SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery, restores a more youthful appearance to a woman's breasts!

What is a Breast Lift?

Over the years breasts can lose their shape and firmness due to pregnancy, nursing and loss of skin elasticity, causing them to sag. A breast lift will raise and reshape breasts, slowing the effects of aging and gravity. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple if the patient desires.

A breast lift does not increase the fullness of the upper portion of the breast; it simply allows removal of sagging breast tissue and repositioning of the nipple. For this reason, breast lifts are commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation (implants) to increase the fullness and improve the shape of the breasts. If you are planning a future pregnancy though, it is advisable to postpone your breast lift as pregnancy will likely cause further stretching and droop to the breasts.

As with all cosmetic surgery, realistic expectations and emotional stability are important. Though breasts of any size can be lifted, women with smaller breasts enjoy longer lasting results.

How is breast lift surgery performed?

Though not a simple operation, breast lift surgery is generally safe when performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Breast lift surgery is occasionally performed in a hospital, but more often is done in an outpatient facility. Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia.

The surgery may take between 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. The incisions are around the nipple, vertically beneath the nipple and sometimes also horizontally in the crease of the breast. The breast tissue is recontoured and some breast tissue and skin is removed. The nipple and areola are then repositioned. The skin is closed with dissolvable sutures.

Risks of breast lift surgery

As with any surgery, there are possible complications. A patient may suffer an adverse reaction to the anesthesia (rare), or experience bleeding and infection following a breast lift, causing scars to widen. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit for a minimum of 4-6 weeks before surgery to minimize the risk of complications. Smokers are much more prone to delayed healing, wound breakdown, and possible loss of the skin of the nipple and areola.

Breastfeeding after breast lift surgery

Because some milk ducts are disrupted during the surgery you may not be able to breastfeed following the surgery. Some women successfully breastfeed after having the surgery but it difficult to predict who will be able to. For best results, follow your physician's advice both before and after surgery.

After surgery, your stitches will be covered with tape and a surgical bra will hold the breasts in place. Drains are not usually needed for this operation. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and you may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days. The pain is generally well controlled with oral pain medication. In the recovery stage, it is important to wear the bra at all times.

After one week the tape will be removed. The stitches are placed under the skin and are dissolvable. The scars may be red and lumpy for a few months, eventually fading and becoming less obvious. The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.

To ensure proper healing, plan to stay at home for at least a week before returning to work. You will need to avoid lifting anything over your head for 3-4 weeks and avoid strenuous physical activity for four to six weeks.

Dr. Angelo Cuzalina, an internationally recognized breast surgery expert,
performs all cosmetic breast surgery in our Waimea surgical suite under general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis.

Breast Lifts are available in Hawaii through Dr. John D. Stover's Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii. Dr. Stover is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with offices in Kona, Hilo and Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. He is a fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Stover continually updates his knowledge, skills and practice in the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures, which has made him one of Hawaii's top-performing cosmetic surgeons.