Breast Lift in Houston, TX

A breast lift is a cosmetic treatment that lifts and tightens the breasts by trimming away excess skin and surgically tightening the surrounding tissue to create a firmer, younger appearance. Dr. Pierre Chevray, our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Houston, TX, offers breast lifts for women with sagging, pendulous breasts. This breast surgery is offered for women at Chevray Plastic Surgery who have lost breast shape and volume due to breastfeeding, weight loss, aging, or gravity. By implementing the most advanced incision techniques for a breast lift, Dr. Chevray can elevate the breasts, reposition the nipple-areola complex, and improve the overall appearance of saggy breasts.

Breast lifts are different surgeries than breast augmentations. A breast lift will not have a significant impact on the size of the breasts, nor will it restore volume to the upper portion of the breasts. Women who want breasts that are both higher and fuller often choose to undergo both a breast lift and an augmentation at the same time for optimal results. On the other hand, a breast lift can also be combined with a breast reduction to lift the breasts and simultaneously make them smaller. Discover your options with a breast lift at Chevray Plastic Surgery.

You may visit Chevray Plastic Surgery hoping to qualify for breast augmentation; however, after a private assessment, Dr. Chevray may recommend a breast lift as a better option. Your breast volume may be there. A lift will bring your deflated breasts, nipples, and areolas in a tighter, uplifted, and natural position. Breast implants are not going to improve saggy breasts. Breasts and nipples that point down most often need a breast lift to reduce skin irregularities and elevate the breasts to a higher position. If you have nipples that droop downward and your breasts appear stretched, a breast lift can dramatically change their appearance. If you are contemplating a breast lift, you should be in good health, at a healthy weight, and a nonsmoker.

A breast lift takes approximately 2 – 4 hours and is performed while you are under general anesthesia. The duration of this treatment is dependent on the complexity of breast sag. There are several kinds of incision techniques for a breast lift available:

• Donut incision
  A donut breast lift involves two concentric circles around the areola and is best for removing a small to moderate amount of tissue.
• Lollipop incision
  A lollipop breast lift involves a circle around the areola and an incision down to the breast fold. These are best for removing a moderate amount of tissue.
• Anchor incision
  An anchor lift involves a circle around the areola, an incision down to the breast fold, and a curving horizontal incision across the breast fold. These are ideal for removing a large amount of tissue.

The incision is first completed, and any loose, unhealthy skin is removed along with breast tissue and fat that is not wanted. The remaining skin is then pulled tight, and the breasts are brought up and lifted so they look younger and healthy. In most situations, the size of the areola is decreased to be symmetric with the new breast. At this point, an implant can be placed within the breast if this was agreed upon with Dr. Chevray before surgery. If the lift is the only surgery being performed and if breast fullness and shape are a worry, breast implants can be done at a different date. You will be sent home in a fitted compression bra. A thin tube will also be placed in the surgical area to help with excess drainage that can sometimes occur after a surgical procedure.

The recovery for any type of breast lift is more extensive than surgery with implants only. Dr. Chevray may prescribe pain medication to help you deal with the pain in the first few days. You should be able to resume your daily activities in about two weeks. However, be careful to not indulge in any strenuous activities. You can expect minimal aching, swelling, and bruising; these will go away on their own. Dr. Chevray or a member of his team will provide specific, home treatment care instructions to help with your healing process. Aesthetic results after a breast lift treatment appear after swelling has reduced and as the breasts have settled into their new placement on your chest (in 2 – 12 months). Your breasts will look and feel natural.

Do I need a breast lift or breast implants?
Whether you should have a breast lift, an augmentation with implants, or both will depend on your body and aesthetic goals. Oftentimes, a breast lift will enhance the form and fullness of the breasts without implants. Dr. Chevray will evaluate your physical condition to make a decision whether you would benefit from implants, a lift, or a breast augmentation plus a lift.

Will my nipples be moved?
Typically, the nipple-areola complex will be moved up in the breast lift. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, Dr. Chevray can incorporate an areola reduction in your surgery. This can be discussed during your appointment so he can decide on the ideal incision pattern to use in your breast lift.

How long will my results last?
With good care after surgery, your results can last for many years. Your breasts will still age normally, which means you may start to see sagging and loose skin over time. Factors, like significant weight gain or loss, can change your results; therefore, it is best to maintain a steady weight after your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding following a breast lift may also affect your results, which is why Dr. Chevray suggests patients wait until they are done having children to get a breast lift.

Of course, your breast skin will continue to age as you get older. We can push pause on the aging process with a breast lift at Chevray Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX. If you have sagging breasts that get in the way of everyday activities or stop you from buying the clothing styles you desire, a breast lift at Chevray Plastic Surgery may be the right surgery for you. During your initial consultation, a thorough breast assessment will be given by Dr. Chevray and your desired outcome will be discussed. He will establish a treatment plan to transform your breasts. Contact Chevray Plastic Surgery and schedule your first visit.