Tightening And Lifting For A More Youthful Appearance
Mastopexy, more commonly known as breast lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the breasts, reshapes the breasts by tightening and supporting the surrounding tissue, and lifts the nipples and areolas into a higher position. It is often performed to improve the appearance of sagging breasts. Dr. Ghaznavi provides breast lift surgery to patients in Herndon, VA.
Why Women Choose Breast Lifts
The decision to have a breast procedure is often affected by the results of one’s personal assessment. Some women may not like their sagging breasts and want them to look more youthful. Others may not like the shape of their breasts, which can be altered if their breasts have lost volume or firmness due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, aging, or heredity factors. In either case, they may feel more confident about their appearance with a breast lift.
There are a number of reasons why women may choose to undergo a breast lift. For some, it may be an aesthetic choice – they may feel that their breasts have lost their youthful shape and want them to look more pert and perky after breastfeeding or major weight loss.
Women’s breasts change for many reasons, including:
- Natural aging process
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Large weight fluctuations
- Genetics or heredity
- Menopause
Downtime for a Breast Lift
Are You a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Different Breast Lift Incisions
I had an arm lift and a breast lift after weight loss, and I’m very pleased with the results. I’ve felt completely supported and well cared for this entire journey, and would absolutely recommend this practice to anyone seeking a good plastic surgeon.
Types Of Breast Lift Surgery in Herndon, VA
At AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, VA, we offer four routine types of breast lift surgeries. Dr. Ghaznavi will help you decide which is best for you based on your specific needs and treatment goals:
Circumareolar Lift
The circumareolar lift is a common technique that involves making a circular incision around the areola. This type of lift is good for women with small breasts or who have minimal sagging.
Lollipop Lift
The lollipop lift uses an incision that starts at the base of the breast, circles the areola, and ends at the base of the breast. This technique is good for women with moderate sagging.
Anchor Lift
The anchor lift is similar to the lollipop lift, but the incision is wider. This technique is used on women with large breasts or severe sagging.
Donut Lift
The donut mastopexy involves making an incision in the lower part of each breast. This lift can create a scar around both areolas, but it provides good support for the nipple area and lifts extremely sagging breasts.
How The Breast Lift Procedure Works
While the exact steps of your procedure will vary based on your needs and the type you select, most procedures follow these steps:
Anesthesia
Before the surgery begins, the patient is given anesthesia to numb the area and reduce discomfort.
Incision
Dr. Ghaznavi makes an incision around the areola and/or vertically down from the areola to the breast crease.
Repositioning of breast tissue:
He repositions the breast tissue to create a more youthful appearance.
Tightening of the skin
Dr. Ghaznavi then tightens the skin around the breast to create a firmer and more lifted appearance. In some cases, the areolas and nipples are also repositioned.
Closing of incisions
The incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape. Dr. Ghaznavi will try to make scars small and unnoticeable—however, some scarring is possible.
Recovery
The patient is taken to a recovery room to be monitored until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.
How To Prepare For A Breast Lift Procedure
If you are planning to have this procedure at AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, VA, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for the surgery. These may include:
- Follow Dr. Ghaznavi’s instructions for pre-operative care, such as stopping certain medications and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgery, as well as someone to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
- Plan ahead for your recovery, including taking time off work and arranging for help with daily tasks and childcare.
It is important to follow pre and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome and prevent infection or other complications.
Meet Dr. AMIR GHAZNAVI
Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi is a dual board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Northern Virginia and the founder of AMG Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi chose plastic surgery to fuse his passion for aesthetics in art with the practice of functional surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi believes these two aspects go hand-in-hand in creating a holistic approach to surgery. His “E3 philosophy” of Empathy, Expertise, and Education permeates his practice. He lives to empathize with his patients needs, while demonstrating expertise in surgical skill and educating his patients to make the most informed decisions about their medical care.
Recovery From A Breast Lift
Recovery time is usually around two weeks, but this can vary depending on the patient and type of lift performed. For about three months after surgery, it is important not to expose your breasts to excessive sun exposure or extreme temperatures. Other post-operative instructions may include:
- Take pain medication as prescribed to manage discomfort.
- Apply cold compresses to the breasts to help reduce swelling.
- Wear a surgical bra or elastic bandage as directed by your doctor to support the breasts and minimize swelling.
- Keep the incision areas clean and dry.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercise, for at least four to six weeks.
- Follow Dr. Ghaznavi’s instructions for follow-up care, including any necessary exams or tests.
Can A Breast Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes, this surgery can often be combined with other surgical procedures. For example, many patients may choose to have this procedure done at the same time as a breast augmentation, in which breast implants are placed to increase the size of the breasts. It can also be combined with breast reduction to remove excess skin and tissue and reduce the size of the breasts. At AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, VA, we help you determine which procedures are right for you based on your individual goals and needs.
It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and complications of undergoing multiple procedures at the same time. This can include a longer recovery time and an increased risk of complications such as infection or blood clots. It is always best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ghaznavi to discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment for you. A qualified surgeon can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of combining procedures and help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift
Most patients experience some discomfort after a breast lift surgery, but this is usually manageable with prescribed pain medication. The pain typically subsides within a few days, and most patients report significant improvement within the first week.
A breast lift can potentially impact your ability to breastfeed, depending on the extent of the surgery and the techniques used. However, many women are able to breastfeed successfully after a breast lift. It’s important to discuss your plans for future breastfeeding with Dr. Ghaznavi during your consultation.
The initial recovery period for a breast lift is typically about 1 to 2 weeks, during which you should avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. Full recovery, including the resolution of swelling and the final appearance of your breasts, may take several months.
Yes, a breast lift can be combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation (to increase volume) or breast reduction (to decrease size). Combining procedures can help achieve a more comprehensive and balanced result, and it can also minimize overall recovery time.
Ideal candidates for a breast lift are women who have sagging breasts due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or genetics. Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the results, and preferably be non-smokers. It’s important to have fully developed breasts and, if planning to have children in the future, understand how pregnancy and breastfeeding may affect the results.
