Breast Lift

A breast lift differs from a breast augmentation in that we are not trying to increase the size of your breast. Rather, we use incisions to lift and reshape the breast to improve contour and firmness and we reposition the nipple and areola to a natural, more youthful height. In other words, we get rid of the sagging appearance, helping you look as young as you feel.

Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for your case will be determined based on:

• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of the areola
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and skin elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

There are many variations to the procedure, however one of the most common is a pattern with three incisions:

• Around the areola
• Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
• Horizontally along the breast crease

Alternative techniques eliminate either the horizontal incision at the breast crease, the vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease or sometimes both. In any case, incisions are usually placed so that they can be hidden under clothing and swimsuits. Dissolving sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

Breast Lift Recovery

When you are recovering from a breast lift you won’t feel like doing a lot for the first few days, especially if you have a drain in each breast. If drains are used, they will be removed after three or four days. (Don’t worry—it doesn’t hurt!)

• Bathroom: You will be able to take care of yourself in the bathroom.
• Sleeping: You will probably be more comfortable sleeping on your back for the first week or two.
• Showering: You’ll be able to shower after two days and will want to stand with your back to the shower.
• Driving: You will be able to drive once you no longer have drains and you are off of all narcotic pain medication.
• Exercise: You will be able to do low impact exercise in one week, such as walking or sitting on a stationary bike. Patients resume higher-impact exercise such as jogging or aerobics after three to four weeks.
• Pain Control: Most patients need prescription pain medication for the first few days after surgery only. We encourage patients to take ibuprofen or Aleve regularly and their prescription pain medication only as needed.

If you choose Salmon Creek Plastic Surgery, you’ll find that our Vancouver, WA clinic features a discrete, state-of-the-art, on-site surgery center staffed by medical professionals. You won’t have to travel to a hospital or other generic surgery center. You also will have a private room where you can recover from surgery.