Breast Lift Surgery - Procedure, Benefits and Recovery

Breast lift with implants is an effective surgery to lift your breast and make them look larger. It is the combination of two surgeries into one. The process of lifting the breast is called mastopexy, and the process to increase the breast size is called augmentation. As a result, it is also known as breast augmentation-mastopexy.

 The breasts are lifted by removing the excess tissue and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast. Breast implants enhance the size or volume of your breasts. 

Breast lift with implants is an effective surgery to lift your breast and make them look larger. It is the combination of two surgeries into one. The process of lifting the breast is called mastopexy, and the process to increase the breast size is called augmentation. As a result, it is also known as breast augmentation-mastopexy.

The breasts are lifted by removing the excess tissue and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast. Breast implants enhance the size or volume of your breasts. 

1. The results are long-lasting 
2. Improves the symmetry and shape of breasts
3. Provides a more youthful appearance 
4. Boosts self-confidence 
5. Involves very less scarring 

Breast Lift can be carried out for many reasons such as:

1. To increase the fullness and projection of the breast
2. When you have small, sagging breasts
3. To bring firmness and upright position to your sagging breasts
4. To restore for the lost volume due to weight reduction or pregnancy
5. Improve the balance of your figure
6. To restore a more youthful and attractive position
7. To boost your confidence
8. To even out the breasts, if they are asymmetrical

There are many types of breast implants, such as saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, round breast implants, gummy bear breast implants, smooth breast implants, and textured breast implants.

As a woman gets older, their breast loses their elasticity with time. It causes breasts to sag or drop. It can also occur due to weight gain or weight loss. The surgeon removes the extra tissue and tightens the surrounding tissue through surgery. It lifts the breasts by raising them and making them rounder. Then the surgeon places the implants made of silicone and gels behind each of the breasts. It will increase the size and volume of the breasts. Together, it lifts your breasts, reshape them to make them rounder, and increases the cup size.

Procedure 

The method for a breast lift with implants varies depending on the size and shape of the breasts, age, how much lift you want, and type of the implants used. However, the general steps involved in the procedure are: 

1. Firstly, the surgeon will make you stand. Then they will assess and mark the area to see the lifted position of the nipple on the breast.
2. Once the area is marked, the surgeon will administer the Anesthesia. It is to make you sleep and process painless.
3. Then the surgeon will make an incision carefully around the areola, extending down the front of the breast.
4. The surgeon will then lift your breast, reshape it, and place the implant. The implant can be placed under the pectoral muscle, behind the breast tissue, or over the pectoral muscle.
5. The areolas will be moved to the correct position on your breasts if needed. 
6. Once done, the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tapes to close the skin.

The doctor will seek information about your goals regarding the size and fullness, the reason for surgery, the amount of lift, the type of implants you want, the implant placement, and the site of incision, and will inform you about the results you can expect. The surgeon will inform you about the risks and complications related to surgery and precautions to be taken later. A complete medical history, including the family history, will be considered. The doctor may perform some tests to ensure you are healthy for the surgery.

The doctor may ask you to stop drinking and smoking two weeks before the surgery. In addition, the doctor may ask you to stop taking blood-thinning medications (if you are on any). The doctor will ask to stop eating or drinking at least from the night before the surgery after midnight.

You should reach the hospital in the allotted time. You may be under the effect of the anaesthesia after surgery, so arrange for some help back home. Once you reach the hospital, the doctor will ask you to change into a hospital gown. Once done, you will be shifted to the Operation theatre.

The procedure takes, on average, 90 to 150 minutes to complete. After the procedure, you will be shifted to the recovery room. The medical staff will monitor your condition there. The surgeon discharges you from the hospital on the same day.

You will see the immediate results after the surgery. At the time of discharge, the doctor will prescribe you some medications for pain and antibiotics to prevent infection. You can return to work after 7 to 14 days. However, you should avoid vigorous activities for at least three weeks. The visible bruising and pain will subside within 2 to 3 weeks.

The doctor may advise you to visit the hospital the next day of the surgery to check for any complications. He may also ask you to visit after seven days of surgery. The doctor will check for complications if there are any so preventive measures can be taken. You will be instructed to follow up for breast management after surgery, including:

1. On how to take care of your breast
2. When to shower
3. Medications to apply or take 
4. Precautions to be taken for the healing of the incision
5. certain activities that you should avoid during the recovery period
6. You will have frequent follow-ups with the doctor at regular intervals for the first few months.

You should consult the doctor if you see any risks or complications after the surgery. The breast lift with the implant is a safe procedure. However, there are still some of the risks and complications associated with the surgery, such as:

1. Changes in breast or nipple sensation
2. Asymmetry between both the breasts 
3. Infection at the site of surgery
4. Fluid accumulation 
5. Cardiac or pulmonary complications due to deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
6. Anaesthesia complications 
7. Poor incision healing after surgery
8. Severe joint and muscles pain
9. Fatigue
10. Cognitive difficulties 
11. Partial or total loss of areola or nipple (due to blood flow restriction)
12. Wrong positioning of the implants

Some of the risks associated with implants are:

1. Implant leakage
2. Rupturing of the implants
3. Wrinkling of the skin over the area of the implants
4. Thickening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant
5. Anaplastic cell lymphoma