Our face is not the only place where the signs of aging can cause concern. Many women experience breast sagging, regardless of the shape and size of their breasts. This can be due to the aging process or a combination of factors including weight loss and pregnancy. Sagging or drooping breasts can cause a host of concerns which include:

• back or neck pain due to the pulling or hanging momentum of the breasts
• skin chaffing underneath the breasts
• clothing options are limited and fit may be compromised
• self esteem and body image is negatively impacted

The good news is that patients in the community of Oakville can elect for breast lift surgery and with the expertise of a qualified surgeon, recreate youthful breasts. In this article, we discuss the benefits of breast lift surgery and what to expect.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, lifts the breasts and refines the shape and size of the breast and areola as needed.

While breast implants are still the most highly sought after form of breast surgery, the demand for breast lifts has steadily increased and outpaced breast augmentation by 2 to 1 since 2000. In some cases where restoring volume or increasing the size of the breast is desirable, the two surgeries can be combined.

How do you know if you’re a breast lift candidate?

The ‘pencil test’ is one way to determine if you can benefit from a breast lift. This test works by placing a pencil underneath the breast. If it stays in place, this is an indication that the breasts have a hanging nature which a surgical intervention can fix.

The next step is to schedule a consultation with your preferred surgeon. At Oakville Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skincare, all surgical consultations and procedures are performed by Dr. Nancy de Kleer, plastic surgeon. During a consultation with Dr. de Kleer, your goals as well as the options available to achieve said goals will be discussed and determined. Dr. de Kleer will also inform you of the anesthesia options and what to expect from the procedure itself as well various risks or limitations. Your medical history, as well as a physical examination of the area to be treated will also take place during the consultation.

In preparation for your consultation, we recommend looking at before and after photos to establish realistic expectations of what can be achieved with breast lift surgery. It is also helpful to come prepared with a list of questions you would like to have answered. Some relevant questions you may wish to ask include:

• Is breast lift surgery right for me? If so, which techniques are recommended to achieve my desired outcome?
• What outcome can I expect from my procedure?
• Where is the breast lift procedure performed and how long will it take?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used during the breast lift surgery?
• What are the costs involved with the procedure?
• What are the risks and complications of breast lifts?
• What should I expect post-surgery?
• How long should I anticipate being off of work?

How does a breast lift work?

Your surgeon will create an aesthetically improved breast by moving the nipple up to a higher position and trimming, tightening and reshaping the breast, skin and muscle tissue as needed to form firmer, fuller and lifted breasts.

Something to keep in mind.

The results of a breast lift are long lasting, but the effects of aging and possible body changes through weight gain and loss can eventually alter the size and shape of the breasts. At this point additional procedures surgery may be appealing.

What is the recovery like?

The recovery time will vary for each patient depending on the extent of their procedure. For women with smaller and less severely drooping breasts that require fewer surgical incisions, the recovery time will be faster than those with heavier and larger breasts, or when the breast lift is combined with a breast augmentation or breast reduction procedure. Generally, a return to non-strenuous activities can be expected after 10 days.

If you feel that a breast lift procedure is right for you, Oakville Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skincare welcomes you to arrange a consultation with Dr. Nancy de Kleer, plastic surgeon. A nominal consultation fee applies which can be put towards your procedure. Call 905.901.9545 or email info@drdekleer to request an appointment.