Breast Lift in Ventura County
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and correct saggy breasts. Breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume—for example, after pregnancy—breast implants inserted in conjunction with breast lift can increase both their firmness and their size. If you’re considering a breast lift in Ventura County, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure—when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. Please be sure to ask your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County if there is anything about the procedure you don’t understand.
The Best Candidates for Breast Lift
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your plastic surgeon.
The best candidates for breast lift are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
A breast lift is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following your plastic surgeon’s advice both before and after surgery.
Breast lift does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they’ll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) Breast lift can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.
Planning Your Breast Lift in Ventura County
It is important to discuss your expectations frankly with your plastic surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion.
Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and measure them while you’re sitting or standing. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure—such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin—and whether an implant is advisable. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.
Preparing For Breast Lift in Ventura County
Depending on your age and family history, your plastic surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
Where Your Breast Lift Will Be Performed
Your breast lift is typically done on an outpatient basis in an outpatient surgery center.
Types of Anesthesia
Breast lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia.
The Surgery
Click here to view a 3D animated video of this procedure.
After Your Breast Lift
After your breast lift, you’ll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn’t be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You’ll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze.
You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Getting Back to Normal after your Breast Lift in Ventura County
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don’t plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon.
You may be instructed to avoid strenuous activities for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.
Your New Look
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that breast lift scars can be extensive and permanent. If a donut or Benelli Mastopexy was performed, the pleating around the areola may take months to soften. The scars gradually become less obvious, then eventually fade. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won’t keep your breasts firm forever–the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations can eventually take their toll again. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.
Your satisfaction with a breast lift in Ventura County is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.