Breast Augmentation and Lift Overview
Facts About Breast Augmentation with Lift
Typical Timing/Age
35-65
Problem
Deflated & droopy breasts
Cost
$8,600 to $9,150 *This is an estimation & prices may vary.
Goal
To improve breast size and shape.
Facility
Surgery Center or Hospital
Preparation
Patients should be at a stable weight and cannot be using any nicotine-containing substances. Patients should not be pregnant, breastfeeding or recently postpartum.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Recovery
This is an outpatient surgery and most patients go home after surgery.
Assistance
You will be able to walk around, feed and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to care for others or drive a car.
Walking
You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Showering
After 48 hours you should remove your dressings and take a shower.
Exercise
You should do mild/gentle stretching exercises immediately after surgery to prevent your arm and chest muscles from getting tight. Light exercise is ok one week after surgery with your new breasts well supported. No arm exercises (other than stretching) for three weeks.
Inherent Risks & Complications
Hematoma, Infection, Implant malposition, Asymmetry, Numbness, Capsular contracture, Implant rupture, Poor scarring, Tissue necrosis, Need for revision, Complications related to anesthesia.
Procedure
Multiple different incision patterns and subsequent scar patterns are used depending on the existing breast shape and degree of droopiness or ptosis.
Small changes can be achieved leaving a scar only around the areola (circumareolar, peri-areolar or donut). Most patients require at least a circumvertical (lollipop-shaped) scar in order to achieve the desired amount of lift and reshaping. Many patients require the addition of a horizontal scar at the bottom of the breast creating an “anchor-shaped” or “inverted T” scar to achieve the desired amount of lift and reshaping.
The most critical portions of an augmentation-mastopexy are implant selection and pre-operative markings. The markings are made before surgery in the pre-operative holding area. In the operating room, augmentation is usually performed first. The breast implant pocket is usually created and accessed through an incision within the planned mastopexy markings so there are no additional incisions. The implant pocket dissection is done with electrocautery to create a bloodless field that is thought to reduce the risk of infection and capsular contracture. After the pockets are created, temporary intraoperative “sizers” may be used to confirm or assist with final implant selection. The skin is then temporarily tailored using the preoperative mastopexy markings as a guide. The implant size and skin markings are then adjusted as needed to achieve the desired breast shape. Once the final implant choices are made and skin markings confirmed, the pockets are irrigated with an antibiotic solution. The implants are then opened and placed directly from the manufacturer’s packaging into the pocket – being touched and manipulated as little as possible with a fresh pair of surgical gloves. The implant pocket is then closed in multiple layers. Lastly, the mastopexy portion of the operation is performed using the recently confirmed or altered skin markings.
Sex
Wait one week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period. After one week, sex is ok ONLY if your partner is able to resist touching your new breasts. You are the only person allowed to touch your breasts for the 6 weeks following surgery.
Work
Depending on your type of work you can resume light office work as soon as you feel you are able to do so. Most people take about 1 week off of work following an augmentation-mastopexy.
Swelling
Usually, it peaks around three days and gradually goes away.
Bruising
If present should subside within 1-2 weeks.
Related Procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction
Breast Implant Removal
Before & After Gallery
Procedures are performed by board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, and Dr. Patterson in Pensacola, FL.
Meet Our Team
At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we understand that the selection of a plastic surgeon is an extremely important decision for any prospective patient. We believe communication, education and individualized patient care are the foundation for creating a strong and trusting patient-physician relationship. Our entire staff is absolutely committed to providing compassionate, personalized, individual attention before, during, and after surgery. We work together to deliver the best possible aesthetic outcomes in a setting that embodies the standards and lifestyle you seek.
We Accept Financing
Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery offers a variety of payment options so that your cosmetic surgery will suit your budget. All major credit cards are accepted, and financing plans are available.