Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good breast lift candidate?
You may qualify as a candidate if you are in good health and have sagging breasts that have lost their youthful shape. Dr. Sessa may recommend breast lift surgery if your nipples face downward, one of your breasts falls lower than the other, or if your nipples are out of proportion with your breasts.
You may not be a candidate if you are considering having more children because your breasts could become stretched and offset during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is usually possible after a breast lift, but some women have difficulty producing enough milk after breast enhancement procedures. Dr. Sessa will examine your breasts during your consultation and review your medical history to determine if breast lift surgery is right for you.
How do I prepare for surgery?
Your doctor may recommend a baseline mammogram before and after the surgery to observe the changes in breast tissue and to accurately interpret future mammograms. Stop smoking several weeks before the surgery, and avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements and inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding.
It is important to maintain a healthy weight and diet before the surgery. Request the help of a family member or close friend to drive you home after surgery and to help you with daily activities during your initial recovery.
Should I combine my breast lift surgery with another procedure?
If you want to change the size of your breasts, you will need to combine your breast lift with either a breast augmentation or breast reduction. Dr. Sessa can add breast implants during your breast lift to increase your cup size according to your goals. If your breasts are oversized or uncomfortable, Dr. Sessa can rejuvenate and lift your breasts while decreasing their overall size.
The mommy makeover is a procedure that you may be interested in after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The mommy makeover typically combines a breast lift with breast reduction or augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction for a total body makeover.
Will my friends know that I had a breast lift?
Your breast lift cosmetic surgery can be kept private. The results will boost your confidence and provide you with noticeably younger, lifted contours, but you can cover evidence of the operation, such as scars, with a bra, swimsuit or clothing.
When will I see breast lift results and how long will they last?
You will recognize the results almost immediately, but the shape of your breasts will continue to change somewhat over the first few months. The results are long-lasting, but may not be permanent because age or fluctuations in weight and gravity can cause subtle changes. Maintaining a stable and healthy weight will help you to retain optimum results.
Should I wait until after pregnancy for a breast lift?
Pregnancy affects everyone differently, but experiencing pregnancy after an augmentation or breast lift could reverse your breast enhancement results. For example, pregnancy can cause excess skin, stretch marks, sagging breasts and changes in the appearance of your nipples. We recommend that you wait until after your last pregnancy and after breastfeeding to have a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction.
When can I return to work?
Although you may feel well enough to return to work within a week, your body needs time to recover. You should wait until you are medically released before returning to full daily activities. Dr. Sessa will remove the tubes, bandages, and stitches within one to two weeks and will advise you on when you may return to work. Most patients can resume daily activities within two weeks but must refrain from vigorous exercise, including tennis or activities that could impact the chest, for several more weeks.
What are the possible risks?
Breast lift risks are similar to those presented by any surgery and can include bleeding, infection or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Risks may also include scarring, changes in breast or nipple sensation, irregularities in the shape or size of the breast, loss of the nipple, and difficulty breastfeeding. The risks are reduced significantly when a reputable board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Sessa performs the procedure.