Many women notice their bodies beginning to change in their 30s. Several factors can affect how your breast skin ages such as gravity, loss of skin elasticity, weight fluctuations, sun exposure, environmental toxins, and skincare. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect the volume and structure of your breasts.
Dr. Matthew Steele is a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon who spent many years teaching residents the finer points of plastic surgery. He has received several awards and is highly regarded in the community when it comes to cosmetic breast surgery. We encourage you to call and schedule a consultation about how a breast lift in Midlothian can help address your cosmetic concerns.
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, raises and reshapes breast tissue which may be sagging or losing volume. Midlothian patients can also get a breast lift to correct asymmetrical breasts.
During the surgery, Dr. Steele can also reduce the size of the areolae to keep them in proportion to the newly shaped breast. Generally, a breast lift does not dramatically change the size of the breast. Though you may perceive that your breasts are slightly smaller, that is the result of removing excess skin tissue.
If you are interested in volume change, you may want to consider breast reduction or breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift. A breast lift cannot stop the aging process but most women notice the procedure lasts up to 10 years if they do not get pregnant or experience weight fluctuations.
A good candidate for a breast lift is a woman whose breasts are sagging below their breast crease or whose nipples are pointing downward. You must not have an underlying medical condition that increases your risk of complications during or after surgery; for example, uncontrolled high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers or women who are willing to give up smoking for 6 weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking increases the risk of complications during surgery from anesthesia, impairs healing, and increases your risk of infection during recovery. This includes any nicotine device, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping, nicotine gum, or nicotine patches.
Finally, women in Midlothian who experience the best outcomes of a breast lift are those who have realistic expectations of the surgery.
During your preoperative visit, Dr. Steele will share information about preparing for surgery and what you can expect during recovery. Most women can go home on the same day as surgery but are not allowed to drive. You must have a trusted friend or family member available to drive you to and from surgery, and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Take time to prepare your home for your recovery. This includes setting up an area where you can rest, easily access the bathroom and kitchen, and have easy access to entertainment. Stock your refrigerator with nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods. If you have small children or pets, you will need help in the first week to care for them.
After a breast lift, you can expect some swelling, bruising, tightness, and discomfort in the chest. Dr. Steele will prescribe pain medication for the first few days. We recommend you remain in an upright position during the first several days to help reduce swelling, which includes sleeping on your back while propped up with pillows.
You must avoid strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, bending, or rapid movement that could strain the chest and incision areas for several weeks. You are advised to avoid a full body bath or shower for the first several days and to stay hydrated to support your bodily functions.
The pain and swelling begin to decrease after the first week, and by the fourth week, you will begin to feel normal again. Before you can begin lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities, you must be cleared by Dr. Steele. Generally, this happens 6 weeks after surgery, but it depends on how quickly you are healing and if you experience any post-surgical complications.
Many women find their breast tissue begins to sag as they age due to a loss of elasticity and structure in the skin, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Fortunately, there are cosmetic options to reverse this development. If you are looking to get a breast lift in Midlothian, schedule a consultation with us so we can address these cosmetic concerns and help you achieve a more youthful shape.
