Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

How Long Will Breast Lift Results Last?

Breast augmentation

Lifestyle, breast size, age, pregnancy can all have an effect on how a woman’s breasts will naturally change over time. When women in Lubbock don’t like their aging appearance because of natural changes in their breasts, they can come to Dr. Jane Rowley, a board certified plastic surgeon, and discuss aesthetic plastic surgery options to restore a more balanced, youthful look to their breasts.

A popular breast surgery option is a breast lift, or mastopexy, which will lift the breast up, tighten loose skin,  and reposition the nipple in a more upward position. It can be done in combination with a reduction or a breast augmentation. What patients want to know is how long will the results of a breast lift last. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says that the results of a breast lift are long-lasting but not considered permanent. Your unique body type with its skin texture and thickness gives every patient individual results. Dr. Rowley always thoroughly explains the procedure and what can be expected for each patient.  Here are some general suggestions that can help with the longevity of your breast lift results:

Significant Weight Changes

Significant changes in weight add and take away volume in your breasts. Stretched skin and sagging breast is a natural consequence of unstable weight changes. Before having a breast lift, women should have a stable, maintained weight for the procedure to have longer-lasting results.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Consider waiting to have a breast lift until after you are finished having children as pregnancy and breastfeeding can make significant changes to your breasts. You can usually still breastfeed after the procedure, but additional pregnancies can diminish your results.

Gravity

Sadly, we can’t fight against gravity. Wearing a quality, well-fitted bra is an easy way to fight against the forces of nature. Your breast will naturally start to sag if you choose not to wear a bra for long periods of time or when participating in vigorous exercise without wearing one. Having a good bra fitting and giving the ligaments and tissue in your chest support will help hold off some of that aging sagginess.

Patients come to Dr. Rowley seeking greater confidence in their appearance. Whether you are looking for a breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, you can trust the experience and training of Dr. Rowley and her staff. She will listen carefully to your cosmetic goals and give expert advice on your plastic surgery options.

To discover your aesthetic possibilities, schedule your consultation today.

Recovery Time Frame After Breast Lift Surgery

Lubbock

Lubbock women have several plastic surgery options to make changes to their breasts. A mastopexy, or breast lift, raises sagging breast tissue, lifts the nipple to a more outward position, and takes away excess skin. A breast lift can give your breasts a younger appearance and help with asymmetry.  With all surgery, pain tolerance and recovery times will vary from patient to patient. It is always important to consult with your doctor before any procedure is done to understand exactly what the procedure can or cannot do and what the expected recovery will be.

The First Few Weeks

For the first two to three weeks following breast lift surgery, patients can usually expect to bruise, swell, and have postoperative pain. Incisions will feel sore and nipples may be numb. Numbness is normal. If pain management is difficult or you have any concerns about your recovery, contact your doctor.

The first few weeks after surgery is a critical time to give your body opportunity to heal from surgery for the best results of your breast lift. As you start to feel better, you can ease yourself back into some of your usual routine. There are some things you can do to help your recovery be successful:

  • Wear a compression bra for the recommended amount of time
  • Stay elevated at a 25 to 45-degree angle, even when sleeping
  • Don’t sleep on your stomach
  • Avoid any activity that involves lifting, bending, or straining

The First Few Months

It may take a month or two before all swelling is gone and you start to see the final results or you breast lift. Be patient with your body. You should be able to resume normal activity 4-6 weeks after your surgery. It’s important not to overestimate how good you are feeling too soon after your surgery and jump back into your daily routine too quickly. Remember your body needs time to heal properly, so give yourself permission to slow down and take it easy. Numbness in nipples is usually gone in the first couple of months after surgery. Scars will continue to fade over the next 12 months.

Some patients will combine a breast lift with liposuction or tummy tuck for a mommy makeover. You can also have a breast lift with implants. A combination of procedures done at the same time requires a little longer recovery time. Discuss with your doctor what options are best for you. Dr. Jane Rowley is a board certified plastic surgeon with 20 years experience helping Lubbock patients achieve their aesthetic goals. She takes the time to discuss your goals thoroughly, explains the procedure, and give a clear expectation of what is involved with your expected recovery. You know you are in good hands at Rowley Plastic Surgery.

Schedule your no-obligation consultations today.

How do I Prepare for a Breast Lift Procedure?

breast reduction

Prepping for your average day can sometimes be done on autopilot. Grab the shoes, pour the coffee, feed the dog. Our regular routine doesn’t require careful planning as we go about our day in Lubbock. Plastic surgery for a breast lift, however, needs a little more preparation than your regular daily routine. At Rowley Plastic Surgery, we want you to have a comfortable and smooth experience on the day of your plastic surgery. And, we want you to feel prepared for that day.

Preparing for Your Breast Lift

You will have the opportunity at a presurgical doctor visit to discuss your medical history, previous surgeries, and any medications you are taking. You will have a physical exam of your breasts so the doctor can determine your skin tone, positioning of your nipples, and other details for your surgery. It is also important to talk to your doctor about your surgical expectations, and why you want a breast lift. You may be asked to have a mammogram done before your surgery to establish a baseline for tracking changes in your breast tissue.

Preparing for Your Surgery

The right preparations for the day of your surgery can have an effect on your recovery. You will need to follow any pre-surgery instructions from the doctor carefully. You will be told what clothes to bring to wear after your surgery and other things you will need. You may be asked not to take some of the medications you are taking. Be sure to avoid any anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements as they will increase bleeding. If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking before your surgery, as smoking can affect your healing by decreasing blood flow to the skin. You will also want to make arrangements for someone to help you after your procedure.

Preparing for Your Recovery

Your recovery is an important part of your breast lift procedure. Plan to have someone with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You will need lots of rest, so pick out some favorite movies or a good book and give yourself permission to take it easy.

In Lubbock, plastic surgery can be the life changing experience you hope for with the expertise of Dr. Jane Rowley.  Whether you choose a breast reduction, lift, or augmentation, you are in the right hands at Rowley Plastic Surgery.