INTRODUCTION TO BAKERSFIELD BREAST LIFT

Breast lift, also called mastopexy, is an elective surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts to make them firmer and perkier, giving your breasts a more youthful appearance. Depending on the amount of breast tissue, you may wish to have an implant inserted in each breast to create more fullness along with the lift. This will all be discussed in your consultation at Dr. Dev’s Bakersfield plastic surgery office. Breast lifts are performed on an outpatient basis.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that Dr. Dev rarely inserts drains in his breast lift procedures, and his technique eliminates the long, vertical scar so common in breast lift surgery! He is one of only a few plastic surgeons in the country to perform this specific technique.

GOOD CANDIDATES FOR BAKERSFIELD BREAST LIFT

Here are the common reasons for a breast lift:

• Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
• Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
• Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
• Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.

A woman over the age of 18 who is otherwise in good health and has reasonable expectations is likely to be a good candidate for a breast lift.

If you have small breasts and do not plan to have breast implants with your lift procedure, you may be appropriate for a modified procedure that requires fewer incisions than a traditional breast lift. This procedure is often called a “doughnut mastopexy” because circular incisions are placed around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.  Rest assured, Dr. Dev will have reviewed all your options with you during your consultation at his Bakersfield plastic surgery office prior to your procedure. Dr. Dev’s goal is to always perform procedures with the minimal incisions necessary to create a beautiful result.

HOW BAKERSFIELD BREAST LIFT IS DONE

Breast lift is performed on an outpatient basis at a Bakersfield hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while you are asleep under general anesthesia. Once anesthesia is induced, an incision is made along the underside of the breast in the inframammary fold, where the breast meets the chest wall. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, up to and around the areola, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the tissue is anchored and the nipple and areola are placed into their new, higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. If you are having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.

The breast lift procedure generally takes 1 ½ to 3 hours to perform, depending on whether or not you are also having breast implants inserted along with the breast lift. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after your breast lift procedure, as you will still be recovering from anesthesia.

RECOVERY FROM BAKERSFIELD BREAST LIFT

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of your breasts. Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks. Although some patients report minor pain associated with breast lift, this discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication; some women find that ice packs are also effective. While complications are rare, you can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by Dr. Dev after surgery.

If breast sagging is a concern, call us today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Dev. A breast lift doesn’t just lift your breasts, but your spirits as well!