Pregnancy, weight loss and aging are just a few of the factors that cause breasts to lose their shape and position. To reclaim an uplifted appearance, an increasing number of women are choosing to have a breast lift. In Omaha, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Surgical Images bring skill and artistry to breast surgery and have helped many women achieve the look they desire.
Request a complimentary cosmetic consultation with Aesthetic Surgical Images for a private discussion with one of our breast surgeons in Omaha, Nebraska.
Breast Lift: What is it?
Breast Lift: Implants Instead of A Lift
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*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Understanding Breast Lift
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple, areola and breast higher on the chest. For women whose breasts have lost firmness and elasticity, it is an effective procedure that results in a lifted, more youthful contour.
At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we understand that having surgery is a big decision. That’s why we strive to create a relaxed atmosphere where our patients feel at ease. During your initial consultation, your physician will take the time to understand your goals and discuss realistic expectations. Patients who choose Aesthetic Surgical Images also take great comfort in knowing that all of our surgeons are board-certified, our facility is nationally accredited, and our M.D. anesthesiologists have superior training.
Breast Lift Results May Vary
The results of a breast lift will vary from patient to patient. If the skin is of poor quality and if stretch marks are present, then one would expect the results of the breast lift to be shorter lived than somebody with healthy ideal skin.
The results of a breast lift will also depend on the technique employed. Many women want the breast lift to achieve fullness in the upper part of the breast. This fullness can be maintained longer if at least a small or medium size breast implant is placed at the same time.
It is best to wait until you are done with your childbearing years to have this type of surgery performed. Surgery should be delayed for at least three months after lactation has ended. Any pregnancy following this type of surgery can compromise the result and require additional surgery in the future.
Breast lift before pregnancy
It’s not unusual for women to undergo breast augmentation and breast lift prior to pregnancy. Many women don’t have plans to become pregnant in the near future. Under these circumstances it’s reasonable to proceed with surgery when women are unhappy with their breast aesthetics. In contrast, patients who anticipate becoming pregnant in the near future should delay surgery until they are done having children.
In some cases, breast lift surgery can adversely impact the ability to breastfeed. In patients who place high value on breast feeding, breast lift should be delayed until childbearing is complete.
Conversely, pregnancy can have an adverse impact on breast aesthetics. In patients who have developed breast sag prior to pregnancy, breast sag following pregnancy can recur. Under these circumstances, surgical revision is highly probable.
It’s important that all of these issues be considered before proceeding with breast lift surgery in women who may not be done having children. If you’re considering breast lift in combination with breast augmentation prior to pregnancy, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is appropriate.
Your Breast Lift procedure
Breast lift is a two-hour procedure that is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Typically, it requires an anchor shaped incision pattern: one around the areola, a second from the areola to the crease under the breast, and the third along the breast crease. In cases where sagging is limited, breast lift may be performed without the third incision, an approach called a vertical mastopexy.
Through these incisions, your physician lifts and reshapes the underlying tissue and repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful placement. In many cases, women enhance their breast lift surgery by adding breast implants. In Omaha, Nebraska, this is a commonly-used technique to add volume as well as improve position and shape. Still others add tummy tuck, with or without liposuction, to complete a full Mommy Makeover.
To learn more about breast lift and breast augmentation please read our Frequently Asked Questions. We think you’ll find it to be a valuable resource as you gather information.
Breast Lift: Recovery
Breast Augmentation or Lift: Breastfeeding After Surgery
Enjoying your results
Most patients return to daily activities, including driving, within three to five days after surgery. It’s important, however, not to lift your elbows above your shoulders or lift more than five pounds for three to four weeks, after which you should be back to full activity. Although it takes up to several months to see final results, you can start enjoying the look of your shapelier, uplifted breasts almost immediately.
See the results our patients have enjoyed from their breast lift surgery when you visit our before & after photo gallery.
Breastfeeding Following Breast Lift Surgery
The vast majority of patients who undergo breast lift surgery are able to breast feed following this procedure. The ability to breast feed depends on a variety of factors.
Large studies have demonstrated that as many as twenty percent of women are unable to breast feed even without surgery.
In a small percentage of patients, breast feeding can be adversely impacted by breast lift surgery. This appears to be related to the extent of the surgical dissection. The more extensive the dissection, the greater the likelihood of nerve damage, damage to the blood supply, damage to the ductal system or damage to the breast tissue itself. In women who have previously demonstrated an ability to breast feed, inability to breast feed would be rare following this type of procedure.
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“From start to finish, Dr. Edney & his team made this journey so easy!! He was very honest & upfront about his expectations for surgery and my results are above and beyond my wildest dreams!! All of my questions were answered with courtesy and understanding and I felt safe the entire time! I had suffered from sagging breasts at a very early age and it had affected so much in my life and now I finally feel comfortable in my own body. Couldn’t be more thankful and would recommend Dr. Edney & his team to anyone!!”
5 StarsReal Patient
Breast Lift FAQs
General anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in anesthesia
Your surgeon will carefully examine you and take special measurements of your breasts to determine excess skin and the new location of the nipple. Often, the darker skin surrounding the nipple called the areola is larger than you would like. During a breast lift this area is made smaller. Once the measurements are made with you in an upright position you are taken to the operating room and the operation is performed. Once the extra skin is taken from the lower parts of the breast special stitches are placed to uplift and reshape the breast to a more youthful appearance. A breast lift normally takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. It will take longer if you also requires breast implants, as many Des Moines and Omaha patients do.
You will be placed in a surgical bra after surgery. A friend or loved one will take you home and must stay with you for the next 24 hours. You will wear the bra and your dressings until you are seen the next day in our office. At that time your surgeon, or the physician assistant, will give you instructions on how they would like you to care for your breasts. Specific instructions will be given to you before the operation regarding limitation of activity. In general, you will be expected not to lift your elbows above your shoulders for several days after surgery. Special instructions regarding hair washing will be given to you. You will be asked to refrain from heavy lifting for up to four weeks. Your doctor will give you more specific instructions depending on the type of activity you will be returning to. You will be given sufficient medication to control your discomfort postoperatively. You will also be given an antibiotic for a few days and possibly some medication to have on hand in the event that you experience nausea.
You will have a number of follow-up visits the first few months following surgery. Your surgeon or physician’s assistant will provide guidance during your recovery including any restrictions. Much of the discomfort will be gone in the first 48 hours. Your breasts will remain slightly swollen and may have some bruising for up to ten days. The incisions will remain reddened for several weeks. Over the course of the next several months the redness will slowly diminish.
If you live in the state of Nebraska, Aesthetic Surgical Images offers breast lift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Long term we expect significant fading of the redness and the incision areas. You may develop some sagging over time. The vast majority of women however enjoy the improved shape for many years and never require another lift.
Recovery following breast surgery is generally swift. The swelling and discomfort generally resolve within five to ten days. Most women can resume work approximately three to five days after a breast lift. Aerobic activities may need to be deferred for four weeks post-operatively. Most of the sutures will be absorbable but some may need to be taken out between two and three weeks after surgery. Within the first week or two, the surgeon will likely recommend wearing a soft bra for several weeks. Patients should refrain from wearing bras with underwire for three months. Swelling and discoloration around the incisions generally subside in a few days. Temporary changes in sensation of the nipples and skin is normal, and should improve with time. Since incisions are usually made around and below the nipple, scars should not be noticeable even in low-cut clothing.
Taking the next step
Our caring, professional staff is always available to answer your questions, and we’ll be here for you when you’re ready. Request a complimentary cosmetic consultation with Aesthetic Surgical Images online or call (402) 390-0100 or (800) 331-5001 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Why Choose Aesthetic Surgical Images
- For almost 20 years, Aesthetic Surgical Images in Omaha has earned a reputation as one of the top plastic surgery practices in the Midwest.
- Dr. Edney completed his 5-year residency in general surgery at Creighton University and subsequently received his board certification in general surgery.
- Dr. Marie Montag has been in practice since 1997 and is a Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Dr. Bruneteau completed a fellowship in microvascular surgery at the University of California and a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at Harvard Medical School in Boston; also, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
- Dr. Biggerstaff completed his plastic surgery training at the University of California, Irvine; also, he is Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.