The breasts are considered, by most women, a vital part of their physical appearance. After breast size, the most common complaint women have about the appearance of their breasts is sagging, low hanging breasts. There are several causes of this condition. Some women notice that their breasts have dropped as they have begun to age, others notice the breasts begin to droop after pregnancy, and, for some women, sagging breasts are a genetic condition. Fortunately, this condition can be easily improved through a breast lift procedure.
With breast lift surgery, Dr. Kovanda can lift the breasts back to their youthful position and he can reposition the areola as well. In addition, for our patients in Minneapolis, breast augmentation surgery can be performed alongside a breast lift to give the breasts a fuller, more appealing shape.
Common Causes for Hanging Breasts
There are several causes of this condition. Some women notice that their breasts have dropped as they have begun to age, others notice the breasts begin to droop after pregnancy, and, for some women, sagging breasts are a genetic condition. Fortunately, this condition can be easily improved through a breast lift procedure.
No matter what the cause of sagging breasts, Minneapolis plastic surgeon Christopher J. Kovanda can perform breast lift surgery to correct the condition.
Breast Lift Incisions: What to Expect
When the decision has been made to undergo breast lift surgery, there will be additional surgical decisions to be made at the initial consultation with Dr. Kovanda. The most important decision regarding breast lift surgery is the incision (or technique) that will be used during the procedure. Each patient will have a breast lift surgery that is customized to meet their unique needs and goals. Depending on each case, Dr. Kovanda may recommend the use of any of the following breast lift techniques:
- The anchor lift: This technique utilizes an incision that encircles the areola, continues vertically down to the bottom of the breast, and then continues along the curve of the lower crease of the breast. This technique allows Dr. Kovanda to correct the most severe cases of sagging. This technique is commonly paired with a breast reduction.
- The keyhole lift: The keyhole incision begins around the areola and then continues vertically down the breast. This is also known as the lollipop incision. This incision can correct moderate sagging but it is not recommended for women who wish to have breast implants placed during the breast lift.
- The peri-areolar lift: With this technique an incision is made around the perimeter of the areola. While this technique is most appropriate for women with mild to moderate degrees of sagging, it can produce more dramatic results if breast implants are inserted.
- The crescent lift: The crescent lift involves a crescent-like incision made along the top curve of the areola, where a small piece of skin will be removed before the surrounding skin is reattached to the areola. This is the least commonly used breast lift technique and is only successful in correcting very minor degrees of sagging.
Dr. Kovanda will discuss all of these techniques with his patient and determine which will be used during breast lift surgery.
Breast Implant Label Guidance Finalized by FDA
Schedule an Appointment
If youโd like to discuss the techniques that are available for breast lift surgery, call (612) 335-9032๏ฟฝ?schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher J. Kovanda. Dr. Kovanda takes his time at each consultation to make sure that all questions are answered and each patient leaves feeling secure in the decision they have made regarding plastic surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a breast lift covered by insurance?
Do I need a breast lift or just implants?
Completely depends on patient.
Do you lose sensation with breast lift?
You could experience a decrease in sensitivity, heightened sensitivity or numbness in the nipple area. (Total loss of sensation is quite rare.) These changes may be temporary right after surgery, and you may regain normal sensation after your breasts stabilize.
Do you still have feeling in your nipples after breast lift?
Nipple sensation loss is a risk with the breast lift
How do you shower after a breast lift?
You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Take a warm, but not hot shower. Do not take a bath. Limit your shower to 10 minutes. Do not remove the steri-strips/surgical tape that we put over your stitches. After the shower, you can pat dry with a towel or air-dry, but do not rub your breasts or touch the incisions.
How soon after breast lift can I exercise?
Limit 4 weeks at 5 pounds anything heavier than that needs to wait 6 weeks post-op
Does a breast lift leave scars?
Like most surgeries, the breast lift procedure does in fact leave scars; however, we makes the incisions as inconspicuous as possible while still being able to achieve adequate lift and re-shaping of drooping breasts.
Does a breast lift make your nipples less sensitive?
You could experience a decrease in sensitivity, heightened sensitivity or numbness in the nipple area. (Total loss of sensation is quite rare.) These changes may be temporary right after surgery, and you may regain normal sensation after your breasts stabilize.
Does insurance pay for breast lift?
If they find it medically necessary but in almost all cases no they will not cover this procedure.
How long does it take for breast lift scars to heal?
Incisions stay a little red, lumpy and bumpy for six weeks. Around that time they form a solid healing ridge. From this point, it takes about six months for the firm ridge to start to soften
How painful is a breast lift?
Like all surgeries there is healing time. You will be given pain meds to manage the pain.
How long does a breast lift take?
Roughly one and a half hours.
How long does a breast lift last?
Your breast lift results are intended to be long-lasting. However, to truly get the most out of it, it is important that you care for your body and do what is necessary to preserve the results for as long as possible.
Is getting a breast lift safe?
Surgery comes with a risk of complications, even though breast lift surgery itself is typically very safe. Your surgeon and care team will check in with you throughout the healing process and are always available to answer any of your concerns. Risks specific to breast lift surgery include: Temporary numbness.
What is a crescent breast lift?
crescent-shaped incision along the top half of your areola. The crescent skin is removed, and the implants are inserted. The procedure gives you added volume and firmness while raising your nipple into a more youthful position.
What types of breast lifts are there?
That is something to talk to your surgeon about and what is best for you.
How much does breast lift cost?
Does a breast lift cost more than implants?
A breast lift is a little less expensive but not by much.
Will a breast lift reduce cup size?
The results of a breast lift is that the surgery will positively affect both the position and shape of the breast resulting in a change in breast volume in the lower portion of the breast that is offset with greater volume in the upper breast region.
Will a breast lift remove stretch marks?
A breast lift will raise the breasts back to normal position, tighten the skin and get rid of those not-so-awesome stretch marks
Will breast lift affect breastfeeding?
Most breast lift surgery patients are able to breastfeed without any issues. ... This is because breast lift surgery does not usually affect milk supply or the breastfeeding function of the breasts.