Also known as a mastopexy, a breast lift in Tampa offers you the opportunity to achieve firmer, more youthful-looking breasts that you can feel good about. Through the stresses of weight gain and loss, pregnancy, and aging in general, the natural support structures of the breast wear down and the breasts develop a condition called ptosis, or drooping. The breast lift procedure aims at reversing the manifestations of these stresses on the breasts.
While results of the breast lift procedure are visible immediately, patients are asked to remember that the results are not permanent. Both gravity and aging will continue to impact the shape of your breasts.
When to Consider a Breast Lift
The general indication for this surgery is breast ptosis. To measure breast ptosis, Dr. Albear will assess the position of the nipple in relationship to the breast crease, which helps to determine the best surgical technique. The following guidelines, or a similar variation, will be used by Dr. Albear:
- Mild breast droop means the nipple is level with the crease
- Moderate breast droop means the nipple is below the crease
- Severe droop is when the nipple points down at the lowest point on the breast (requires the most extensive surgical technique)
During a consultation with Dr. Albear, you can find out if you're a good candidate for breast lift surgery. You'll also have the opportunity to view many breast lift before and after photos, to get a general idea of the expected outcome.
Before and After Breast Lift Surgery in Tampa FL Area
View more plastic surgery before and after photos
Your Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis, with general anesthesia, and are typically completed between 1-3 hours. After making surgical incisions on or around the breast (which vary depending on severity of ptosis), Dr. Albear will lift and reshape the breast tissue. He then repositions the nipple and areola, giving the breast a more youthful, elevated appearance. In order to ensure congruity, Dr. Albear may excise skin around enlarged areolae to compliment the new breast shape and size. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures.
What Happens After Surgery?
After breast lift surgery, you can expect bruising, swelling, and discomfort that can be managed with pain medication. Dr. Albear will provide detailed aftercare instructions for you specifically, but most patients can anticipate a 1-2 week long recovery, and about 6 weeks of limited activity.
Your incisions and dissolvable sutures will be covered with gauze or tape which will be removed approximately 1 week after surgery. You will probably be asked to wear a special bra for 24 hrs a day, for up to 3-4 weeks. Do not be surprised if you experience minor changes in nipple sensation, as this is a common side effect.
To learn more about the benefits, costs or possible side effects/complications of the breast lift procedure, contact Dr. Albear's office in Wesley Chapel, Florida, for a personal consultation.
