How Long Will My Breast Lift Results Last?

When it comes to a woman’s confidence, self-esteem, and sense of femininity, there are few physical features that play as significant of a role as the breasts. However, the breasts are also prone to a variety of unwanted physical changes associated with different life events, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the aging process alone. Many women experience a loss of breast volume over time, leading them to pursue breast augmentation. For others, the shape or position of the breasts is their biggest concern. Fortunately, breast lift provides a fantastic solution for restoring a more youthful contour and perkier position to a woman’s breasts.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao is proud to offer breast lift surgery in Tucson, AZ for patients seeking a life-changing solution for their sagging breasts. Read on to find out more about this exciting procedure, including how long your breast lift results may last, as well as the other options available at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery.

How does a breast lift work?

To better understand how breast lift surgery can correct drooping breasts, it is important to first establish what causes the problem itself. Most often, sagging breasts are caused by stretched out skin. This can be due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or simply genetics and the aging process. As a result of these issues, women can be plagued by elongated, drooping breasts, asymmetric breasts, overly large areolas, nipples that point downward, and other cosmetic concerns. During your initial one-on-one consultation at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, Dr. Rao will perform a thorough examination, discuss your goals at length, answer all of your questions in detail, and recommend a custom surgical plan that best meets your needs.

On the day of your breast lift surgery in Tucson, AZ, you will be placed under general anesthesia and can expect the procedure to last about two hours, depending on the severity of your case and whether or not any additional treatments are being performed. Dr. Rao will carefully make his incision on the breast, which is usually in either an anchor or vertical-T formation. The excess skin will then be removed, along with breast tissue and fat, in order to recontour and reshape the breast. Finally, Dr. Rao will reposition the nipple-areola complex to produce a natural-looking, stunning composition. If the patient has concerns about the size of their areola or nipple, these can be addressed during a breast lift as well. Once Dr. Rao is satisfied with the final result, the incisions will be closed.

How long is the recovery after a breast lift?

As with any procedure, the details of a breast lift recovery can vary from patient to patient. In general, most women can expect to feel well enough to return to work after 1 – 2 weeks, with the majority of their swelling resolving in about 3 – 6 weeks. However, patients will still need to refrain from strenuous physical activity and adhere to their surgeon’s postoperative guidelines for the duration of the recovery period. These instructions will likely include getting plenty of rest, avoiding heavy lifting, wearing supportive medical undergarments, taking any prescribed medications, and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments.

What kind of scars will I have after a breast lift?

Because a breast lift is an invasive surgical procedure requiring incisions, some level of scarring is unavoidable. The caring team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery fully understands the sensitive nature of visible scars following cosmetic surgery, and Dr. Rao takes great care to ensure that patients are left with the least amount of scarring and most dramatic level of improvement possible. In the majority of cases, breast lift surgery does require a vertical incision down the lower center portion of the breast, but most patients report that the positive physical and emotional results of the procedure far outweigh the presence of a scar.

Is a breast lift permanent?

When considering surgery, it is only natural to wonder how long breast lift results last. In general, patients are usually able to enjoy their breast lift results for about 10 – 15 years, though some women go much longer before a revision is needed. It is important to have realistic expectations for your breast lift results and understand that the aging process, the force of gravity, and other factors that may affect the position of your breasts will still be at work. While these things cannot be stopped, there are some things you can do to prolong the results of your breast lift, including:

• Avoid weight fluctuation
• Defer surgery until you are done having children and nursing
• Wear supportive bras as often as possible
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Do not smoke

Can I have a breast augmentation at the same time as a breast lift?

Absolutely! While some patients seeking a breast lift are satisfied with their breast volume, a large number of women have concerns about both the volume and position of their breasts. In these cases, a breast augmentation with lift can be highly beneficial in achieving a gorgeous, supple, and more feminine contour. Dr. Rao can help you better understand how a breast lift, breast implants, or both may be most effective in producing your ideal results.

The best way to determine which procedure(s) is right for you and whether or not you are an ideal candidate for surgery is to be evaluated by an experienced, qualified, and skilled plastic surgeon. Call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ, to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon and breast lift expert Dr. Arun Rao, and discover how cosmetic surgery can help you look better, feel more confident, and live more fully than ever before!