What is Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also referred to as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that the Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery offers that lifts drooping, sagging breasts back to their perkier, youthful position. The procedure can also address stretched nipples and areolas, restoring them to their original, more natural-looking size and placement. A breast lift is often recommended for San Diego women after they are finished having children, to reposition breasts back to their original position after pregnancy and breastfeeding take their toll.

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Benefits of Breast Lift

A breast lift may be recommended for a woman who has lost shape and fullness in her breasts due to pregnancy and nursing, or due to the natural aging process that we all face. A breast lift might also be called for if a woman has lost a significant amount of weight – including her breasts – which are now sagging and drooping. San Diego breast lift candidates should be in good health (both physically and mentally), be non-smokers and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Breast lifts do not add volume to the breasts but can be combined with an augmentation procedure if the patient desires both lift and fullness. Some patients may choose to have breast reduction or breast augmentation combined with a lift if their sagging is due to excessively large breasts or loss of volume, unwanted attention or other undesirable symptoms.

Is Breast Lift Right for You?

As a woman, Dr. Kaweski understands that San Diego breast lift candidates want to feel welcomed and relaxed when they come into a doctor to speak about their appearance and their desires for their breasts, especially when they’re unhappy with the way this very personal part of their body looks. This is why Dr. Kaweski takes every precaution to make her patients as comfortable as possible.

During your consultation, Dr. Kaweski will interview you about your breasts.

What do you like about them?

What don’t you like about them?

What would you ultimately like your breasts to look like?

After listening to your answers to these questions, Dr. Kaweski will let you know if your desired results are possible to achieve with a breast lift surgery, and what results a breast lift can realistically provide for you. If the two of you agree to move forward with the procedure, Dr. Kaweski will then prepare a personalized treatment plan for you given your unique anatomy and desires.

About the Procedure

Dr. Kaweski offers the breast lift procedure at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery in the San Diego area. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. Incisions are placed around the areola. Sometimes a vertical incision is added down the middle of the breast – known as a “lollipop incision.” With excessively droopy breasts, an incision is also made in the breast crease to further contour the breast.

During surgery, the breast is repositioned and reshaped. Excess skin is removed, and the nipple is altered and repositioned as necessary to achieve the natural look that San Diego patient’s desire. If implants are requested, those will also be put in place during this procedure. Once the breasts are in their desired shape and position, the incisions are sutured closed.

Preparing for Surgery

In the days before your breast lift surgery, Dr. Kaweski will advise her San Diego patients to:

Prepare their homes for their recovery, by meal prepping, planning for childcare and help around the house.

Not smoking for 5 weeks before and 5 weeks after their procedure, as smoking can complicate both the surgery itself as well as the recovery process.

Pre-filling oral pain medication prescription, so it isn’t necessary to do so post-op.

By following these steps, breast lift patients are putting themselves in

What Is the Recovery from Breast Lift Like?

Usually, San Diego patients can return home the same day as their breast lift procedure. Because you will be receiving strong general anesthesia during your surgery to put you completely asleep, you will not be able to drive yourself home after your breast lift and will need to arrange for transportation from a friend or family member. Any discomfort after surgery can usually be managed effectively using oral pain medication. A degree of bruising and swelling is normal after surgery and will subside within a few days after the procedure. You will not be able to sleep on your stomach immediately after the procedure. Most breast lift patients prefer to sleep on their backs with pillows propped behind their back, or in a recliner.

A special bra is worn for a number of weeks after the surgery to hold the breasts in the new position and promote faster healing of the surgical area. Most patients return to work and regular activities within 7-10 days, and more strenuous activity such as exercise or heavy lifting allowed after approximately four weeks.

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What about Results?

The results of a breast lift are evident right after the procedure but will continue to improve in the weeks following surgery. A breast lift is considered a permanent way to improve the position and contour of the breasts. However, gravity and the aging process may eventually take their toll once again, and some patients may find a touch-up procedure helps them to maintain positive results over the years.

Dr. Kaweski is experienced in all types of breast lift techniques. Her staff at Aesthetic Arts Plastic Surgery in the San Diego area are ready to answer your questions about the breast lift procedure or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kaweski so you can discuss your options. Call us today at (619) 464-9876 and find out if a breast lift is the right procedure for you.