Breast Lift

Breast Lift Louisville

Some women would love to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts but are not interested in breast augmentation. These patients may benefit from a procedure known as breast lift. Louisville plastic surgeon John Derr believes the best candidates for breast lift are women whose breasts are sagging or drooping due to age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Breast lift is a procedure that involves the removal of excess skin to achieve a tighter, firmer breast. Repositioning of the nipple may be necessary in some cases. To maintain the proper appearance of the breast, breast augmentation with implants is often performed in conjunction with a breast lift. Smokers must stop 1 month before and I month after this surgery for better healing results.

The Breast Lift Procedure

During your personal consultation with Dr. Derr, he will discuss the breast lift procedure and answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. The two of you will discuss your desired aesthetic goal and tailor the proper course of treatment to meet this goal. On the day of your actual surgery, you’ll receive general anesthesia to ensure optimal comfort during the procedure. Depending on your case and the amount of reconstruction that is needed, Dr. Derr will use one of three incision techniques: around the areola, around the areola continuing vertically down the breast crease, or around the areola continuing vertically and horizontally along the breast crease.

No matter the incision, the remainder of the procedure is essentially the same. Once the incision has been made, excess skin and fat are removed, using liposuction if necessary. Once the excess skin and fat have been removed, Dr. Derr reshapes the breast and repositions it higher on the chest, adjusting the areola as needed. After the reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures. Closing of the incisions also helps to tighten and lift the breast. The entire procedure takes between two and four hours, depending on the case. Following breast lift surgery, our Louisville patients are allowed to return home, where they recover for about one to two weeks. Swelling and incision lines gradually fade, revealing beautifully lifted breasts.

Recovery from Breast Lift

Each patient is unique and thus, recovery varies from patient to patient. Patients are all able to shower the day following surgery and will follow up with Dr Derr in about 7-10 days. Patients may take prescribed pain medication but are advised to not lift over 10lbs for 2-3weeks. At that point, if healing is satisfactory, the patient may resume normal activities.