While it may not be pleasant, it’s natural to observe certain changes in your breasts over your lifetime.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, gravity, normal aging and heredity can all take their toll. As a result, many women are bothered by sagging, flattened or “drooping” breasts (called “ptosis”), larger than normal areolas (the darker skin around the nipples), or a lower nipple position as they mature. If this describes your bustline, you may find yourself longing for the more perky, firmer, fuller breasts you once had.

Dr. Deutsch knows how important it is for a woman to feel confident about her appearance. He wants women to feel attractive and be happy with their bodies, even as they get older. According to Dr. Deutsch, a breast lift can be an excellent way to improve the contour and shape of sagging breasts, and restore a more youthful look and feel. This is a surgical procedure he regularly performs at Perimeter Plastic Surgery.

Medically known a “mastopexy,” a breast lift procedure involves raising drooping breasts and nipples to a higher, firmer position, and reshaping them. During the surgery, the nipples may also be repositioned and the areolas may be reduced in size. Other than the outer skin of the areolas, breast tissue is not usually removed in a breast lift, so your breasts will remain the same size (although they may seem fuller because the skin is tightened).

In many cases, Dr. Deutsch’s patients combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation, which involves placing breast implants beneath the skin to enlarge or improve the shape of the breasts. Certainly a breast lift can also be done alone, especially if you are content with the overall size of your bustline.

How can you know if it’s time for a breast lift?

Of course, not every woman will experience the same degree of sagging or drooping as they age. Some women are affected more than others. If you are one of the many women who could use a breast lift, the signs are fairly obvious. They include:

· Your breasts look like they’re deflated.
· Your breasts seem to lack substance or firmness.
· Your nipples point downward, not forward.
· Your areolas look stretched-out and wider than they used to.
· Your unsupported nipples fall below the breast crease.
· You have less natural cleavage than you used to.
· Your sagging breasts are affecting the way you dress or feel about yourself.

If you experience one or more of the above conditions, a breast lift may be the right option for you. In addition, candidates for this procedure should be in good overall health, at an optimal and stable body weight, and not smoke.

Women who are planning future pregnancies should wait to have breast lift surgery until they are finished having children. Pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts, which would offset the results of a breast lift. 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.

If you are unsure whether you should have breast lift surgery, Dr. Deutsch recommends scheduling a consultation to learn more about the procedure, benefits, and risks. He will listen to your goals and concerns to help you decide if a breast lift is right for you. If it is, he will develop a completely individualized procedure plan that’s ideal for you.

What exactly happens during the procedure?

Breast lifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis. The entire operation is done under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. Dr. Deutsch starts by making the incisions. The exact number and length of incisions needed varies from patient to patient. In general, the greater the ptosis of the breast, the longer the incision and the more complex the incision pattern.

Through the incision, Dr. Deutsch carefully manipulates the underlying muscle and tissue to smooth and reshape it. This includes moving the nipple and areola to a higher position. If excess fat needs to be removed, that will be done using a liposuction procedure. If breast implants are being used, they will be inserted. After all this has been completed, the incisions will be closed with sutures and Dr. Deutsch will place any necessary dressings or surgical drains. After an hour or two in the recovery room, the patient is sent home to recover.

Recovery and Results

After your breast lift procedure, you may experience temporary bruising, swelling, tenderness and discomfort, but this is easily managed with pain medications that will be prescribed. Additionally, you may need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks after the operation, to support the breasts and promote healing. Breast lift patients generally stay out of work for 1 to 2 weeks and avoid full or strenuous activity for 3 to 4 weeks.

Once swelling and bruising is diminished (which generally takes about a month), you will be able to see the full effects of your breast lift surgery. Many women are amazed at their results, feeling as though they once again have the body from their past. You will not only look better and feel more comfortable, you will have an enhanced self-confidence.

Results are usually long term. Still, there are no permanent fixes for conditions caused by aging and gravity. For most patients, breast tissue will eventually sag once again. However, there are steps that can be taken to slow the process. This includes wearing a full-support bra, refraining from smoking, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Schedule your breast lift consultation

If you’re in need of a “lift,” both physically and emotionally, a mastopexy procedure at Perimeter Plastic Surgery may just be the answer. A consultation with Dr. Deutsch is the first step. He will be happy to discuss your goals and concerns, and answer any questions you may have about breast lift surgery. To make your appointment at either our Atlanta or Fayetteville offices, please give us a call today at 404-255-0886. Don’t put off getting the cosmetic procedure you really need and desire!