Breast Lift Surgery in Houston, TX
A woman’s breasts can begin to experience unwanted changes as she ages. Pregnancy, weight loss, and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to lose their shape and firmness, giving them a deflated and droopy appearance. These changes can make a woman feel self-conscious about her body.
Breast lift surgery is a surgical procedure that can restore the breasts to a more youthful position. This procedure can eliminate excess skin and lift the breast tissue to achieve a more aesthetically attractive look. It can help reverse breast sagging and the appearance of aging.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
You can benefit from mastopexy if you struggle with one or more of the following concerns:
- Deflated or sagging breasts
- Nipples that fall below the breast crease
- Enlarged nipples and areolas
- Loose skin
- Asymmetrical breasts
How Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. It can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on the amount of correction needed. Dr. Patronella will determine the best technique for your procedure based on the size and shape of your breasts and the degree of sagging.
During your procedure, an incision will be placed in the following location: Around the areola, down the breast, and along the breast crease (anchor)
Once the incision has been made, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to restore firmness to the breasts. After that, loose skin is tightened, and the excess is removed. The nipples and areolas can also be repositioned to achieve an ideal shape and position. Dr. Patronella can also combine breast lift surgery with breast augmentation or breast reduction to restore volume or remove excess fat and tissue, respectively. To reduce the risk of recurrent sagging and extend the longevity of the breasts’ elevation on the chest, Dr. Patronella frequently incorporates an internal bra into breast lift procedures.
What Is Recovery Like After Breast Lift?
Following your breast surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment on your breasts to protect your new contours and minimize swelling. Typically, minor to moderate swelling and bruising occur but should subside within a week or two.
To help with recovery, Dr. Patronella may recommend Exparel, a long-acting anesthetic that he injects into the treatment site during the surgical procedure. He also will prescribe medication to help alleviate any discomfort you may feel. Most patients can return to work and light activities approximately one week after mastopexy.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of a breast lift at Dr. Patronella’s Houston office depends on the degree of correction required. If you choose to combine your breast lift with breast augmentation, your price range will vary depending on both the degree of correction required and the type of breast implants you choose. While the cost of a combined procedure is higher, it is usually less expensive than getting each procedure done separately.
You can learn more about the price of breast lift surgery here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery
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Medical insurance will not cover cosmetic breast surgery in most cases. In cases where breast surgery is a medical necessity (such as when combined with breast reduction to alleviate physical pain), some insurance plans may cover some of the cost. However, this is not common. Because Dr. Patronella’s office does not accept insurance, patients are required to pay for their surgeries in full prior to surgery.
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The results of a breast lift can last many years. Mastopexy results may fade faster if you undergo significant weight changes or pregnancy. To maintain the longevity of breast lift results, Dr. Patronella frequently creates a type of “internal bra” during breast lift procedures.
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Most patients will see initial breast results within two weeks as swelling fades. Final results may take a few months to fully develop.
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Mastopexy may take between two and four hours to perform, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
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A breast lift will not directly shrink your breasts (that requires a breast reduction procedure). However, a breast lift does tighten sagging skin and lift sagging tissues. As a result, many patients may find their breasts are more compact and firm after surgery, requiring new bras.
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Yes. Dr. Patronella frequently combines breast lift surgery with both body contouring procedures such as the True Form Tummy Tuck® as well as other breast procedures, including breast augmentation surgery, breast reduction surgery, or breast implant removal surgery.