Breast Lifts Westchester

Women looking to improve their breast appearance after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging may consider cosmetic breast lifts. For these procedures, the doctor reshapes and raises drooping breasts by removing extra skin and strengthening the underlying tissue. The desired results are a more youthful shape and firmer, perkier breasts that sit higher on the chest. While some people may opt for this cosmetic surgery solely for aesthetic reasons, others may seek it out of medical necessity if they experience back pain caused by heavy or sagging breasts.

Dr. Rothaus offers consultations for breast lift surgery in his White Plains office, serving patients from all over Westchester.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is performed to remove excess skin and tighten supporting tissue on sagging breasts to achieve a youthful appearance. It can also reduce the size of the areolae if necessary. The demand for breast lifts has been high recently. People undergo this operation to boost their self-esteem, increase clothing comfort, and lessen neck or back discomfort from heavy breasts. If you maintain a healthy weight and fitness regimen, the benefits of a breast lift can persist for many years.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for This Procedure?

Anyone who has sagging breasts due to one or more of the following reasons can undergo a breast lift surgery:

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss of excessive weight that has caused stretched skin and deflated breasts with little elasticity.
• A significant change in body weight that has affected the shape and position of the breasts.
• Age-related changes that cause the breasts to lose volume and sag over time.
• Genetics or congenital factors leading to a lack of breast tissue support.
• Prior surgery on the breasts resulting in scarring or other complications.

Factors To Consider Before Getting A Breast Lift

Before the breast lift, understand its potential risks and limitations. While a breast lift can improve sagging breasts or reduce size, it may not increase the overall volume or firmness. Discuss these concerns with your surgeon during the consultation to set achievable goals together.

Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation

What are my options?

Before undergoing any procedure, understand all your available choices to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and expectations. Ask your doctor about different breast lift techniques and their benefits and risks. You can inquire about any non-invasive alternatives like fat transfer or injectable fillers.

How much will the procedure cost?

Get a clear breakdown of all fees, including surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, medications, and any follow-up visits required after the surgery. Ensure you understand what is included in the price quote and what additional expenses may arise during recovery time.

What kind of anesthesia will be used?

Knowing the type of anesthesia can help alleviate anxiety about the procedure. Ask your doctor if it will be general or local and how long the sedation will last.

How much downtime should I expect?

Recovery time varies depending on the technique and individual healing process but generally ranges from a few days to several weeks. Inquire about specific post-operative instructions, including when to return to work, exercise, and other activities.

What kind of scarring should I anticipate?

Scars are inevitable in surgery, but their visibility depends on incision size, skin elasticity, and healing ability. Ask your doctor what type of scar to expect (if any) based on the chosen method and how it will fade with proper care.

What are the risks involved?

No procedure is risk-free, but you can discuss with your doctor to understand possible complications, including bleeding, infection, asymmetry, nipple damage or sensitivity, and seroma (fluid accumulation).

How long will the breast lift surgery take?

It could take 2-3 hours to complete, and a few days of recovery is required before returning to work and other daily activities.

Can a breast lift be combined with other procedures?

A breast lift can often be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as liposuction or fat transfer, to contour the breasts or body areas. It may also be performed with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if excess skin is present after significant weight loss or pregnancy has caused stretched abdominal muscles and skin. Sometimes, it could be done with an arm lift to address sagging skin or brachioplasty.

The Surgical Process for a Breast Lift

Several techniques are used in performing a breast lift depending on the degree of droopiness and amount of skin present.

The periareolar or “donut” incision method involves an incision around the nipple-areola areolar complex (NAC), which removes excess skin while preserving the natural shape of the nipple-areola complex. This technique works best for women with minimal ptosis (sagging).

Lollipop incision, or the “keyhole” incision, is made around the areola and down to the crease underneath the breast. It allows for more extensive skin removal but leaves a scar that can be hidden by clothing.

Anchor incision, or inverted T incision, involves incisions around the areola, vertically down to the crease beneath the breast and along the underside.

Circumareolar incision is similar to the periareolar incision but extends outward to include the entire areola. It’s used when there is significant sagging and excess skin.

Liposuction alone can be performed on women with good skin elasticity who want to remove fatty deposits without surgical scars or for those who wish to combine liposuction with a more minor lift procedure such as an NAC or lollipop incision.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery Process

After a breast lift, you may experience post-operative care and recovery processes that involve general suggestions for managing pain, swelling, bruising, and healing.

• Take prescribed medication as the surgeon or anesthesiologist directs to manage any discomfort you may feel following surgery.  
• Lie on your back with pillows propped up to reduce pressure on your breasts and help alleviate soreness. Avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least four weeks after surgery.
• Keep incision areas clean and dry, covering them with a sterile dressing when showering until the surgeon removes them during follow-up visits. Do not soak in a bathtub, swim, or engage in any activity that may cause the wound to become wet until instructed otherwise.
• Refrain from strenuous physical activity such as heavy lifting (over 10 pounds), running, or exercise for several weeks post-op. Follow the surgeon’s specific instructions on resuming normal activities.
• Wear compression garments and take anti-inflammatory medication if prescribed by your doctor to reduce swelling and bruising. Apply ice packs to the breasts for 20 minutes, twice daily, as directed. Avoid wearing tight clothing that may constrict blood flow.
• Eat nutritious meals with plenty of protein and fluids to promote healing. Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol or caffeine until instructed otherwise.
• Attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and ensure proper healing is occurring. Keep incision areas clean and dry during these visits.

After breast lift surgery, individual recovery times vary depending on factors such as the type of procedure performed, patient health status, and other variables. You can return to work within 1-2 weeks if the job allows light activity levels, while more strenuous physical activity should wait until the surgeon clears. Driving may also depend on personal comfort level and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Following your doctor’s specific instructions regarding returning to normal activities is best.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Breast Lift in Westchester

Working with a plastic surgeon with extensive breast lift experience can make all the difference. For quality breast lift surgery in Westchester, visit Dr. Rothaus’s team at our Westchester cosmetic office. He has been serving patients from the area for almost two decades and is available to provide consultations and post-operative care at our White Plains location.