasing position.
WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE?
Before undergoing a breast lift, you should be in good health and ideally be done having children. Also important is that you're at a stable weight with no plans for drastic weight loss in the future.
The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who have had changes to the orientation or position of their breasts, such as:
- Loss of shape and looking more deflated
- Stretched skin, including stretch marks
- Uneven breasts, either in shape or position without a bra
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How Does a Breast Lift Work?
Dr. Couvillion’s goal with breast lift surgery is to reduce the amount of skin that envelops the breasts and to reposition the nipple to a more pleasing position. By removing skin, the breast is reshaped to a more youthful shape and repositioned higher on the chest. Depending on the surgical plan, Dr. Couvillion uses one of three incision placements.
- A circular incision around the areola only
- Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease
After the incision is made in the skin, it is tightened, and excess skin is trimmed. Incisions are closed with sutures which dissolve over time.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A BREAST LIFT?
Your breasts are initially wrapped with a compression bandage to hold everything in place and control swelling. This is later traded for a front-closure sports bra, which you will wear for about 6 weeks. You may have a drain, but this is generally very rare. You need to avoid strenuous activities for about 6 weeks. Swelling gradually subsides, and you can see the full results after one to three months. Everyone's job is different, but for most non-strenuous activities, most patients can return to work after about a week.
BREAST LIFT FAQs
How much does breast lift surgery cost?
The cost of breast lift surgery is based on several factors, so it varies by patient. During the consultation, Dr. Couvillion outlines a surgical plan for your breast lift. Once the plan is defined, we can review the costs, as well as your payment options. SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery accepts several forms of payments, including low-interest medical financing. We can explain this more during the consultation.
Does insurance pay for a breast lift?
Breast lift surgery is an elective, cosmetic procedure; therefore, it is not covered by medical insurance. There may be some exceptions, but these are rare. Dr. Couvillion will determine if the surgery is medically necessary at the time of your consultation. If there is a medical necessity, we encourage you to verify coverage prior to your procedure. Any portion that is not covered is your responsibility.
Will I have scarring after breast lift surgery?
You will have scars after breast lift surgery. When the incisions first heal, the scar will be a different color than the surrounding skin. Over the next year or so, the scars should fade and begin to approach the color of the surrounding skin. The up-and-down scar of a breast lift is often the scar which is initially the most visible, but over time this is usually the scar that fades the most. If you're concerned about the appearance of these scars, please ask to see some before-and-after photos at your consultation to see how they fade.
How long do the results of a breast lift last?
Your body naturally goes through changes as you age, and these changes may affect your breasts. While you cannot stop the aging process, you can ensure that you maintain a healthy weight. Pregnancy and weight gain aside, the results of a breast lift can last for 10 to 15 years or longer, although this varies by patient.
Does a breast lift make my breasts larger?
Breast lift surgery is not intended to enlarge your breasts, but many women feel that their breasts do look larger. What they are seeing is the breast tissue in a smaller, more compact skin pocket. This can make the breasts look fuller. If you desire a larger breast size as well as a lifted appearance, an implant can be added to a lift. Discuss this with Dr. Couvillion at your consultation to include this in your treatment plan.
REDEFINE YOUR SHAPE
Breast lift surgery at SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery can help you restore a younger profile to your breasts. The effects of breast lift surgery after weight gain, pregnancy, or the natural aging process can be visible almost immediately. We encourage you to call our Houston, TX, office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Couvillion.
When it comes to aesthetic plastic surgery, it's important to choose a dedicated surgeon who is committed to your desired surgical goals. To meet with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Ryan Couvillion, MD and his team, call our office at 713.275.9908.