Breast lift


If you are satisfied with the size of your breasts but wish to restore a more youthful contour, you may be a
candidate for breast lift. If you have lost a considerable amount of volume in your breasts you may also
want to consider having breast implants inserted at the time of breast lift surgery.

While a breast lift can be performed at any age it is recommended that the procedure be undertaken only
when breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding can have a significant effect on the
size and shape of your breasts. Though some women decide to have their breasts lifted before having
children, you should discuss any plans to breast-feed with Dr. Guichon.

In assessing you as a candidate for breast lift surgery, Dr. Guichon will carefully check the size and
shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas. If you are
overweight, Dr. Guichon may suggest that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

There are variations to the incisions used for breast lift. The traditional method of lifting the breast uses 3
incisions: one around the areola, the second vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease
under the breast and the third along the natural curve of the breast crease.

After breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Skin
that was located above the nipple pre-surgery is pulled down and together to give a new shape to the
breast. Liposuction may also be employed to contour under the arm.

Because the nipples and areolas remain attached to the breast tissue, sensation in this area is preserved.
While breast-feeding may still be possible, this cannot be guaranteed.

If your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before
they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will need to have made the decision to sacrifice
sensation and the possibility of breast-feeding in order to achieve your desired breast size.

There are seldom complications from this surgery. However, some of the possible complications include
bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia.

The breasts may not be symmetrical or nipple height may vary after surgery. Loss of sensation in the
nipples or breasts may be permanent thought this is rare.

Several days after surgery you will be able to move about comfortably. You will be instructed to wear a
support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Incisions will
be red at first and will stay this way for many months following surgery.

After breast lift surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks. Often, normal
activities can be resumed after several weeks. You may, however, continue to experience some mild
discomfort during the first 8 weeks.