Breast Lift
Meet Andrew Nelson Kornstein, MD, FACS
Dr. Andrew Kornstein a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, boasts a career spanning 25 years. He is dedicated to enhancing lives through aesthetic surgery by achieving patient goals with a visionary approach so that they can feel young and youthful. His attention to detail and superior training sets him apart from others, allowing him to achieve long-lasting natural results for years to come.
Your breasts change as you age and go through different stages of your life. Life milestones such as weight loss and childbirth can cause the breasts to turn deflated and saggy, making them not only uncomfortable but also unappealing. If you want to restore your breasts’ youthful shape, a breast lift is the perfect option for making that happen. At Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, Dr. Andrew Kornstein performs breast lift procedures that are tailored to every patient’s needs.
Candidates
The ideal candidates for breast lift surgery are women who are at least 18 years old and are dissatisfied with the current shape of their breasts. If your breasts are no longer firm and have begun sagging, a breast lift can be the right procedure for you. If the breasts feel unsupported and the nipples end up falling below the breast crease, pointing downward, then you may be a good candidate for the procedure.
Patients should be in good health and ideally non-smokers, as smoking can impede the body’s ability to heal. Ideally, you should not have any serious medical conditions that could increase the risks of complications, and you should not be significantly overweight. It’s best for candidates who are at the end of their weight loss journey and have already reached a stable weight.
Candidates should have realistic expectations regarding how the shape of their breasts will change. Breast lifts are not meant to significantly change the breast size. If that is your goal, then you should combine a breast lift with procedures like breast reduction or augmentation.
How Breast Lifts Work
Breast lift surgery (or mastopexy) works by removing the excess skin from the breasts, elevating them until they look perkier and less saggy and are in a more comfortable chest position. During the procedure, Dr. Kornstein can also reduce and reposition the areola based on the type of incision that has been employed.
Breast lifts are performed using different techniques, depending on the amount of sag. For example, the crescent breast lift technique involves an incision on the top part of the areola, making it an effective option for those with smaller breasts and minimal sagging. On the other hand, women with large breasts and more sagging can benefit more from the anchor technique, where significant amounts of fat are removed.
The procedure can be performed as it is or it can be combined with surgical options like fat grafting or breast augmentation. General or local anesthesia is used to minimize any discomfort you may feel during the procedure. A dressing will be used to cover the incisions, which you need to wear based on Dr. Kornstein’s recommendations.
Recovery
Breast lifts are surgical procedures, so you can expect some recovery time. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra acting both as support and as a dressing. Compressions should be worn for four to six weeks post surgery, and then you can move to garments like sports bras. Strenuous activities should be avoided for six to eight weeks, but you can usually begin light activities after around 10 days.
Within the first few weeks of the recovery, you can expect there to be some swelling or discoloration of the breasts, along with some pain. Most often, this can be kept under control with anti-inflammatory medication, which Dr. Kornstein can prescribe for you. You should take the next few days off to focus on your recovery. Based on the extent of the procedure, you will be informed how long you should stay home.
Results
After the breast lift procedure, you can expect the nipples to look firmer and more youthful as they are standing in their elevated position. As the nipples are positioned at a standard height, a more natural breast shape is obtained after they heal. The initial side effects begin to fade within a few weeks, although it could take a couple of months until the final results become visible.
For the most part, the results are permanent but do not stop the natural aging process. As collagen and elastin levels drop, your breasts can once more begin to sag within the next few years. Weight fluctuations and pregnancy can also affect the longevity of the results.
A healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise for the chest area can help prolong results. Wearing a supportive bra is recommended, as this can reduce potential sagging. Skin tightening treatments can also be used if you eventually notice mild sagging.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you want to learn more about breast lift surgery and whether this procedure suits you, contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Kornstein.