1. In general, you should be in good physical health. This means no active infections, untreated cancer or serious illnesses.
2. If your breasts are sagging, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical or lacking adequate cleavage or volume, there is a good chance that you’re an excellent candidate for this surgery.
3. Most surgeons prefer that you do not smoke or consume significant amounts of alcohol.
4. Because this surgery can permanently alter your appearance, it’s important for you to be in a healthy frame of mind when you decide on this surgery.
5. While this is a surgery that will change how you look, it’s important to remember that it cannot fix body image issues or give you a wildly different appearance. You should maintain realistic expectations and listen to your surgeon’s honest assessment of your goals.
6. The best candidate for breast lift surgery understands the risks as well as the rewards. The surgery is generally considered safe, and implants are FDA-approved, but with any surgery, there are some risks.
7. You understand that breast enhancement should be done strictly for yourself and because you believe it will increase your own happiness or confidence. You should never get cosmetic work done because someone else wants you to.
8. You should have the ability to properly rest and recover post-surgery. You will not be able to perform certain tasks or do any heavy lifting, so it’s important for you to have help in place.
9. For saline implants, the FDA requires you to be at least 18 years old. If you want silicone implants, the minimum age is 22.

Who is not a candidate for breast lift surgery?

Generally speaking, anyone who is in reasonably good mental and physical health can be candidates for breast lift surgery.

However, you are likely not a good candidate for this surgery if:

• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram.
• You’re ill or battling an infection.
• You have unrealistic expectations for post-surgery results.

• Why you want breast lift surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Your cosmetic surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of breast lift surgery and any risks or potential complication

1. Bleeding and hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to complications. Hematoma, a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, can occur and may require additional treatment or surgical intervention.
2. Infection: Although rare, infections can occur after breast lift surgery. Patients are typically prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection, and proper wound care is essential to minimize this risk.
3. Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation, including numbness or increased sensitivity. These changes usually improve over time but can be permanent in some cases.
4. Scarring: Breast lift surgery involves incisions, which will result in scars. The extent and visibility of scarring can vary depending on factors such as incision technique, skin quality, and individual healing abilities. A skilled surgeon will strive to minimize scarring and may recommend scar management techniques.
5. Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry in breast shape and size is challenging, and some degree of asymmetry may persist after surgery. However, a skilled surgeon will work to achieve the most balanced and symmetrical results possible.
6. Changes in breast shape and size over time: While breast lift surgery can provide long-lasting results, factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect breast shape and firmness over time.

It’s crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast lift surgery to minimize these risks and ensure the safest possible outcome. Additionally, following your surgeon’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions diligently can help reduce the likelihood of complications and promote optimal healing.

• Get a blood test
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
• Stop taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine

Breast lift surgery should be performed in an accredited outpatient or ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. This is for your safety. If your surgeon has a may informal setting, he or she may not be a board-certified plastic surgeon. If your breast lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

1. Consultation: Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. Your surgeon will evaluate your breast size, shape, skin elasticity, and nipple position to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for you.
2. Anesthesia: Breast lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may be an option in some cases. Your anesthesia provider will discuss the best option for you based on your medical history and the extent of the procedure.
3. Incision: The surgeon will make incisions based on the predetermined surgical plan. The type and pattern of incisions will depend on factors such as the degree of breast sagging, nipple position, and desired outcome. Common incision patterns include:
   • Around the areola (periareolar incision)
   • Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease (lollipop or vertical incision)
   • Around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease (anchor or inverted-T incision)
4. Reshaping and lifting: After making the incisions, the surgeon will reshape the breast tissue and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. Excess skin may be removed to achieve a firmer and more lifted appearance.
5. Closing the incisions: Once the desired breast shape and contour have been achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. In some cases, dissolvable sutures are used, while in others, sutures may need to be removed during a follow-up appointment.
6. Dressing and recovery: After the surgery, your breasts may be wrapped in a surgical dressing or compression garment to provide support and minimize swelling. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for your incisions and manage discomfort during the initial recovery period.

It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and achieve the best possible results. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days to a week after surgery, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Full recovery and final results may take several months as swelling resolves and the breasts settle into their new position.

1. Immediately After Surgery: You’ll likely spend some time in the recovery room under observation until the effects of anesthesia wear off. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which are normal after surgery. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
2. First Few Days: You’ll need someone to drive you home and assist you during the first day or two after surgery. It’s essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities during this time. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a surgical bra or compression garment to provide support and minimize swelling.
3. First Week: You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon within the first week after surgery to monitor your healing progress and remove any drains or stitches if necessary. You may still experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, but these symptoms should gradually improve.
4. First Month: Most patients can resume light activities and return to work within a week or two, depending on the nature of their job. However, it’s essential to avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks to allow your body to heal properly.
5. First Few Months: Swelling and bruising will continue to diminish over the first few months, and your breasts will gradually settle into their new position. You may notice some changes in sensation, including temporary numbness or heightened sensitivity around the nipples, which should improve over time.
6. Long-Term Recovery: While you’ll notice immediate improvements in breast shape and contour after surgery, final results may take several months to fully manifest as swelling subsides and tissues settle. It’s crucial to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon and adhere to their post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcome.

Throughout the recovery process, it’s essential to communicate openly with your surgeon about any concerns or questions you may have. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the recovery period and achieve the best possible results from your breast lift surgery.