Do You Need a Breast Lift? Perform This Self-Assessment to Find Out!
As we age, our bodies go through many changes, and our breasts are no exception. Factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can all lead to changes in the shape and firmness of the breasts.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts, restoring a more youthful contour.
But how do you know if you’re a good candidate for a breast lift? You can perform a simple self-assessment at home in the mirror to help determine if you should schedule a breast lift consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.
How to perform a breast lift self-assessment
Start by standing in front of a mirror, without a bra. Does the fullness and projection of your breast approximately center halfway between your armpit and elbow bend? If not, cup your hands underneath your breasts and lift, does the appearance significantly improve?
Observe if your nipples fall below the natural crease beneath your breasts, or if they point downwards. Are they positioned at or above the center of projection of your breasts?
Additionally, turn to the side to evaluate the overall shape and firmness. If your breasts have lost their youthful contour or “upper pole fullness” and appear saggy or elongated, with volume concentrated in the lower portion of the breasts (especially post-pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging), a breast lift might be beneficial.
Also, do you have discomfort in your breasts? Breasts that have lost internal support can often be uncomfortable.
Another factor to consider is your emotional well-being. If you find yourself feeling less confident or avoiding certain clothing styles because of the shape of your breasts, it could be an indication to consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Sobel about the potential benefits of a breast lift.
Other signs you’re a good candidate for a breast lift
Beyond the visual indicators, there are other signs that you might benefit from a breast lift. If you experience irritation or skin discoloration under your breasts due to excess sagging, this could be a sign that a lift can improve your comfort and hygiene.
Also, if you find that one breast hangs lower than the other, or if your areolas have become enlarged over time, these could be corrected during a breast lift.
Furthermore, women with a high degree of breast ptosis (sagging) often find that a breast lift can enhance their overall body proportion and silhouette, making clothing fit more easily.
How a breast lift is performed
A breast lift with Dr. Sobel is most often performed under general anesthesia combined with tumescent anesthesia, both for comfort and to avoid the need for drains. It involves making incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to a higher position on the chest wall. Dr. Sobel may also reposition the nipple and areola to a more youthful position and reduce the size of the areola if it has stretched over time.
There are several different techniques for a breast lift, including the tear drop, keyhole, anchor, lollipop, and donut methods, and the choice of technique will depend on the degree of sagging and your specific anatomy. Recovery generally involves wearing a special support bra and avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks, but patients are able to return to most day-to-day activities within 1-2 weeks and to work in 7 days
Can breast lifts be performed before, during, and after breastfeeding?
The question of timing of breast lifts related to pregnancy and breastfeeding are among the most common. The most important considerations are safety and comfort for the patient. Most women who have breast lifts successfully breastfeed after the procedure; however, thorough discussion with your surgeon will reveal whether to proceed before, in between, or after pregnancies. It is generally agreed on that breast lifts should be avoided during breastfeeding and for a minimum of three months following.
Learn more in a Bellevue breast lift consultationWhile a self-assessment can be helpful, a thorough evaluation with a qualified surgeon is crucial to determine the best procedure(s) for your unique needs! Schedule a consultation with triple board-certified surgeon Dr. Alexander Sobel by calling 425-453-9060 today to learn more and discuss whether a breast lift is right for you!