Breast lift surgery is called mastopexy. It tightens and lifts sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple.
It’s a surgical procedure that reshapes the size and shape of your breasts by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from underneath your breast tissue. This makes your nipple-areola complex higher on your chest wall.
A surgeon removes excess skin and fat from around the nipple and reshapes the breast tissue underneath. The nipple may be repositioned higher on your chest wall and lifted slightly higher too. The surgeon then tightens the surrounding skin and tissues to give your breasts a firmer, more youthful appearance.
If you’re considering a breast lift, you may be feeling a little nervous. After all, it’s your body and your health at stake.
But don’t let that fear stop you from realizing your dream of having perkier breasts and a better figure. If you’re ready to take that next step, here are some things to consider:
Stop smoking.
Smoking causes premature aging in all areas of the body, including your skin and tissues. If you smoke regularly or have in the past, talk with your doctor about ways to quit before surgery so that you won’t have any complications after surgery.
Don’t take certain medications before the surgery.
Some medications can interfere with anesthesia during breast lift surgery. If you’re taking any of these medications — including some antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants and heart medications — talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to stop taking them before your surgery date.
Get your blood work done.
Make sure that you get your blood work done at least two weeks before the surgery so that any necessary lab tests can be completed in time for your surgery date. This will also give you ample time to discuss any concerns with your surgeon before surgery day arrives.
Make sure to eat well on the surgery day.
You’ll need all your strength to recover from the procedure, and good nutrition will help keep you healthy. The day before your surgery, avoid eating foods that are high in fat or fiber, including nuts, seeds and popcorn. Also avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol, as these can increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
Be at a stable weight.
If you have been trying to lose weight and have not reached your goal, it may be best to wait until you reach your ideal weight before undergoing a breast lift. This will help ensure that your results are natural and not the product of overzealous fat removal.
Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications
You’ll need to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin several weeks before your surgery. This is because these medications may increase bleeding during and after surgery.
Know the risks of anesthesia.
Anesthesia can cause complications such as nausea, vomiting and fainting after surgery. It also increases your risk of infection and blood clots in the legs or lungs. Ask your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of complications while under anesthesia — such as taking aspirin or other blood thinners before surgery.
What to expect when you get home
After the procedure, your surgeon will place gauze pads over your incisions and apply bandages. He or she will also give you instructions for taking care of your breasts and incisions at home. Don’t be surprised if you have some bruising and swelling after surgery, but these side effects should go away in a few days.
Select a surgeon you trust.
Make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen surgeon and his or her staff. This can make all the difference in how well you heal from the procedure and how happy you are with the results. Your first consultation should leave you feeling confident about moving forward with surgery.
Discuss your expectations.
You should be realistic about what your results will look like, and what kind of scarring you can expect. If you’re looking for significant change in your breasts, this may not be the best procedure for you.
Limit sodium intake
Avoid high-sodium foods such as bacon, lunch meats and canned soups until your body has returned to its normal state. Sodium can cause fluid retention and swelling in your legs, feet and hands. This can prevent proper healing after surgery.
Quit Drinking Alcohol
One of the most important things to do before breast lift surgery is quit drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes. If you have an infection, it can make your recovery take longer. Alcohol might also cause some medications used during surgery to not work as well or make you more sensitive to them.
Wear a supportive bra
If possible, wear a bra that is two sizes larger than your normal size for two weeks before your breast lift surgery. This will help prevent your skin from stretching during this time period. You should also consider buying new bras or sports bras before your procedure so that they can support your breasts during recovery.
Massage lotion on your scars after surgery.
Apply lotions or creams to your incisions three times daily for at least two weeks after your surgery. This helps reduce swelling and bruising and promotes healing.
Start taking a multivitamin
Before undergoing any type of surgery, it’s important to eat well and get plenty of rest so that your body is ready for the procedure. This includes taking a multivitamin daily to ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs to heal properly from surgery.
Get plenty of rest
Breast lift surgery is more demanding than most other cosmetic procedures because it requires general anesthesia. This means that your body will need time to recover from the anesthesia and surgery before you can resume normal activities such as exercising, driving or working out at the gym — or even walking up stairs without getting winded. You should plan to take off at least two weeks from work after your surgery so that you have time to heal properly and get enough rest after the procedure.
Set aside time for recovery.
Recovery from a breast lift can take anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on how much work was done during your surgery. You may need pain medication or anti-inflammatory medications after surgery if you have discomfort or swelling. Drains may be placed in your breasts to help drain fluid out of them during recovery. You should avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or jogging until all stitches have been removed and your doctor gives permission. Keep in mind that there will likely be some scarring from this procedure; however, scars will fade over time and can be covered with clothing if desired so long as they are not too large or prominent.
Set up a support system.
Having someone to help you through the recovery process can make all the difference in the world. If possible, have someone who can stay with you for at least a few days following your surgery so that they can help with any daily chores or errands that would otherwise fall on your shoulders.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
After a breast lift, you’ll most likely need help getting around for a few days or longer, depending on your level of pain and mobility. You may also have drains that must be emptied regularly at first. Make sure someone is available to drive you home from the hospital and take care of you while you’re recovering.
Avoid Blood Thinners
If you take any medication that is a blood thinner (also known as anticoagulants), consult with your doctor before having surgery. These drugs can increase your risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. If they are necessary, they may be stopped prior to surgery or resumed shortly after surgery begins.
Wear comfortable clothing
You might be tempted to wear your tightest, most revealing clothing when you’re going in for a consultation for a breast lift. But wearing clothes like this can make it hard for the surgeon to get a good look at your breasts and decide on the best course of action. Instead, wear comfortable clothing that will allow the surgeon to see everything clearly while also making you feel relaxed during the consultation.
Prepare mental health
The first step in preparing for breast lift surgery is to mentally prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Even though you may be excited about the results of your new breasts, it’s important not to get too excited about having them right away! Prepare yourself for the possibility that things won’t go as smoothly as planned during recovery and be ready for any changes that could occur post-surgery.
