What Can I Expect From the Breast Lift with Implants Procedure?
Once you and Dr. Contogiannis have determined the optimal type, size, and placement location of your implants, a custom treatment plan can be created. One of the major benefits of undergoing a breast lift with implants is that you essentially obtain the benefits of both a mastopexy and a breast augmentation with only one surgery.
Surgery typically begins with the excision of excess tissue and the repositioning of the breasts. Depending on the degree of breast sagging being addressed, different incision patterns may be employed. For minor lifting, a small incision circling the areola can often be used. For a more moderate lift, the incision will go around the areola and then extend down vertically towards the breast crease. This type of incision is sometimes called a “lollipop” pattern. In cases where a significant amount of skin and tissue removal is needed to achieve the desired outcome, an additional incision may be made along the inframammary fold, creating an anchor-like shape.
Dr. Contogiannis uses these incisions to remove excess skin, tighten the remaining tissues, reposition the breasts higher on the chest wall, and improve shaping and symmetry. Once this is done, she will create pockets for the implants. The implants are then placed and the incisions closed. If necessary, the nipple-areolar complex can also be resized or repositioned.
What is Recovery After a Breast Lift with Implants Like?
One of the major keys to achieving optimal results is carefully following all of Dr. Contogiannis’s aftercare instructions. Patients should get plenty of rest, wear their surgical bra until told otherwise, and take their postoperative medication as directed. Any strenuous aerobic activities should be avoided for at least a month after surgery. Patients should also try to sleep on their back as much as possible, especially during the first week of recovery. This helps limit movement of and around the implants.
Bruising, swelling, tingling, numbness, and stiffness are all common after surgery, but they should fade as healing progresses. Many patients are excited to be able to see their new shape emerging as the swelling subsides, and they can look forward to enjoying their fuller, perkier, more youthful breasts for years to come.