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Frequently Asked Questions - Breast Lift
» At what age can I go for breast lift surgery?
Breast lift can be performed at any age, but waiting until breast development has stopped (usually 18 years) is recommended. If for some reason you think its important to have it done earlier you should be aware that further growth of breast may change the breast size and shape after the surgery and you may need to have a repeat breast lift surgery in future.
» How is breast lift surgery performed?
In sagging breasts there is excess of stretched skin relative to amount of breast tissue. Nipple is low and pointing down. Breast lift surgery removes the excess skin without disturbing the breast gland. Nipple areola is shifted upwards to an ideal position without detaching it from the breast. It is similar to wearing well fitting bra. Some techniques also tighten the breast tissue with internal stitches.
» Are there going to be scars on my breast?
There is usually a scar around the nipple areola and another one going vertically down from nipple till the breast crease. Scars on Indian skin tend to look like dark lines for the first 6 months and then gradually become lighter over next few years. It is rare for scars to become invisible.
» I understand that every surgical procedure has risks. What are the possible risks of breast lift surgery?
Breast is a superficial organ with no critical nerve vessels or organs near the surgical field, so breast surgery is relatively safe. Bleeding, infection and reactions to anaesthesia are some risks common to all surgeries. Following surgery sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. Minor adjustments often can be made later. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Rarely hypertrophic scarring can occur and may need treatment.
» How will I look and feel after surgery?
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. After a week usually, you will be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, however, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
Your dressings will be changed after 2 days in the doctor's clinic. You can have shower from 4th day after surgery and can remove your dressings and wash your breasts as well. You will be given instructions about self dressing at home after bath everyday. Initially you will notice your breasts to be swollen and sometimes with black and blue patches. Breasts also feel numb and tender. Shape may look a little odd initially. You will wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Generally, stitches are self absorbable.
Normal Food: Same day
Dressing Change: After 48 hours
Bath: 4th day
Pain: 1 week (Relieved with painkiller medications)
Self Dressing: For 10 days
Skin Discoloration: 2-3 weeks
Swelling: 1 month
Tenderness: Mild for 1-2 months
Support Bra: 6 weeks or more
Numbness: Weeks or months
» When is the healing complete?
Internal healing after any surgery goes on for months, during which time you may feel occasional discomfort and pain especially after exertion. You can take care of that by a painkiller pill and rest. Breasts gradually settle down to a rounded shape. Scars which are darker initially gradually fade over next few years.
» How long do I need to see the doctor after surgery?
You will return to the clinic for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, usually 2 days, 2 weeks one month and 3 months later. At these visits your progress will be evaluated and minor problems are taken care of. Once the immediate postoperative follow-up is complete you come back for periodic checkups to observe and discuss the long-term results of surgery. You are not charged for follow-up visits after surgery till one year.
» When do I see the final shape and what can I expect?
You will see the improvement immediately but final results come after 3-6 months after swelling goes down and tissues relax. The scars from the surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible, more so in some individuals than others. Fortunately, the scars are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.
» Are there methods available to reduce the scarring?
Scars can be improved by creams, gels and taping for 3-6 months. Excessively prominent scars can be revised surgically after 6 months.
Click here to view article on how to minimize scars after surgery
» How long will the results last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your breast shape should stay stable for years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts. Results last longer in smaller breasts than the larger ones. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo another breast “lifting” procedure to restore their more youthful contour.
» Will I be able to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?
Usually yes.
Click here to view more details on breastfeeding
» Do I need to inform my future husband about breast reduction surgery?
That is entirely upto you. Scars of the surgery tend to fade out but usually are visible on close examination permanently.
» Is there a way to do breast lift surgery without scars?
No
»Why do breasts sag?
Click here to view article on why are my breasts Sagging.
» I am not interested in surgery. I have heard about creams/ massages/ machines/ exercises that can lift the breasts. Do they work?
No, they do not work.
» I have had bariatric surgery done for morbid obesity and have lost 50 kgs . My breasts are sagging. Can I have breast lift surgery?
Breast reduction or lift is commonly required after massive weight Loss. In your case the skin folds going to sides and arm folds also can be addressed.
» Have my breast sagged because I was not wearing the bra?
Breasts can sag irrespective of the bra.
» I am young and single but my breasts are sagging and I look like I have been married and had children. I am worried about what my future husband will think?
Breast size and shape is not always related to sexual activity or childbirth. It is a misconception in the mind of some people. Breasts can sag due to weak tissues or due to weight.
» My breasts are sagging but look perfect in under wire support bra. Will breast lift surgery work for me?
Yes, it will work for you.
» My breasts have sagged after stopping breastfeeding and losing weight. In fact they are smaller than before. What do I need breast enlargement or breast lift?
If you want bigger breasts, enlargement with implant will be needed. At times that alone may give some lift and you may be satisfied. When sagging is severe and you also want bigger breasts both the surgeries- implant and lift will give best results. Lift alone may not be suitable for you because you want bigger breasts.
» Can Implant and breast lift surgery be done in a single stage or 2 stages are needed?
Both single and 2 stage options are available. Either implant or lift can be done in first stage depending on your priorities and surgeon's assessment. You can discuss that with the doctor.
» I had breast implants done 10 years back. After childbirth my breasts are sagging. What can I do?
If you are satisfied with your breast size in bra you can have breast lift surgery without disturbing the implant. If you want to change the size to bigger or smaller you can exchange the implant as well.
» I had breast reduction surgery done 8 years back. I am satisfied with the size but now my breasts are sagging. What can I do?
You can have breast lift surgery.
» Only one of my breasts is sagging. Why is it so? What can I do?
Difference in breast shape can happen and cause is not known. Breast lift on one side alone can be done.
» My chest is flat on one side and the other breast is normal in size. I have been advised to have surgery on both breasts, why is that?
The flat side of chest will need breast enlargement with implant. If your normal size breast is slightly sagging it will look very different from the implanted side. To get good matching simultaneously or at a later date you may need breast lift surgery of normal sized breast.
» Is there an increased risk of breast cancer in future after breast lift?
No
Click here to view article on preventing breast cancer
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