breast lift
Breasts are unique to femininity and their good shape is a hallmark of beauty, attractiveness and vitality.
As we mentioned in our blog post about neckline design, the breasts are defined by the chest. They stand proudly against the chest, clearly defined by their surroundings. It's important to remember that breasts are more like siblings than twins; there are always slight differences between them, and in 81% of women, these differences are noticeable.
When any of these characteristics are not met, it is then that one can consider performing a breast lift or mastopexy (technical name).
We all know that breasts develop and change over the years, increasing in size and reaching their final shape during adolescence. If their shape is not aesthetically desired (called tuberous breasts), a cleavage design is performed.
When, however, there is a significant difference in size between one breast and the other, a lift is performed on the larger breast to make it as similar as possible to the smaller one. Once greater symmetry has been achieved, a cleavage design with implants can be performed, if desired, to enhance the beauty of both breasts.
On the other hand, we also know that during pregnancy, the breasts adapt to produce the breast milk necessary for the newborn's growth. Sometimes, after pregnancy, we may notice that the breasts remain larger than before and are no longer as clearly defined from the chest. This clear boundary between the abdomen and the breast disappears, and we observe that the breast sags onto the abdomen. If we can place a pencil under the breast, it's a clear sign that it's no longer in its most aesthetically pleasing position, and we lose the beauty, vitality, and attractiveness characteristic of breasts.
It can also happen that after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or with age, the breasts lose some volume, appearing smaller. This causes them to lose their upright and proud position on the chest, giving them a rather deflated and shy appearance. In these cases, a breast lift is performed to restore their upright and proud position on the chest.
An important point about breast lifts is that we can maintain the current breast volume or reduce it. However, we cannot increase breast size. A breast lift involves reshaping or repositioning the breasts. If we also want to increase breast size, implants will be necessary. Therefore, a breast lift can be performed with or without implants.
In cases where a breast lift is performed, the tissue realignment can result in the loss of breastfeeding function. A mother who breastfed during her previous pregnancy may decide to undergo a breast lift and find herself pregnant again and lose the ability to breastfeed. In someone who has never been pregnant, for example, a young woman who has lost significant weight or a young woman with noticeable asymmetry, the situation is unique because we don't know if she will actually be able to breastfeed regardless of surgery, since up to 25% of women will not be able to breastfeed if they become pregnant.
The procedure is performed under deep sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. Return to daily activities is typically two to three weeks. Risks are uncommon and vary depending on whether the breast lift is performed with or without implants. Risks of a breast lift include irregularities in breast contour, visible scarring, seromas (a pocket of inflammatory fluid trapped within the body that must be drained to prevent contour irregularities), altered sensation, and loss of breastfeeding ability. The most feared, but rare, risk is partial or total loss of the areola and nipple. In a breast lift with implants, the risks are the same as those mentioned above, plus those related to the implant itself. As we have mentioned, these can be capsular contracture, which corresponds to an excessive internal scar towards the implant, which squeezes and deforms it and can also cause pain, rupture of the implant or a risk of cancer associated with the implant (less than 1 in 80,000 people, a risk that is much lower than the general risk that a woman without implants has of having breast cancer).
The procedure is outpatient, meaning you go home the same day as the surgery. Pain is moderate and usually resolves during the first week after surgery. Physical activity can be resumed after the first month, with certain restrictions that are lifted a month and a half after surgery.
The price range starts at $4750 USD (this includes pre- and post-procedure consultations, operating room use and consumables during the procedure, surgical and anesthetic team fees, and medications during recovery) and will be determined by the treatment plan suggested by your plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon. As we know, not all dresses fit all bodies. At Kintsugi, we don't aim for generic results: we think like artists, plan like architects, and execute like engineers. Just like with a dress, the result of your treatment is what people will see when they meet you. It's an investment in yourself.
At Kintsugi, we will take care of you and accompany you throughout your aesthetic experience.