Arlington Plastic Surgery, Anthony Tran, Arlington, Texas

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery,
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

3300 Matlock Rd.

Arlington, TX 76015

(817) 467-5081

(682) 217-1080

Spanish & Vietnamese speakers are available

Fax - (817) 557-4646

Breast Lift

Breast LiftLENGTH: 2-3 hours

ANESTHESIA: Sedation or General

IN/OUTPATIENT: Usually outpatient

SIDE EFFECTS: Bruising, swelling, and some pain

RISKS: Bleeding, infection, loss of nipple sensation, pain, persistent symptoms

RECOVERY: Return to work: ?2 weeks Light exercise: 4 weeks Swelling completely resolves: 4-8 weeks

For breasts that appear sagging or deflated, a breast lift is a procedure that will raise and reposition them on the chest. The areolas are made smaller and the breasts are reshaped. Breast implants are frequently inserted during the same surgery with the breast lift to increase the breasts’ size and firmness.

Women with small, sagging breasts are ideal candidates for the surgery and will usually get the best results. Although breasts of any size can be lifted, the results may not last as long in bigger, heavier breasts. In such cases, a breast reduction that removes fat and breast tissue may often yield better, longer lasting results.

Before you decide to have a breast lift, think carefully about your expectations and make sure you discuss them with Dr. Tran. Contact his practice today at 682-217-1080 to learn more.

 

Your Breast Lift Consultation

Your visit with Dr.Tran will determine if you are a good candidate for a breast lift. If you are in good physical health, have no breast disease and have reasonable expectations then this may be a good choice for you. If you are planning to have children it is best to postpone your breast lift. Pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts and offset the results of your surgery.

During your first visit, Dr. Tran will ask you about your desired breast size and appearance. This will help him understand your expectations and lifestyle and let you know if they can be realistically accomplished. He will examine and measure your breasts considering factors such as the size and shape, the quality of skin and the location of your nipples.

Be prepared to discuss any medical conditions you may have, allergies, prior surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications, vitamins or other supplements that you currently take. You will be asked whether anyone in your family has had breast cancer and about the results of any mammograms. It is important for you to provide complete information. If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least 3 weeks before your surgery. Dr. Tran is concerned about your health and safety and depending on your medical status may ask for additional evaluations before proceeding with surgery.

You will learn about the procedure, its limitations and risks, and Dr. Tran will discuss your needs and concerns. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you based on your physical exam and factors such as the condition of your breasts, quality of skin tone, and whether an implant is recommended. After your consultation, photographs will be taken for your medical record. Dr. Tran may recommend a mammogram before surgery and another baseline mammogram several months afterword to help detect any future changes in your breasts.

 

Breast Lift Techniques

There are several different techniques that can be used to lift your breasts. The most common requires a “lollipop” incision around the nipple and areola down to the crease below the breast. Depending on the extent of sagging and size of breasts more or less extensive incisions may be used such as “anchor” shaped incision or an incision around the nipple only. If an implant is necessary, this is usually placed in a pocket behind the breast or behind the chest muscle depending on the amount of breast tissue you have.

The Day of Your Surgery

Before surgery, you will be given medicine to lessen the anxiety and pain. General anesthesia is typically used, so you will be completely asleep for your breast lift. You will meet your anesthetist before your procedure and he or she will answer any questions you may have about your anesthesia. The surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours. After the procedure, you will wake up in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored.

Surgery usually is performed as an outpatient procedure at our certified ambulatory surgery center or at one of several hospitals in the area. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you the first few days while at home.

 

Your Recovery

Some pain is normal following surgery but shouldn’t be severe. You will feel tired and sore and depending on the extent of your surgery, your breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for several days. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication.

A surgical bra will serve as the dressing with gauze on your incisions for the first few days. You may begin showering two days after your surgery. A sports bra should then be worn day and night for four weeks removing it only to shower.

Most women return to work within one or two weeks however, plan on having limited physical activity for at least four weeks. In rare cases, you may have drains that will require you to measure and record the fluid that your body expresses. These are usually removed after 1 or 2 days when you return to the office.

Your follow-up visits will usually start in one or two days after your surgery for a checkup and drain removal if necessary. During your postoperative visits, Dr. Tran will review activity limitations, incision care and concerns you may have. Following this visit you will return in approximately 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and one year.

If you have any concerns during your recovery, or have more questions at a later time, you can always contact Dr. Tran.

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