What You Could Gain From a Breast Lift in Lubbock

When people think about plastic surgery for breast enhancement, the most common thing they think of is breast augmentation. This is understandable, as breast enlargements are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. If you are happy with the amount of natural breast tissue that you have, but are less happy with the shape, asymmetry, or overall lack of perkiness, a better option may be a mastopexy, or a breast lift. In Lubbock, Dr. Jane Rowley offers this plastic surgery procedure to women looking for a breast lift to restore their youthful shape in a way that is still all you.

Changing Trends

While breast implants are popular, breast lift procedures are also on the rise. Since 2000, breast lifts have seen an increase in frequency of 108%, outpacing the increase in breast implants by more than double. This may reflect the parallel trend that women getting breast implants are choosing smaller, more natural-looking sizes . The numbers indicate that more women are generally satisfied with their breast size, and are simply looking to restore the perky fullness that they may have enjoyed when they were younger. Today’s woman wants to achieve her ideal image in a way that looks and feels natural, and a breast lift can be the perfect way to do that.   

What is a Breast Lift?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a mastopexy is a procedure that “raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.” In other words, your plastic surgeon will lift your breasts by getting rid of the extra weight that makes them sag. As part of the procedure, the areola and nipple are also repositioned. It’s typically an outpatient surgery, taking about 90 minutes to two hours, and it is performed under general anesthetic. A breast lift can be performed in an office operating suite, surgical center, or hospital. The procedure transforms a droopy, sagging chest into breasts that look perky and rejuvenated. Watch the video below for Dr. Rowley’s thorough explanation of the procedure.

Why Consider a Breast Lift in Lubbock?

As women age, breasts will naturally begin to change, losing their youthful look and feel. These changes can be hard to accept, especially when there is nothing you can do on your own to stop them. Breasts that have lost shape and volume can make it challenging to find flattering clothes and bras that fit well; but more importantly, they can damage your self-esteem and confidence. If the appearance of your breasts bothers you, plastic surgery may be the best way to regain a positive body image. Unwanted changes in the breasts are often caused by:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Weight loss
• Aging
• Genetics
• Gravity

While some of these factors only affect some women, no one is exempt from all of them. Aging and gravity take their toll on each and every one of us. And the fact is that your breasts can’t keep their youthful appearance forever, no matter how much you exercise and eat right. Feeling confident in their appearance is something all women deserve, and a breast lift can help by revitalizing your breasts and lifting your spirits.  

Breast Lift Candidates

If you feel unhappy with the way your breasts look, you’re not alone. Many women share the same dissatisfaction that comes with watching their breasts gradually change, knowing they cannot do anything about it. Breast lift candidates should be in good physical health, have realistic expectations for the procedure, and should not smoke. Women who meet these criteria and have the following aesthetic concerns may be potential candidates for a breast lift in Lubbock:

• Stretched skin and enlarged areolas
• Droopy or saggy breasts
• Breasts with a flatter, elongated shape
• Pronounced stretch marks
• Nipples that point down 
• Nipples that fall below the breast crease when unsupported
• Asymmetry between breasts

Not every woman who is unhappy with her breasts will be a candidate for a breast lift. For example, if you may become pregnant or wish to breastfeed in the future, it would be best to wait until after those events to pursue breast surgery. Talk to your doctor to find out if now is the right time for your breast lift plastic surgery.  

Still wondering whether a breast lift is right for you? Watch this video for more information on mastopexy and tips on how to know if you are a good candidate.

Remember, a breast lift will not change the overall size of your breasts, but It does enhance their shape and projection. If you want larger or smaller breasts, then you should consider a breast augmentation or breast reduction. Each of these procedures can be done in addition to a breast lift for more dramatic results. One of the great things about cosmetic surgery is that you are in charge, and you get to choose what you want for your body. A qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Jane Rowley can help you decide which type of procedure will help you meet your cosmetic goals. 

Some Things You Should Know

If you want to have breast implants in conjunction with your lift, it is important to be careful when you choose your implant size. Implants that are too large will add weight to breasts that may already struggle to support existing tissue and skin, causing them to sag even more. However, with the right sized implant and an experienced plastic surgeon, you can have the best of both worlds by lifting your breasts and adding volume at the same time.   

On the other hand, many women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts would also benefit from a breast lift. In fact, Dr. Rowley always includes a lift as part of the breast reduction procedure she performs on her patients. She advises these patients to have realistic expectations for their surgical outcome. Dr. Rowley explains:

“Unfortunately, many patients who come in seeking a mastopexy expect their breasts will look as if they never had big breasts to start with. In other words, they hope to look like a small-breasted person who has had implants. However, once you have had breast tissue followed by a volume loss, it is very difficult to make breasts look like someone who was never big-breasted to start with. It is very important that patients have a realistic view of this procedure.”

Dr. Rowley has more than 20 years of experience with mastopexy, and is always candid with her patients about what they can achieve with plastic surgery. She encourages women to be open about their concerns and to communicate their breast lift goals clearly. If you have large breasts prior to your breast lift, talk to your surgeon about what a realistic outcome might look like for you. 

What Do You Need to Do Before You Get a Mastopexy?

There are a few main things to consider when answering this question. First, make sure you are physically prepared for your procedure. If you smoke, you simply must quit. If you cannot quit permanently, then you must at least abstain for several weeks to prepare for the surgery and for several weeks after to aid in your recovery. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood, which reduces your body’s ability to fight off infection. Nicotine also directly impacts the blood flow to the tissues. In addition, you should be able to maintain a stable weight for some time. For more information about preparing for a breast lift in Lubbock, see our post about “Making the Most of Your Lubbock Plastic Surgery Experience.” 

Second, closely consult with your plastic surgeon. During your consultation appointments, you have the opportunity to discuss your goals for this procedure: why you are considering the surgery, and what you hope to get out of it. Do your best to convey your thoughts clearly, because effective communication is key to getting the results you want. Your plastic surgeon can help you develop an accurate expectation of what the outcome of the procedure will likely be. Everyone wants to look like a supermodel, but everyone’s body is different. The same procedure, and even the same size and type of implant will look different on every patient’s body. Your surgeon will also want to have a detailed discussion about your medical history to reduce the possibility of complications. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have. If you’re not sure what to ask, here is a helpful list of questions you should consider.

Third, your plastic surgeon will likely request a full lab test to make sure there are no conditions you are not aware of before the procedure. Also, it is recommended that you get a baseline mammogram that will be compared to a second one after your procedure, to see if there is anything your doctor should be aware of in your breast tissue.

Preparing for Mastopexy

A breast lift is major surgery, which means you will need to plan ahead so your recovery can go as smoothly as possible. Being underprepared can make the healing process longer and more difficult. Below are some ideas you might find helpful when making your mastopexy recovery plans.

• Find someone to drive you to and from your surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night 
• Arrange for child care and pet care for at least the first week 
• Fill post-surgical prescriptions, including pain medication 
• Schedule a baseline mammogram for your doctor’s reference
• Adjust your medications according to your doctor’s instructions
• Stop the use of all products containing nicotine

Breast Lift Recovery

Taking care of yourself during the recovery period is one key to getting the results you want from your breast lift in Lubbock. By following your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully, you will have the best chance at a successful recovery. Be patient with your body as it works to heal. If you jump back into your normal routine too quickly, your health and your results could suffer. Take it slow, and don’t hesitate to let others help you during this time. Although everyone’s healing timeline is unique, most patients can expect to take about 5 to 10 days off work and 4 to 6 weeks for a complete recovery and return to full activity.

Mastopexy and Scarring

All surgeries leave scars, and breast lifts are no different. Your plastic surgeon will need to make incisions on your breasts to achieve the desired tightening and lifting. An incision made around the areola can minimize the amount of scarring, but some patients may have more scarring depending on how much skin needs to be removed. With proper care, scars will fade and diminish over time. And, your breast lift scars can be easily hidden beneath a swimsuit. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about plastic surgery scars.  

Women with Breast Lifts are Very Happy with their Results

According to RealSelf, 95% of women say that their mastopexy was “worth it.” In a sample review of the procedure, one woman wrote: 

“I am a 20-year-old who underwent a breast lift procedure due to a lot of sagginess that inhibited me from feeling comfortable and also hindering what I could and could not wear. After losing weight from my chest after having a large bust, they began to droop. My areola area was very large and my right breast was larger and hung lower than my left breast. . . It has now only been two weeks’ post operation and I am comfortable to move around, pain free, and my breasts look 100 times better than what they did, which I am so grateful for.”

A breast lift in Lubbock can have a similar positive effect on your self-image and give you more confidence when your breasts are given back their youthful look. Dr. Jane Rowley and her staff are committed to helping you become your best self by giving you the body you can truly appreciate and enjoy. Call us today for a no-obligation consultation.