Breast Lift Washington, D.C. & Besthesda
The Art of Breast Reshaping
Age, weight changes, pregnancy, and gravity can reduce skin elasticity and cause the breasts to sag, losing their firmness and shape. For women seeking a more lifted, youthful appearance, a breast lift in Washington, D.C. elevates the breasts, raises the nipple position, and reshapes the tissue to create a perkier, more rejuvenated contour.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts to restore a youthful, lifted contour. It can also reposition the nipples for a more balanced and attractive appearance.
Unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift does not increase breast size. Instead, it focuses on improving breast shape and symmetry, which can also help relieve back and neck discomfort.
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What are the benefits of a breast lift in Bethesda?
A breast lift is a popular procedure that can reverse breast changes caused by weight loss, pregnancy, nursing, or aging. It restores a youthful, lifted shape and helps women regain firmness and natural contour. Benefits include the following:
- An elevated, firmer breast appearance
- Smaller, more proportionate areolae
- Better breast shape and symmetry
- Attractively upward-tilting nipples
- Enhanced cleavage
- A more attractive fit in clothing
- More youthful breast projection
Who is a candidate for a breast lift?
Women who have sagging breasts and would like to achieve a lifted, firmer breast contour are typically good candidates for a breast lift in Washington, D.C. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:
- Are generally in good health
- Do not smoke
- Are not taking or can safely stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Breasts sag and droop
- Breasts appear flat or deflated
- Nipples are low on the breast mound or point downward
Difference
Before & After
Breast lift incision types
A breast lift is usually performed under general anesthesia within about two or three hours. The incision placement depends on the type of breast you have, either crescent, periareolar, vertical, or Wise pattern.
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Crescent
A crescent mastopexy is for women with only a very small degree of sagging. It is also performed for women who would like to correct slightly asymmetric nipples and areolae. A crescent of skin is removed from the upper half of the areola to give a slight lift.
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Periareolar
Periareolar breast lift surgery is also called “doughnut” mastopexy. With this technique, a ring of skin is removed from around the areola, and the remaining skin is cinched in. The final incision line is limited to the edge of the areola.
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Vertical
A vertical mastopexy allows the nipple to be lifted further than the crescent and periareolar procedures. For a vertical breast lift, the incision is made around the areola and extends down to the breast crease.
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Wise Pattern (Full)
A Wise pattern (full) mastopexy allows reshaping of the entire skin envelope. This type of breast lift achieves the most dramatic lift of the nipple and removes more excess breast skin than any other breast lift procedure. The incision is made around the areola, then vertically down to the breast crease, and also in the crease underneath the breasts.
Diane's Post Weight Loss Tummy Tuck & Breast Lift Testimonial
Breast lift procedure
Before putting you under anesthesia, we will mark the areas of your breasts that will be addressed during your procedure. To help minimize discomfort after the procedure, we will inject long-acting local anesthesia. Through the incision made, the contours and firmness of the breasts are improved, and excess skin is removed. The breasts are lifted higher on the chest wall, and if needed, the nipples are repositioned to sit higher on the breasts and tilt upward.
Once the procedure is complete, your surgeon will place a compression dressing over your breasts, which will help reduce swelling and will encourage your breasts to heal well in their new shape and contours.
Breast Lift Aftercare instructions
After your surgery is complete, we will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help you recover and heal well. These instructions will include the following:
- Take the medication prescribed by your surgeon based on their instructions.
- Avoid physical exertion or strain of any kind, including bending, lifting, or reaching.
- Sleep on your back to keep weight off your breasts.
- Do not exercise or have sex for one to two weeks.
- Get plenty of rest to allow yourself to heal.
- Take short, gentle walks to keep your blood circulating.
How long is the recovery after a breast lift in Bethesda?
Immediately after your surgery, you will have a compression garment around your breasts. You will be moved to a recovery area until you wake up. Once you’re ready, you will return home with a family member or friend who will help you for a couple of days. Expect bruising and swelling during this time and a tight feeling in your breasts. Pain is well-managed with medication.
One to two weeks after surgery
After one week, you will notice the swelling and bruising beginning to fade and the tight feeling diminishing. After two weeks, the swelling and bruising will have significantly faded, and your incisions will be healed. You may have some numbness in your nipples and breast skin, which is expected and will fade over time.
By the end of two weeks, you should feel more “back to normal” and energetic. At this time, your breasts will be beginning to look like their attractive, more youthful shape.
One month after surgery
After one month, most patients can resume exercise. It is still important to avoid putting any stress on the upper chest area. While the healing process is still continuing internally, your breasts will have taken on their final shape, looking lifted, appealing, and perky.
Three to six months after surgery
During this time, the surgical scars will continue to diminish as you become more comfortable with your new breasts. After three months, women can wear underwire bras again. Sensation in the breasts has typically returned.
Scars are relatively well faded after six months and will continue to fade well until a year has passed after surgery. By six months after your breast lift in Washington D.C, you should feel completely back to normal, with the breasts now lifted, firmer, and youthful-looking.
What other procedures can be combined with a breast lift?
A breast lift is often combined with additional procedures to further enhance breast shape or rejuvenate multiple areas of the body.
Common combined procedures include:
These procedures are often part of a mommy makeover designed to restore a youthful, balanced appearance to the entire body.
How much does a breast lift cost?
The cost of a breast lift depends on the type and extent of the surgery required to achieve your aesthetic goals and whether other procedures are combined with your breast lift.
Will a breast lift leave scars?
After your scars have healed, they will fade to a flat, white line from the areola to the crease below the breast.
What’s the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift?
During breast augmentation, implants are typically inserted to achieve fuller, rounder breasts. During a breast lift, sagging tissues are removed, and the breasts are lifted higher on the chest wall to achieve a perky, youthful, and lifted appearance.
What are the limitations during recovery?
Women will not be able to lift anything over five pounds, exercise, or do anything strenuous until they are healed.
What are the possible risks and complications?
A breast lift has the same potential risks and complications typically associated with surgery, such as bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, infection, poor wound healing, unfavorable outcome, and others.
What is capsular contracture?
The scar tissue that forms around implants can become infected and harden, causing the breasts to feel tight and painful. This is called capsular contracture.
