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About Breast Lift Surgery

Most women desire perky and symmetrical breasts; however, as women age and gravity takes its toll, breast sagging is inevitable for some. Recent polls have shown that breast lifts are quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among women, even surpassing breast implants. Women are choosing breast lifts over breast augmentation because rather than desiring larger breasts, they want to address breast sagging.

Procedure

A breast lift is designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to create a more youthful, perky appearance. The procedure typically involves making incisions around the areola and extending downward to the breast crease. Dr. Buchanan will then reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position and remove excess skin. He then reshapes and lifts the remaining breast tissue to create a more youthful contour. Typically performed under general anesthesia, a breast lift in Tampa can take 2-4 hours to complete.

Reasons to Consider a Breast Lift

The Aging Process

As women age, elasticity in the breast tissue is naturally depleted, and the breasts become smaller and less full. This is due to a combination of factors, including a decrease in collagen and elastin production, changes in hormonal levels, and the effects of gravity over time. As the skin loses its elasticity, it can no longer support the weight of the breast tissue, causing the breasts to droop and sag. In addition to sagging, aging breasts may also experience a loss of volume and firmness due to changes in the breast tissue, including a decrease in glandular tissue and an increase in fatty tissue. This can result in breasts that appear deflated or less perky than they once were.

Your Genetics

Occasionally, the cause of sagging breasts can be attributed to a woman’s genes. Some women may have a genetic predisposition to sagging breasts due to factors such as breast size, skin elasticity, and breast shape. For example, women with larger breasts may be more prone to sagging due to the weight of the breast tissue. Similarly, women with a more elongated breast shape may likely experience sagging over time. If this is the case, a breast lift can help achieve the breast profile they have always wanted. A breast lift can help reposition the breasts, remove excess skin, and reshape the tissue to create a more youthful contour.

Lifestyle Choices

Additional factors that can contribute to sagging breasts are lifestyle choices. High-impact exercises such as running and jumping can adversely affect breast tissue's elasticity. It's vital to ensure you have plenty of support when performing high to moderate-impact exercise and invest in a good sports bra.

Significant weight fluctuations can also cause the breasts to sag. When a woman gains weight, the breast tissue expands, and the skin stretches to accommodate the additional volume. If the weight loss is rapid or significant, the skin may not be able to retract, leading to sagging breasts. Smoking and excessive sun exposure can also contribute to sagging breasts.

Smoking causes the skin to lose elasticity, while sun exposure can cause damage to the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature aging and sagging.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Changes in your body are natural while pregnant. Commonly, women will see an increase in the size of their breasts during pregnancy. After pregnancy, many women decide to breastfeed, and while there are obvious medical benefits to breastfeeding your child, it can leave breasts looking deflated.

During pregnancy, the breast tissue expands to accommodate milk production, which can stretch the skin and cause the breasts to sag. Breastfeeding can also contribute to sagging breasts due to the weight of the milk and the repetitive motion of feeding.

Many women's breasts' size and position never return to their pre-pregnancy "normal." Breast lift surgery can help reverse these changes and restore your breasts to a more elevated position.

Breast Lift Techniques

Donut

The donut lift, Benelli, or peri-areolar technique is a breast lift procedure that involves making a small circular incision around the outer edge of the areola to lift the breast tissue. This technique is ideal for patients with minimal sagging and is a great option for achieving natural-looking results.

Lollipop

For women with mild to moderate breast sagging who desire to contour or reshape the breasts, a lollipop or vertical lift may be a great option. This technique involves making two incisions – one around the outer edge of the areola and another down the center of the breast – to lift the breast tissue.

Anchor

The anchor lift, also called the "inverted T" lift, is a breast lift technique that is best suited for moderate to severe cases of sagging. This approach utilizes the incisions of the lollipop lift, along with an additional horizontal incision along the natural breast crease, to lift the breast tissue.

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What Is Auto-Augmentation?

Auto-augmentation is a technique used during breast lift surgery that involves reshaping and repositioning the existing breast tissue to create a fuller and more lifted appearance. This procedure works best on women who have not yet undergone breast surgery. In this procedure, Dr. Buchanan removes excess skin and tissue from the lower part of the breast and then moves the remaining tissue upwards to fill the upper part of the breast. This creates a more natural and youthful-looking breast shape using a safe and effective technique.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Recovery from a breast lift in Tampa can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the surgery. Generally, patients can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising following the procedure. Pain medication can be prescribed to help manage any discomfort during the recovery period. Patients must wear a supportive bra for several weeks after the procedure to help minimize swelling and promote healing.

It's essential to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks following the procedure to allow the breasts to heal properly. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks, but it's important to follow Dr. Buchanan's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. Patients should avoid activities that could strain the breasts, such as exercise or lifting heavy objects, for several weeks following the procedure.

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How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost? Prices starting at $9,000

The cost of a breast lift in Tampa can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case. As it is a cosmetic enhancement procedure, health insurance companies do not cover the cost.

The total price of the procedure may include the following:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Operating room costs
  • Compression garments for post-surgery
  • Surgeon fees

However, the initial cost may not include additional fees such as blood tests, pre-operative testing, medical clearance exams, and prescription medications.

Several other factors can influence the cost of the procedure, such as:

  • The surgeon's experience and reputation
  • The techniques used for the procedure
  • The complexity of the case

For instance, highly experienced or reputable surgeons may charge more, and the complexity of the case can affect the cost of the procedure. Additionally, the location of the surgeon's practice can also impact the cost of the procedure, as larger cities often have higher operational costs. If you are interested in a breast lift but have financial limitations, you can discuss financing options with Dr. Buchanan or any VIVIFY staff members. They offer financing plans to help patients achieve their surgical goals.

Finding the Right Surgeon

When searching for a plastic surgeon, it's important to choose a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training of at least 6-8 years after medical school to ensure they are highly skilled in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. It's crucial to note that not all "cosmetic" or "aesthetic" surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons and, therefore, do not possess the same level of training and expertise. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure will ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of complications.

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Why Choose VIVIFY?

At VIVIFY plastic surgery & medspa, we prioritize honesty and ethical practices. We believe in delivering safe and reliable procedures supported by evidence and performed by highly skilled clinicians who approach patient care with compassion. We aim to ensure that our patients feel valued and heard while receiving high-end service that delivers outstanding results.

Dr. Dallas Buchanan and Michelle Buchanan lead our Tampa practice as a husband-and-wife team of board-certified aesthetic experts with more than four decades of combined medical experience. You can trust that you will receive personalized care from professionals who deeply care about your well-being and want you to feel like part of the family. We strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment where our patients can feel at ease and confident in the care they receive.

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